Last Sunday, the ATO Gaming Cafe in TTDI, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, was brimming with excitement as the Street Fighter 6 Launch Party took place. The venue was transformed into a vibrant Street Fighter haven, with dazzling LEDs illuminating the room and captivating Street Fighter 6 banners.

The event drew a diverse crowd, featuring seasoned Street Fighter players and enthusiastic newcomers. Notable local players and popular streamers added a touch of stardom to the gathering, making it a truly memorable occasion.

The launch party featured a range of activities to cater to every fan’s interests. One exciting attraction was the booth showcasing keyboards and other PC equipment, allowing attendees to enhance their gaming setups. Additionally, a talented fighting stick modder group called Raretech was present, offering attendees the chance to customize their Fighting Sticks to their liking. This helps add a personal touch to their gaming experience and pro gaming aspirations.

To add to the excitement, a series of giveaways took place throughout the event. Participants had a chance to win a pair of high-quality earphones simply by purchasing something from the nearby café and using their receipt as a giveaway ticket. This ingenious idea ensured that attendees not only enjoyed the gaming extravaganza but also had a chance to walk away with some cool prizes.

In addition, there was also an arcade stick museum display (courtesy of Infinite Carnage founder Leon Soo), showcasing the many fighting tools from the way back until now in pristine condition. Even our custom Raretech joysticks (from Animangaki 2022) got the display treatment; it’s a lovely display that’s perfect for a venue that’s meant to celebrate the launch of a new fighting game era.

The Tournament

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the launch party was the tournament held by Infinite Carnage. 32 skilled players went head-to-head, showcasing their expertise and fighting spirit in intense matches. As the competition progressed, the tension grew, and the crowd was on the edge of their seats. The grand final was a spectacle to behold, with the two remaining fighters, Looi2211, a Chun-Li main, and Takawa, a Ryu main.

Looi2211 had come back through the lower bracket after being knocked down in the upper bracket quarterfinals by the eventual 2nd runner-up GigatonLT5, losing 2-1. Looi221 got his revenge in the lower bracket final where he knocked GigatonLT5 out of the tournament with a convincing 3-1 scoreline. Looi2211 went on to beat Takawa in the first best-of-5, 3-2, resetting the bracket, meaning he would need to beat Takawa once more to win the tournament. In a nail-biting Grand Final, the crowd erupted with applause and cheers, as Looi2211 secured the victory yet again with a close 3-2 scoreline, making the moment truly unforgettable.

For tournament prizes, GigatonLT5 received a PS5 copy of Street Fighter 6 as the 2nd runner-up. Takawa received a brand new PS5 controller as the 1st runner-up. And for the grand prize, Looi2211 received a new PlayStation fighting stick.

The overall atmosphere of the event was electric, as fans and enthusiasts came together to share their passion for the Street Fighter franchise. Laughter, friendly banter, and enthusiastic conversations filled the room, creating a sense of camaraderie among the attendees. The launch party successfully brought together a community of like-minded individuals, united by their love for the game.

While there were no exclusive announcements or reveals during the event, attendees had the opportunity to experience Street Fighter 6 firsthand. During the tournament’s break before the quarterfinals, everyone present was invited to play friendly matches against each other at the dedicated tournament stations. This allowed everyone in attendance to immerse themselves in the new game and engage in thrilling battles with fellow fans.

As the event came to a close, three lucky winners walked away with coveted earphones in the giveaway draw. The excitement and anticipation surrounding the announcement of the winners added an extra layer of thrill to the occasion.

The Street Fighter 6 Launch Party at ATO Gaming Cafe was an incredible celebration of gaming, fierce competition, and community. It provided an ideal platform for Street Fighter enthusiasts to connect, share their skills, and revel in the joy of the new game. With an electrifying atmosphere and unforgettable moments, the launch party undoubtedly left a lasting impression on all who attended, cementing the Street Fighter legacy in the hearts of fans in Kuala Lumpur.