In current instances, the Combating Recreation Neighborhood (FGC) has been too critical for its personal good and has forgotten tips on how to have enjoyable whereas taking part in the video games they love. I don’t blame the group, although. It’s simple to lose sight of enjoyable if there’s one million {dollars} dangling in entrance of you to say, so long as you’re ok.
It additionally doesn’t assist that the online game business goes by means of one thing of a downturn, with Sony pondering it’s a smart concept to cease producing bodily CDs and to make Marvel Tōkon: Combating Souls not playable in over 100 international locations. This has clearly despatched the combating recreation group right into a frenzy, pondering that the studio has misplaced its thoughts for eager to return to a observe that’s been thought of barbaric.
Within the midst of all of this, if you happen to’re on FGC Twitter, you then most likely have been flashbanged by legendary Ryuji “Hayao” Hayashi’s behind in your timeline. In my case, it was really Andrew “Jiyuna” Fidelis’s tweet that introduced it to my consideration.
Then, the chain impact began. Christopher “NYChrisG” Gonzalez tweeted about it, whereas different members of the FGC tried to clean to clean their eyes after what they only witnessed.
It’s undoubtedly an awesome tonal shift. Possibly even too jarring for different individuals. Nonetheless, I imagine that we want extra individuals like Ryuji “Hayao” Hayashi. Simply to make clear, no, I’m not speaking about individuals who would publish issues like that frequently.
I’m speaking about what Hayao’s function is within the FGC.
The FGC Wants Extra Showmen
I sincerely imagine that we want extra showmen within the FGC. Essentially the most enjoyable elements of tournaments are the wild issues which can be taking place on the occasion, corresponding to Arslan “Arslan Ash” Siddique taking part in Tekken 8 shirtless and spreading money throughout his arm. We additionally had the outdated Lee “Poongko” Chung-gon, who additionally eliminated his shirt throughout matches that he discovered significantly troublesome. Sadly, he now not does this and has distanced himself from his outdated id. Now, he simply performs like a traditional FGC competitor, with out his earlier aptitude.
That is what I’m speaking about after I mentioned that we want extra individuals like Hayao within the FGC. These individuals are very entertaining to observe. Seeing Hayao do all these theatrics, doing excellent splits whereas additionally beating up his opponents in essentially the most superb methods. Bear in mind, this man is 43, and he’s nonetheless extra versatile than I’m.
I used to be first uncovered to Hayao throughout Evo Vegas 2024, the place he confirmed prowess in his most important recreation: Avenue Fighter III: third Strike. He’s known as the “Hugo God,” and he confirmed why he’s undoubtedly among the best third Strike gamers on the planet.
Through the event, he was answerable for a sequence of occasions known as the “Evo Second #38,” the place he air parried Franklin “FrankieBFG” Nunez’s air tatsumaki kicks whereas at dangerously low well being and received the sport due to it. All whereas doing a little theatrics in entrance of the already amazed crowd.
Simply check out this.
One other one that’s doing a bit little bit of showmanship himself is Saul Leonardo “MenaRD” Mena II. He principally does a stare-off in opposition to his opponents within the prime eight of majors, which amplifies the depth of the match to a sure diploma. This type of showmanship is sort of totally different from Hayao’s flamboyant show, nevertheless it’s nonetheless nice.
Not as nice as Hayao’s, although, however that’s simply me.
That is the essence that the FGC has misplaced all through the years. Some attribute this to the modernization of the FGC and the doorway of huge cash, basically saying that the FGC is changing into much less and fewer grassroots because the years go by. Nonetheless, I’ve already talked about this numerous instances, however I merely don’t imagine in that sentiment. Video games like League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, and VALORANT all have personalities that match the “showman” archetype, they usually all have been very entertaining to observe.
Now, don’t get me improper. I’m not saying that everybody needs to be a showman. It’s simply that there’s a scarcity of it in the neighborhood, which is form of unhappy to see.
The Japanese FGC will get it
When you’ve been across the FGC for fairly a while, you then may’ve encountered Japanese Avenue Fighter 6 gamers doing a little humorous match celebrations at Combo Breaker 2026. It’s the Joey Wheeler face from the anime Yu-Gi-Oh!, the place Joey did a bizarre face in one of many episodes.
For me, this can be a robust reminder that there are nonetheless individuals within the FGC who’re having enjoyable. Let’s face it, it’s true that the present state of the world is miserable – and this extends to the esports circle. Nonetheless, individuals like Hinao and Hayao present us that whereas they’re very robust rivals, they’re nonetheless right here to have enjoyable.
Whereas they could not discover this, their antics give happiness to the spectators and even the casters. So long as it’s performed in good style, after all.
At present, it’s the Japanese FGC that appears to get this idea. North America tends to be fairly unfastened and informal, however more often than not, they don’t actually do any big-time theatrics on digital camera. The very best one just lately might be Victor “Punk” Woodley teabagging at Evo Japan 2026, and nothing else comes near it. [Editor’s Note: And Americans called it “disrespectful” while Japanese fans celebrated it.]
Esports, similar to conventional sports activities, is a sort of leisure for the plenty. Positive, it’s entertaining to observe two individuals taking part in on the highest degree of your favourite recreation and seeing how sure gamers overcome their obstacles to develop into the champions they’re destined to be. Nonetheless, for me, there’ll all the time be a particular place for individuals who additionally know tips on how to play to the group and provides an awesome present.
Hayao’s efficiency transcended Evo Vegas’s venue. I wasn’t there. I used to be simply watching the event on-line, and I bear in mind the sensation of pleasure after Hayao’s win. It made me really feel like I used to be on the venue with him, celebrating his win along with the opposite individuals who went as much as the stage and gave him excessive fives.
I imagine that is the facility showmen have, and it could actually undoubtedly make the scene much more attention-grabbing.
The FGC must strike a steadiness
I discuss showmen within the FGC like they’re a dime a dozen. I do know that they’re fairly uncommon and that seeing one which’s nearly as good as Hayao is most probably a uncommon occasion. It’ll additionally really feel very bizarre if the FGC abruptly begins performing like Hayao. It’ll make the entire scene really feel like a circus and may flip off potential viewers or individuals within the style.
I genuinely hope there are extra of them on the market simply ready for his or her probability on the highlight. We do have cosplayers, artists, and creatives who’re additionally prime gamers, which is fairly cool. However an actual showman brings a special power to the desk.
