Arslan Ash, a five-time EVO champion and a true icon in Tekken esports history, has unfortunately announced his withdrawal from both Evo Japan and Riyadh Clash 2025 due to persistent visa problems.
The Pakistani hero, who has been instrumental in putting Pakistan on the global esports map, shared this disappointing news on X (formerly Twitter).
“I will not be able to attend Riyadh Clash and Evo JP this year. I made every effort to go, but unfortunately, I encountered visa problems again,” Ash wrote.
He added with a touch of resignation, “It’s fine, I’ve learned to live with passport limitations; maybe one day, things will change.”
His absence will undoubtedly be felt at both Evo Japan and the Riyadh Gamers8 events, both of which are significant stops on the Tekken World Tour 2025 calendar.
With Arslan out of the picture, it does create an opportunity for emerging talents to step up and make their mark on the global stage. Despite this setback, his dedication to improving his game remains strong.
Ash has confirmed that he will be attending the upcoming LevelUp Expo and hinted at exploring more local tournament opportunities this season, while also keeping an eye on other international events.
In a recent Tekken competition where Pakistani players outperformed top Japanese competitors, Arslan highlighted the ongoing visa challenges faced by Pakistani players, despite their consistent delivery of world-class results.
“While cricket remains a cherished national passion, I dream of a future where other sports and industries – especially esports – receive the same recognition and support,” he expressed.
On a brighter note, excitement is building for the Esports World Cup 2025, which is set to take place in Saudi Arabia from July 7th to August 4th.
This massive event will feature a staggering 25 different games, with over 2,000 players and more than 200 teams competing for a record-breaking total prize pool of $70 million (approximately £54.3 million).
