SF6 champion 'Xiao Hai' to CGTN Sports Scene: Road to victory at EWC

Zeng Zhuojun (popularly known as "Xiao Hai") of China's KuaiShow Gaming defeated Masaki Kawano of Japan's Good 8 Squad 5-2 in the Street Fighter 6 final at the first Esports World Cup (EWC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Monday.

In an interview with CGTN Sports Scene's Zhu Mandan, Zeng talked about his experience in beating a series of tough opponents at the tournament to win the title.

"The entire competition was touch and go, and besides the final, each of the last-eight and last-four match-ups were really tough for me," Zeng said. "In the last eight, I fell behind 4-2, but I knew I could not give up, even in the closing minutes, as this competition is too important to me. In the final, when I fell behind again, and there was little chance to win, I was still hanging on for a last opportunity and finally found my way to victory."

Compared to his longtime dominance in King of Fighters, Zeng only switched to Street Fighter as a main focus less than a year ago, so he feels lifting the trophy at the EWC means the world to him.

"I wanted this victory for a long time, and when I was young, I thought winning was quite easy," Zeng said. "I could always get a few titles on the international stage every year in Street Fighter or King of Fighters. But now, more and more players are getting really good, and everybody thought I was old. I should not stand a chance against the newcomers, but I wanted to prove to everybody that I am not that old, and I can still compete. I'm not that different from those guys, and I can still win, so this title means a lot to me. It really means a lot."

Saudi Arabia will host the inaugural Olympic Esports Games in 2025, with the new event serving as a milestone in the development of esports. Zeng wants to participate in the competition for China if given the opportunity.

"I'm really happy that esports can have its own Olympics, and Street Fighter can be listed as one of the events. This is a good time for e-sports, so I hope I can seize the chance, while I still have the ability to do it," Zeng added. "I really want to participate in the first esports Olympics. I have been playing this game since I was a little kid, so I think it would be the biggest success in my life if I can take part in the E-sports Olympics and I will give my all to prove that I can do it."