On a rainy evening in Lahore, the buzzing neon lights of Maniax a gritty but iconic gaming arcade flicker with the power of dreams and determination. It’s here, among aging joysticks and storm-soaked windows, that Pakistan’s unlikely rise to the top of the global Tekken Esports scene has taken root.

Despite limited resources, unreliable electricity, and the high cost of gaming consoles, Pakistan has become a powerhouse in the world of Tekken, a classic Japanese fighting game now in its eighth installment. In fact, three of the world’s top 10 Tekken players hail from the country a surprising feat for a nation better known for its political upheavals than its place on the Esports map.

At the forefront of this movement is Arsalan “Ash” Siddique, a 30-year-old champion from Lahore. A six-time winner of the prestigious Evolution Championship Series (EVO), Ash is Pakistan’s first Red Bull Esports athlete and a former ESPN Esports Player of the Year. He trains daily for eight hours in a modest co-working studio adorned with trophies and anime memorabilia.

“Tekken has changed the way the world sees Pakistan,” says Ash. “They now see us as hardworking, relentless gamers.”

A Game of Grit, Not Gadgets

Ash’s story, like many in Pakistan’s gaming community, began in arcades. With PlayStations costing nearly $700 and the average salary in Pakistan around $300, console gaming remains out of reach for many. Public arcades like Maniax became breeding grounds for talent, where skill not status determines success.

“Arcade culture built Tekken in Pakistan,” says Atif Butt, Ash’s close friend and rival, who now plays for the Saudi Esports team Team Falcons. “In the ’90s and early 2000s, it was cheap and accessible for arcades to install, so we grew up with it.”

Maniax co-founder Bawaqar Haider (aka Soul Dagger) says the local environment has produced fierce competitors. “There’s no discrimination here only skill. Our young gamers have a hunger born from deprivation. That hunger drives them to surpass everyone else.”

From Lahore to Las Vegas

Ash’s rise has not been without obstacles. Lacking funds to travel abroad, he initially relied on friends to help crowdfund his first trips. But even as his victories piled up, securing visas — particularly to the US and Japan remained a barrier.

“No matter how talented we are, if we can’t leave the country to compete, it’s meaningless,” Ash said, speaking after a victory against South Korea’s national team in Seoul earlier this year. “Sponsors don’t want to back players without U.S. visas. It’s a major problem.”

The issue has garnered national attention. Rana Mashood, chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Program, confirmed to CNN that the government is drafting Pakistan’s first Esports policy, which includes plans for gaming arenas and co-working spaces to support players like Ash.

Breaking Barriers And Gender Norms

While Pakistan’s Tekken scene is still male-dominated, female gamers are beginning to carve out their own space. Laiba Adnan, 21, is emerging as a leading player in women-only tournaments. Inspired by Ash, she hopes arcades will become more inclusive.

“I don’t feel comfortable going to arcades yet,” Adnan says. “But seeing what Ash has achieved gives me hope. He’s shown that Pakistani players can shine anywhere.”

A Bright Future for Esports in Pakistan

Today, Ash is more than just a player he’s a national figure and a mentor to the next generation of gamers. Back in his Lahore studio, surrounded by the symbols of his journey, he reflects on the path ahead.

“We’ve already proven we can beat the world,” he says. “Now it’s time for the world to make room for us.”

As Pakistan works to build the infrastructure for Esports, its Tekken warriors born in the glow of arcade screens and forged in hardship are already champions in the eyes of many. Their message is clear: this is only the beginning.