In recent times, the Fighting Game Community (FGC) has been too serious for profit and has forgotten to have fun while playing the games they love. I don’t blame the community though. It’s easy to lose sight of the fun when there’s a million dollars dangling in front of you for you to claim, as long as you’re good enough.
It also doesn’t help that the video game industry is facing a crisis, as Sony thinks it’s a good idea to stop producing portable CDs and do. Marvel Tokon: Battle of Souls it is not playable in over 100 countries. Obviously, this has caused confusion among the fighting players, who think that the studio has lost its mind for wanting to go back to actions that are considered barbaric.
In the midst of all this, if you’re on FGC Twitter, you might have been impressed by a legend. Ryuji “Hayao” Hayashiyou are behind in your timeline. In my case, it was actually a tweet by Andrew “Jiyuna” Fidelis that brought it to my attention.
Then, the chain effect started. Christopher “NYChrisG” Gonzalez tweeted about it, while other FGC members tried to take a shower to clear their eyes after what they had just seen.
It’s a big tonal change. Maybe it’s too bothersome for some people. However, I believe we need more people like Ryuji “Hayao” Hayashi. Just to be clear, no, I’m not talking about people who would post stuff like that all the time.
I am talking about what is Hayao’s role in FGC.
FGC Needs More Exhibitors
I truly believe we need more visionaries in the FGC. The most exciting parts of tournaments are the wild things that happen at the event, such as Arslan “Arslan Ash” Siddique playing Tekken 8 shirtless and spreading money on his arm. We also had the old Lee “Poongko” Chung-gon, who also took off his shirt during matches which he found very difficult. Unfortunately, he no longer does this and has distanced himself from his old self. Now, he just plays like a typical FGC competitor, without his former genius.
This is what I am talking about when I say we need people like Hayao in FGC. These people are so much fun to watch. Seeing Hayao do all those theatrics, making the perfect difference while beating his opponents in amazing ways. Remember, this man is 43 years old, and still more flexible than I am.
I was first exposed to Hayao during Evo Vegas 2024, where he showed off the power in his main game: Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike. He’s called “Hugo God,” and he’s shown why he’s one of the best 3rd Strike players in the world.
During the tournament, he was responsible for a sequence of events called “Evo Moment #38,” where he channeled Franklin “FrankieBFG” Nunez’s tatsumaki kicking spirit with dangerously low health and won the match as a result. We always do theater in front of a stunned crowd.
Just look at this.
Another person who does a little show himself Saul Leonardo “MenaRD” Mena II. He basically stares down his opponents in the top eight, which increases the intensity of the game to some degree. This kind of show is very different from Hayao’s show, but still good.
Not as good as Hayao’s, though, but that’s just me.
This is the total that FGC has lost over the years. Some say this is due to the modernization of the FGC and the influx of capital, in fact they say the FGC is growing at a lower rate as the years go by. However, I have said this countless times, but I simply don’t do it believe in that idea. Games like League of Legends, Dota 2, Counter-Strike 2, and VALORANT all have personalities that fit the “showman” archetype, and they were all very entertaining to watch.
Now, don’t get me wrong. I’m not saying that everyone he should be a showman. It’s just that there is something missing in society, which is sad to see.
Japan’s FGC gets it
If you’ve been with FGC for a long time, you’ve probably met the Japanese Street Fighter 6 the actors who make the celebrations of the comedy Combo Breaker 2026. Joey Wheeler’s face from the anime Yu-Gi-Oh!, where Joey made a weird face in one of the episodes.
For me, this is a strong reminder that there are still people in FGC who are still happy. Let’s face it, it’s true that the current state of the world is sad – and this extends to the esports circle. However, people like Hinao and Hayao show us that even though they are very strong competitors, they are still there to have fun.
Although they may not see it, their antics bring joy to the audience and even the actors. As long as it’s done in good taste, of course.
Currently, it is Japan’s FGC that seems to be getting the idea. North America has a tendency to be loose and carefree, but most of the time, it doesn’t make big-time theatrics on camera. The best of the latter is possible Victor “Punk” Woodley teabagging at Evo Japan 2026, and nothing else comes close to it. [Editor’s Note: And Americans called it “disrespectful” while Japanese fans celebrated it.]
Sports games, like traditional games, are a form of entertainment for many people. Sure, it’s fun to watch two people play at the highest level of your favorite sport and see how some players overcome their obstacles to become the champions they are destined to be. However, for me, there will be always it has been a special place for people who know how to play to the crowd and give a good show.
Hayao’s performance surpassed the Evo Vegas site. I wasn’t there. I was just watching the tournament online, and I remember the feeling of excitement after Hayao’s win. It made me feel like I was in the same place with him, celebrating his win together with other people who went up to the stage and applauded him.
I believe this is a power play they have, and it can make the scene more interesting.
FGC needs to strike a balance
I talk about showmen at FGC like they’re a dime a dozen. I know they are rare and seeing one as beautiful as Hayao is probably a rare event. It will also feel weird if FGC suddenly starts acting like Hayao. It will make the whole scene feel like a circus and may turn off potential viewers or fans of the genre.
I sincerely hope there are many waiting for their turn in the light. We have cosplayers, artists, and creators who are also great actors, which is great. But the reality show brings a different dynamic to the table.
