Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Mahmood Rafique, Editor: After three days of non-stop action and excitement, Esports World Cup audiences witnessed another thrilling climax to another fabulous tournament as South Korea’s ‘Ulsan’ stormed to the TEKKEN 8 title in scintillating fashion.
In the main event of Friday evening, a capacity crowd watched in awe as Ulsan produced a career-best performance in the highly anticipated Grand Final – defeating ‘Atif’ of Team Falcons 5-0. In doing so, he claimed the $300,000 first prize for his beloved club KWANGDONG FREECS while realizing his dream of becoming a world champion.
Reflecting on the enormity of his achievement, Ulsan, real name Lim Soo-hoon, said: “I’ve imagined this moment many times but now that it’s a reality and I’m an Esports World Cup champion, it’s an amazing feeling – it’s unreal, exactly like my whole experience here in Saudi Arabia. The venue, the atmosphere, the hospitality, the way we’ve been made to feel so welcome – all of this has made the Esports World Cup so special and winning the final adds the finishing touches to a most incredible experience. I can’t wait for the next Esports World Cup.”
The $1 million TEKKEN 8 tournament welcomed 32 of the world’s best players with a series of epic encounters throughout its three-day duration. After topping Groups C and B in the first and second phases on Wednesday and Thursday respectively, Ulsan’s rich vein of form continued Grand Final Friday.
Unbeaten heading into the latter stages, he proved unstoppable once again on esports’ grandest stage – overcoming Team Falcons’ ‘Farzeen’ 5-3 in the quarter-final before a commanding 5-1 semi-final win against ‘Yagami’ of Al Qadsiah.
“I’ve played in other countries many times but the support I received out there tonight in the SEF Arena with so many people cheering for me and calling my name was unbelievable. It inspired me to keep my focus and get over the line. The fans were terrific,” Ulsan said while commending the Saudi Arabian esports fans for playing a part in his prolific form, elsewhere on the final Friday of the inaugural Esports World Cup, high-stakes drama set the scene for another epic Saturday in Riyadh.
“With the PUBG: Battlegrounds, Rocket League, and ESL R1 Grand Finals locked in for ‘Super Sunday’, either progression or elimination awaits the remaining teams left standing in these competitions.”
The Esports World Cup has a $60 million prize pool, the largest ever in industry history.
With Team Falcons champions but other final positions up for grabs, that means everything is to play for as teams chase coveted spots in the Esports World Cup Club Championship standings.
The Closing Ceremony of the Esports World Cup takes place on Sunday August 25, with international artists Steve Aoki, Kid Cudi, and Sevdaliza sounding out the perfect ending to a fantastic two months in Riyadh.
