[Oct 2024] Top 10 Fighting Game Players

Oct 14

Written By Ali Hyman

Game(s): Street Fighter series
Why He’s Legendary: If there’s one name synonymous with fighting games, it’s Daigo “The Beast” Umehara. A six-time EVO champion and one of the best Street Fighter players of all time, Daigo’s career-defining moment came in Street Fighter III: Third Strike during EVO 2004 with the famous “Daigo Parry.” He parried 15 hits of Chun-Li's super and turned the tide of the match to win in spectacular fashion. This is a clip that's watched and admired by fighting game fans everywhere!

Game(s): Mortal Kombat, Injustice, Dragon Ball FighterZ
Why They’re Legendary: Dominique “SonicFox” McLean is arguably one of the most versatile fighting game players in the world, having dominated multiple games. Whether it’s Mortal Kombat, Injustice 2, or Dragon Ball FighterZ, SonicFox is always a threat in tournaments. They have been crowned EVO champion multiple times and were even crowned Esports Player of the Year at The Game Awards in 2018.

Game(s): Street Fighter series
Why He’s Legendary: Hajime "Tokido" Taniguchi has had one of the longest and most successful careers in fighting games. Known for his adaptability and precision, Tokido is a master of the Street Fighter series and has won numerous championships, including an EVO title in 2017. He’s known for his "Murderface" expression during high-pressure matches, making him both an iconic and intimidating player.

Game(s): Tekken series
Why He’s Legendary: A relatively new star compared to others on this list, Arslan Ash from Pakistan took the Tekken world by storm. In 2019, he won both EVO Japan and EVO US, making history as one of the first players to win both in the same year. His calm demeanor and mastery of characters like Kazumi have made him a fan favorite and a symbol of Pakistan’s rising fighting game scene.

Game(s): Marvel vs. Capcom, Street Fighter series
Why He’s Legendary: Justin Wong is a living legend in the fighting game community. He’s most known for his dominance in Marvel vs. Capcom 2, where he’s considered one of the best players in history. His rivalry with Daigo in Street Fighter is legendary, and he has countless championships under his belt across multiple titles. Wong’s ability to stay relevant and competitive for over a decade is a testament to his skills.

Game(s): Tekken series
Why He’s Legendary: Bae “Knee” Jae-min is a veteran in the Tekken community and is widely regarded as one of the best Tekken players of all time. His mastery of multiple characters and his ability to adapt to different playstyles have made him a dominant force in tournaments worldwide. Knee is a three-time EVO champion and continues to be a serious contender in every major Tekken tournament.

Game(s): Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
Why He’s Legendary: Leonardo “MkLeo” Lopez Perez is the undisputed king of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. He’s won multiple major tournaments, including EVO, and is known for his ability to make incredible comebacks. MkLeo’s skill with characters like Joker and Byleth makes him one of the most feared players in the Smash scene, and his consistency has earned him the title of the best Smash Ultimate player in the world.

Game(s): Street Fighter V
Why He’s Legendary: Victor “Punk” Woodley is considered one of the best Street Fighter V players of all time. His dominant performance in the 2017 Capcom Pro Tour made him a household name, and he continues to be a top contender in the game. Punk’s precise execution and aggressive playstyle make him a dangerous opponent in any tournament.

Game(s): Dragon Ball FighterZ, Street Fighter V
Why He’s Legendary: Kazunoko “GO1” is one of the most accomplished Dragon Ball FighterZ players in the world. His rivalry with SonicFox in the game has produced some of the most thrilling matches in fighting game history. GO1 is also a top-level Street Fighter V player, proving his versatility across multiple games.

Game(s): Street Fighter V
Why He’s Legendary: Du “NuckleDu” Dang made history by becoming the first American to win the Capcom Cup in 2016. Known for his stellar Guile and R. Mika play, NuckleDu has cemented his legacy as one of the top players in the Street Fighter community. His unpredictable playstyle and exceptional

Ali Hyman

[Jan 2025] Top 10 Fighting Game Players