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Arslan Ash, the globally renowned Tekken 8 champion from Pakistan, has announced he will not be participating in Evo Japan and Riyadh Clash 2025 due to visa issues.
Considered one of the greatest Tekken players in esports history, Arslan Ash has been a consistent force on the global stage. His recent performances have only cemented his elite status in the competitive fighting game community.
In a post shared via X (formerly Twitter), Arslan stated, “I will not be able to attend Riyadh Clash and Evo JP this year. I made every effort to go, but unfortunately, I encountered visa problems again.”
He added, “It’s fine, I’ve learned to live with passport limitations; maybe one day, things will change.”
His calm acceptance reflects a growing frustration among South Asian esports players facing travel limitations despite world-class talent.
Both Evo Japan and Riyadh’s Gamers8 are vital parts of the Tekken World Tour 2025 calendar. Arslan Ash’s absence significantly alters the competition, offering fresh opportunities for rising talent to shine on the big stage.
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Visa challenges are not new for athletes from Pakistan and similar regions. This ongoing issue restricts fair representation and limits global opportunities for deserving players like Arslan.
He confirmed he will attend LevelUpExpo next week and continue training. He also hinted at exploring other international options and competing in more domestic events this season.
In a recently concluded Tekken tournament, in which Pakistani players won against Japan, Arslan Ash highlighted the visa challenges faced by Pakistani players – obstacles that persist despite proven excellence on the global stage.
“While cricket remains a cherished national passion, I dream of a future where other sports and industries – especially esports – receive the same recognition and support”, he said.
