At the Evo 2023 in Las Vegas, USA, Jordanian gaming prodigy Amjad "AngryBird" Al-Shalabi clinched the crown in the Street Fighter 6 competition.
Representing Abu Dhabi's Nasr Esports, Al-Shalabi triumphed over a roster of world-renowned competitors to earn his place in the grand finale.
Facing off against the Dominican Republic's Saul 'MenaRD' Leonardo, Al-Shalabi, playing as his favored character Ken, emerged victorious after four intense rounds, securing the win by three sets to one.
After fighting his way through a record-breaking 7,083 player bracket, @FGC_Angrybird is your first-ever Street Fighter 6 Evo Champion!#Evo2023 pic.twitter.com/yzC1UcSQnO
— EVO (@EVO) August 7, 2023
In a conversation with The National before the tournament, Al-Shalabi expressed, “Being a part of Evo is thrilling, especially as it marks Street Fighter 6's inaugural year. It's the pinnacle of fighting game tournaments.”
Earlier this year, Capcom, a Japanese gaming company, launched Street Fighter 6. With its competitive introduction at Evo this year, Al-Shalabi became its debut champion at the event. Following his victory, Al-Shalabi shared on Twitter, "This dream I've pursued for ages has now become reality. Give your all, and leave the rest to Allah."
Amjad "AngryBird" Al-Shalabi praying on stage
Amjad, together with his fellow Nasr Esports member Adel "Big Bird" Anouche, are recognized as "The Birds" within the fighting game community. Anouche had previously made headlines in July by winning the coveted title at the Red Bull Kumite event in South Africa.
Source: Twitter