- WEB DESK
- August 9, 2026
Pakistan’s Muhammad Zubair wins Tekken 8 title at Esports World Cup 2026
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- WEB DESK
- August 9, 2026
PARIS: Pakistan’s Muhammad Zubair has won the Tekken 8 title at the 2026 Esports World Cup in Paris, securing a major global esports triumph for the country.
Zubair produced a dominant performance in the grand final, defeating South Korea’s Hye Lo 5-0 to claim the championship and the World Cup trophy.
The Pakistani player used his preferred character, Dragunov, in the final, while Hye Lo played Bryan Fury.
Along with the title, Zubair received a prize of $300,000 (over Rs83 million), making his victory one of the biggest achievements by a Pakistani player on the international esports stage.
Zubair storms to 5-0 final victory
Zubair controlled the grand final from the outset and completed a comprehensive 5-0 victory over Hye Lo.
Speaking after his triumph, the newly crowned world champion attributed his success to hard work, dedication and extensive practice in Pakistan.
Zubair said that he had entered the competition with complete belief that he could win the title and credited consistent preparation for helping him deliver when it mattered most.
He also highlighted the role of a close friend who regularly played with him during his preparations in Pakistan.
Zubair expressed gratitude to his friend, saying he believed the friend would be extremely happy upon hearing that he had won the Esports World Cup title.
Defeated Arslan Ash in thriller
Zubair’s route to the final included a dramatic victory over fellow Pakistani and renowned Tekken player Arslan Ash in the semi-final.
The semi-final turned into a closely fought battle, with Zubair eventually edging Arslan Ash 5-4 to book his place in the grand final.
Zubair had also come through the Last Chance Qualifier to secure his place in the Esports World Cup competition, making his eventual title triumph even more significant.
His victory over Arslan Ash also marked a changing of the guard in Pakistani Tekken esports, with the younger player overcoming one of the country’s most established names on his way to the world title.
From Arslan Ash to Muhammad Zubair
Arslan Ash, whose real name is Arslan Siddique, is one of Pakistan’s most celebrated esports players and has established himself as a global force in the Tekken community.
He rose to international prominence after winning the Tekken 7 world title in Japan in 2019 and has gone on to win eight world championships in Tekken, becoming one of the most decorated players in the game’s competitive history.
Zubair’s victory now adds another major international title to Pakistan’s growing legacy in competitive Tekken.
The 5-0 triumph in Paris not only earned Zubair the Esports World Cup trophy and a $300,000 prize but also underlined the depth of Pakistan’s talent in the global fighting-game scene.
With Arslan Ash having already established Pakistan as a major force in Tekken, Zubair’s breakthrough represents another milestone for the country’s esports community and signals the emergence of a new champion on the international stage.
