Arslan Ash – The Tekken GOAT

When it comes to Tekken, one name stands above the rest—Arslan "Ash" Siddique, the undisputed GOAT (Greatest of All Time) of the fighting game community (FGC). Hailing from Pakistan, Arslan Ash has revolutionized competitive Tekken with his unmatched skills, humble personality, and relentless work ethic. His journey from local arcades to global dominance is nothing short of inspirational.
Recently, Arslan Ash gave an eye-opening interview where he discussed his career, mindset, and even a hilarious shirtless match challenge that went viral. Let’s dive into what makes him the best Tekken player in the world and what he revealed in his latest talks.
The Rise of a Legend: How Arslan Ash Became the Tekken GOAT
Arslan Ash first shocked the world in 2019 when he won EVO Japan as a relatively unknown player from Pakistan. Since then, he has dominated the Tekken World Tour, winning multiple majors and proving that his success wasn’t a fluke. His defensive playstyle, lightning-fast reactions, and mastery of characters like Kazuya, Zafina, and Kunimitsu make him nearly unbeatable.
In his latest interview, Ash opened up about his training routine, revealing that he practices 8–10 hours daily, analyzing opponents’ habits and refining his execution. Unlike many pros who rely on flashy combos, Ash focuses on fundamentals—punishing mistakes, spacing, and mind games.
"Tekken is like chess," he said. "You don’t just attack; you predict, adapt, and control the match."
The Viral Shirtless Match Challenge
.jpg)
One of the most entertaining moments in recent FGC history was when Arslan Ash jokingly proposed a shirtless match against a rival player. The idea started as a fun bet but quickly became a meme in the community. Fans loved seeing the usually composed Ash show his playful side.
"Sometimes, you have to keep things fun. Tekken is serious, but we’re all gamers at heart. If a shirtless match makes people laugh and enjoy the game more, why not?"
The challenge never actually happened (yet), but it showcased Ash’s charisma and how much he enjoys engaging with fans.
When Arslan Ash First Defeated Knee

When Arslan Ash first defeated Knee, the legendary South Korean Tekken pro, it sent shockwaves through the FGC. The historic moment came at EVO Japan 2019, where Ash, then an underdog from Pakistan, dismantled Knee’s Bryan Fury with flawless defense and precision. Using Kazuya, Ash showcased his elite punishment and movement, countering Knee’s aggressive playstyle. This victory wasn’t just a fluke—it marked Ash’s arrival as a world-class player. Fans were stunned as he went on to win the entire tournament, proving that his win over Knee was the start of his reign as Tekken’s new king.
Arslan Ash’s Thoughts on the Future of Tekken
With Tekken 8 on the horizon, Ash shared his excitement and concerns:
- New Mechanics: He believes the Heat System will change the meta, rewarding aggressive play but still favoring smart players.
- Global Competition: Ash acknowledges that players like Knee, JDCR, and Ulsan are still major threats, but he’s ready for the challenge.
As Tekken continues to evolve, one thing remains clear: Arslan Ash is ready to adapt, compete, and dominate.
Last updated: May 27, 2025