Top Tekken 8 pro Arslan Ash shocked the FGC when he revealed that visa complications will keep him from Evo Japan and Riyadh Clash this year.
Arslan Ash shared the unfortunate news on X (formerly Twitter), where it was met with frustration from fans who wanted to see him compete as much as possible. These two big events are part of the Tekken World Tour.
“I will not be able to attend Riyadh Clash and Evo JP this year,” Arslan Ash wrote. “I made every effort to go, but unfortunately, I encountered visa problems again. It’s fine, I’ve learned to live with passport limitations; maybe one day, things will change.”
The Pakistani player has continued to deal with travel-related issues over the past few years of competition. Pakistan’s passport is considered weak due to its international restrictions. Many fans urged Arslan Ash to get citizenship elsewhere or apply to different visas.
Takayuki Kudo, President of Global Sense, sponsored Arslan Ash’s trip to Evo Japan in 2023. Arslan Ash ended up winning the event. After hearing of Arslan Ash dropping out of Evo Japan 2025, Kudo replied: “I regret that I should have been the one to make the move to ensure you came to Evo Japan, which would have increased your chances of obtaining an entertainment visa.”
Arslan Ash thanked Kudo for his words but told him not to blame himself. He added: “We will succeed next year.”
Without Arslan Ash present, Evo Japan 2025 has a lot of hungry pros that could rise to the top of the Tekken 8 tourney. This includes Kakeru, Daigo Umehara and Tokido from Japan, Big Bird, AngryBird and EndingWalker from Europe and the Middle East, and Punk, Nephew, NoahTheProdigy, and MenaRD from the Americas. It’s still bound to be a wild tournament for the FGC to watch.
Evo Japan 2025 is coming May 9th to May 11th, 2025.
