Arslan Ash, the globally renowned Tekken 8 champion from Pakistan, confirmed on Wednesday that he will miss two major esports tournaments in 2025—Riyadh’s Gamers8 and Evo Japan—citing ongoing visa complications.

Considered one of the best Tekken players in the world, Arslan Ash has been a dominant figure in the competitive fighting game scene.

His withdrawal from both the Riyadh Clash and Evo Japan tournaments comes as a significant blow to fans and organisers alike, particularly after his commanding performance earlier this year on the global stage.

In a statement released via X (formerly Twitter), Arslan Ash said, “I will not be able to attend Riyadh Clash and Evo JP this year.”

The 2025 editions of both Evo Japan and the Riyadh showdown were expected to be crucial fixtures in the Tekken World Tour circuit. Arslan’s absence will not only impact tournament dynamics but may also open the door for new champions to emerge.

Visa hurdles have been a recurring challenge for players from South Asia, limiting their access to international events despite their high skill level. Arslan’s announcement has once again highlighted the broader issue of travel restrictions that affect esports athletes from developing nations.

The Evo Japan tournament is scheduled for April, while the Riyadh event is expected to take place mid-year as part of Saudi Arabia’s growing investment in global esports through its Gamers8 initiative.

Despite the setback, Arslan Ash remains optimistic and has assured fans of his continued commitment to Tekken 8.

He plans to focus on training and domestic tournaments while exploring alternative international events later in the season.