The 2025 Esports World Cup for Tekken 8 will be remembered as a historic milestone. Lim “Ulsan” Soo-hoon became the first player to win back-to-back EWC championships, defeating Yoon “LowHigh” Sun-woong in the finals. The grand final ended in a convincing 5-2 scoreline, cementing Ulsan’s reputation as one of the greatest Tekken players in history. Fans and peers alike are now calling him the true GOAT of Tekken.
LowHigh’s performance also deserves recognition. Known for his Brian Fury, he finished runner-up and strengthened his claim as the best, while rivalries with legends like Arslan Ash and Knee still shaped the event beyond the top eight.
Armor King Release and Balancing Updates
Beyond the finals, new content announcements stirred excitement. Armor King’s release date was revealed in a Bandai Namco Entertainment America tweet teasing his arrival: “Warning, a wild Armor King lies ahead. Pay close attention to the next step and prepare yourselves for the next move.”
With major tournaments behind us, developer focus now shifts to balancing. Katsuhiro Harada previously highlighted adjustments in character proportions, such as changes to Asuka, alongside fixes to new character models. Michael “Nikkati” Ashworth confirmed on social media that after EVO, the development team had been working on adjustments and fixes. Competitive and casual players alike have been pushing hard for balance updates, and the next patch is expected to be significant.
Tekken vs Street Fighter: Rivalries and Business Moves
Sales figures also put Tekken’s position into perspective. With 59 million copies sold, the franchise holds a narrow lead over Street Fighter, which sits at 57 million. Tekken 7 played a key role in closing this gap, but with Street Fighter 6 thriving, Bandai Namco must act decisively to maintain their advantage. Fans have also suggested collaborations with franchises like Final Fantasy and even Elden Ring, which continues to dominate charts.
TEKKEN 8 at EWC 25 – Day 3 – Phase 2 Group Stage Winners Side Livestream (August 15, 2025)
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Harada said Tekken 8 on Switch 2 isn’t off the table but would need heavy work, and noted Tekken X Street Fighter once hit 30% development, hinting it’s now shelved. While older FGC fans may still want it, newer players may not feel the same demand.
Community Reactions and Influencer Drama
Community debates remain lively. A viral tweet praised Tekken 8’s presentation at EWC, urging critics to rethink negativity around past updates. However, frustration lingers from developers admitting regret over controversial decisions earlier in the game’s life cycle. The call for consistent balancing remains the loudest demand.
Meanwhile, the Tekken 8 influencer tier list sparked heated conversations. This updated list went viral, with some players taking offense, though rivalries cooled down compared to last year. Notably, content creators DaGoDawg and Moonsault Slayer squashed their long-standing beef, showing that even in heated debates, respect in the Tekken community can prevail. This year’s Esports World Cup has set the stage for how Tekken 8 will be remembered moving forward. With Ulsan making history, Armor King joining the roster, and balance changes on the horizon, the competitive scene is heading into its most exciting phase yet. All eyes are now on the next patch and whether Bandai Namco can keep Tekken ahead of its rivals.
