Arslan Ash, a five-time EVO winner and one of the most recognizable Tekken players in esports history, has announced his resignation from Evo Japan and Riyadh Clash 2025 due to continued visa issues.
The Pakistani hero, known for placing his nation on the world esports map, posted the unfortunate news on X (formerly Twitter).
"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," Ash wrote.
"It’s fine, I’ve learned to live with passport limitations; maybe one day, things will change," he added.
His absence will be noticed strongly at the Evo Japan and Riyadh Gamers8 events, both of which are important stops on the Tekken World Tour 2025 schedule.
With Arslan out, the competitive field opens up for budding talents looking to make their impact on the world arena. Despite the setback, he is still dedicated to the grind.
Ash confirmed his attendance at the forthcoming LevelUp Expo and hinted at looking into additional local chances this season, while also keeping an eye on other international events.
In a recent Tekken competition, when Pakistani players outperformed top Japanese opponents, Arslan emphasized the continuous visa issues that Pakistani players face, despite constantly delivering world-class results.
"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 stated.
Meanwhile, excitement is growing for the Esports World Cup 2025, which will take place in Saudi Arabia from July 7 to August 4.
The mega-event will include 25 games, over 2,000 players, and more than 200 teams fighting for a record-breaking prize total of $70 million (~£54.3 million).
