The grand stage of the Esports World Cup 2025 in Riyadh delivered yet another unforgettable showdown as Zeng “Xiaohai” Zhuojun defended his crown in Street Fighter 6. Already celebrated as one of the most decorated players in fighting game history, Xiaohai rose above fierce competition to claim his second consecutive EWC title and become the third competitor ever to secure back-to-back championships at the event.

A Clash of Generations: Xiaohai vs. Derek Blaz

The grand finals of Street Fighter 6 pitted experience against raw talent. On one side stood Xiaohai, the reigning EWC 24 champion, carrying years of experience and composure. On the other was Derek Blaz, a 15-year-old sensation from Chile who had stunned the esports world by reaching the finals.

What followed was a nine-game epic that went down to the very last round. Blaz, starting with Ryu and later switching to Ken, took an early lead, but Xiaohai adapted by switching to Mai Shiranui, matching every move with relentless precision. With both competitors tied at match point, the final round saw Xiaohai behind on health until a perfectly executed combo into Critical Art secured the 5-4 victory.

Xiaohai’s Road to the Finals

Xiaohai’s journey was anything but easy. His highlight moments included a dramatic reverse sweep against Victor “Punk” Woodley and a revenge victory over Goichi “GO1” Kishida, his quarterfinal opponent from FATAL FURY: COTW. His adaptability and relentless mindset carried him through the toughest stages, proving once again why he remains one of the greatest in the fighting game community.

Meanwhile, Blaz’s performance deserves equal recognition. The young prodigy advanced from his group without dropping a single game and eliminated titans like Itabashi Zangief, YHC-Mochi, and Leshar. His run has cemented him as the next big name in competitive Street Fighter.

A Historic Win for KuaiShou Gaming

Xiaohai’s win not only earned him $250,000 but also delivered 1,000 Club Championship points to KuaiShou Gaming. Combined with his runner-up finish in FATAL FURY: COTW earlier at the EWC, he has contributed 1,750 points in total, lifting KuaiShou Gaming to ninth place in the standings and securing $700,000 in Club Championship prize money.

The Bigger Picture

This championship run reaffirms Xiaohai’s legendary status and underlines the growing global reach of Street Fighter 6. For Blaz, this is just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable career. For fans, the rivalry between veteran giants and fearless newcomers is what makes the Esports World Cup a must-watch event year after year.

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