Tekken's intense rivalry during the Esports World Cup unfolds, decorated by an unusual poster bearing a tacky texture.
The Tekken 8 tournament at the Esports World Cup (EWC) 25 is not just another competition; it's a battleground for one of the fiercest feuds in recent Tekken esports history. The rivalry between Korean player Knee and Pakistani prodigy Arslan Ash has captivated the Fighting Game Community (FGC) and beyond, with their heated dispute over the character Bryan Fury's balance and tier status in Tekken 8 at the heart of the rivalry.
Knee, a long-time Tekken veteran, has defended Bryan, a character he has used to win EVO Japan 2025. Arslan Ash, on the other hand, publicly claimed that Bryan was overpowered and ranked among Tekken 8's top three characters, sparking controversy in the competitive scene. This led to Knee challenging Ash to a high-stakes first-to-ten match to settle the debate.
The challenge escalated when Ash proposed delaying the match to 2026, which Knee saw as evasion. Ash further intensified the situation by demanding a $20,000 prize for the match, causing a financial standoff before EVO 2025. Personal tensions also rose when Knee retweeted negative news about Ash's past, such as his two-year ban from International Esports Foundation events for failing a drug test.
The promotional image for the Tekken 8 tournament at EWC 25 features Knee and Arslan Ash, with large shadowy faces on either side. The image depicts the two players walking away from each other while being held together by an unknown substance, causing controversy among viewers.
Mollie Taylor, a news writer for PC Gamer, appreciates leaning into player rivalries in tournament promotions. Taylor, who has been with PC Gamer since 2020 and is known for her involvement in games like Killer Instinct, Toontown, and Audition Online, enjoys spending her time at her local arcade.
The Esports World Cup (EWC) has been criticised for its stance on women and LGBTQ+ rights, but today, 32 legends are competing in Tekken 8 at EWC 25. As the competition unfolds, the rivalry between Knee and Arslan Ash continues to be a major talking point, with their intense and personal feud marking a significant moment in Tekken esports history.
[1] ESPORTS.GG - Knee vs Arslan Ash [2] PC Gamer - Knee and Arslan Ash's intense rivalry [3] Gamespot - Knee and Arslan Ash's rivalry [4] IGN - Knee and Arslan Ash's rivalry [5] Polygon - Knee and Arslan Ash's rivalry
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