Gaming
esports
Red Bull Kumite: Xian is ready to battle
The Singaporean is one of 16 top gamers handpicked globally to compete in Ultra Street Fighter IV
Xian, one of Singapore's top eSports players
© Mark Teo Photography
The Red Bull Kumite, a unique ULTRA STREET FIGHTER IV tournament, will allow 16 of the best fighters from around the world to fight for the ultimate title, on 28 March in Paris at the Salle Wagram. Eight countries will be represented in the sixteen-player bracket, providing a glimpse of high-level Ultra Street Fighter IV competition in action. It’s also not just for anyone – it’s by invite only, a gathering of the best in the world for one epic battle.
The full line-up of 14 world class players that have been handpicked for Red Bull Kumite has only just been revealed recently, including Naoki “BE|Nemo” Nemoto, Olivier “MD|Luffy” Hay, Hajime “MCZ|Tokido” Taniguchi, and Kenryo “MCZ|Mago” Hayashi, Masato “Bonchan” Takahashi, Eric “CNB|ChuChu” Silva, MCZ|Daigo Umehara, Kevin “TSC|Dieminion” Landon, Keita “RZR|Fuudo” Ai, Seonwoo “Infiltration” Lee, Ryan “Prodigal Son” Hart, Darryl “Snake Eyez” Lewis, and Valentin “GL|Valmaster” Petit. Two of the hot seats will be reserved for winners from an open qualifier that will take place before the main event.
Each player received a personalised invite
© Mark Teo Photography
Also making this illustrious list is 24-year-old Singaporean Ho Kun Xian, a world champion who has been creating waves in the international gaming world, clinching top spots at international gaming events such as the Canada Cup 2012 for SSF4 Arcade Edition singles and King of Fighter XIII singles, in which he beat the famous Japanese player Mago. Xian also defeated well-known Japanese Street Fighter player Daigo Umehara in the South East Asia Major: Road to Evolution 2012, before going on to win the Evolution Championships in Las Vegas.
We caught up with Xian recently for a quick update on his preparations before he heads off to Paris this month for the ultimate battle.
What’s it like one of the chosen ones for Red Bull Kumite?
To be picked out of so many amazing players in the world, it is truly amazing and a feeling that is indescribable. I will definitely try my best to win it, and I have confidence that I will do well.
What does it feel like being one of the few Asian gamers at a competition of this level?
Extremely honoured and proud because this is a really exclusive event. When I was younger I always looked in awe at the players chosen to play at such huge competitions and aspired to be like them. Now that I have finally achieved it, there are no words to describe the feelings at being given this incredible opportunity.
What is your training/ preparation like?
My training regime does not change much. As I am in my shop every day, I clock up to about 6-8 hours of gaming practice either by myself, or by competing with customers from all walks of life in my shop. The only difference would probably be that I will take more time out and make an extra effort to watch more videos and read up more on new moves. I try to get more creative and in this entire process, I hope to pick up more skills that can make me stronger.
Knowledge of his opponents is critical for Xian
© Mark Teo Photography
What to you is the most important part of your training for Red Bull Kumite?
For this competition, I would say the most important part would be knowing my opponent. I think it is of utmost importance to learn more about them so that I know what I am up against, and hopefully be able to recognise their tricks and use it to my advantage.
In your opinion, who do you think your greatest competitors are?
I would say that amongst the current few selected, Luffy and Tokido pose the greatest challenge as they are very experienced, professional, and are renowned around the world. I definitely do not look forward to meeting them too early in the competition, but when the time comes, I know I will have prepared myself well and am confident enough.
What are your expectations for this competition?
My greatest expectation is to return with the grand prize and do Singapore and myself proud for winning this competition. I expect it to be intense, and a tough fight, but I have confidence that I can perform well because I have played against most of the competitors and I know who I am up against. I have high expectations for myself, and I expect the same for the competition, given the high caliber of the gamers who are in this with me.
Red Bull Kumite takes place on 28th March 2015 at the Salle Wagram Auditorium in Paris, France. Check out the official website, and follow the Facebook page for the latest updates.
