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At Capcom Cup 11, the spotlight shone brightly on a remarkable competitor: 15-year-old Blaz. Despite being significantly younger than many of his opponents, including seasoned players close to triple his age, Blaz showcased exceptional skill and determination, defeating some of the top Street Fighter 6 (SF6) players in the world.
For newcomers entering the competitive scene, particularly in a venerable franchise like Street Fighter—where many of the best players remain active well into their 30s and even 40s—gaining recognition and respect can be daunting. Blaz’s journey exemplifies both the talent and resolve needed to succeed in such an environment.
Demonstrating his prowess, Blaz achieved a stunning 3-0 victory over AngryBird, a former EVO champion, in the Losers Semifinal. He repeated this impressive feat against another Street Fighter veteran, Leshar, in the Losers Final, proving his capability on a grand stage.
Though Blaz finished as the runner-up against Kakeru in the Grand Finals, he has undeniably established himself as a leading figure in the next generation of Street Fighter professionals.
Blaz takes home $100k after tense Grand Final
The Capcom Cup features the largest prize pool in competitive fighting games, with a staggering $1 million at stake. The second-place prize of $100,000 underlines the significance of the Grand Finals, where mere minutes of gameplay ultimately decided who left with a life-changing amount of money. This match weighed heavily, as a major financial gain hinged on the outcome.
While the tournament’s prize distribution has sparked debate among players and the community, it undeniably heightens the stakes for the Grand Finals, creating an electric atmosphere.
Blaz’s performance against Kakeru was striking, and had he successfully countered a critical moment in the match, it could have extended to a fifth round, reflecting how closely matched the two players were in skill.
Kakeru, often dubbed the ‘Perfect Parry Prince,’ is renowned for his aggressive approach and strong defensive tactics, making it a challenging task for any opponent to break through his gameplay. This match proved to be a test of endurance, as players sought the precise moment to capitalize on openings in Kakeru’s strategy.
Despite not securing the win, Blaz’s journey to the finals serves as a testament to his remarkable skills and fortitude as one of the newest stars in the esports arena, especially given the legendary competition he faced.
His success can also be attributed to the strong support system surrounding him, particularly the involvement of his father, who plays a crucial role in his training and development as a player. With a $100,000 reward to take home, it is clear that their hard work together has paid off significantly.
Kakeru’s victory adds to his accomplishments, positioning him as the top earner in the fighting game community, with lifetime earnings nearing $1.5 million.
Source
www.dexerto.com