In a thrilling display of skill and tenacity, the Filipino Tekken prodigy Alexandre “AK” Laverez emerged victorious at Combo Breaker 2024, clinching the title of Tekken 8 champion.
This year’s tournament was a spectacle of intense matchups and high-level play, with the Filipino pro defeating some of the most formidable opponents in the Tekken community, culminating in a stunning win against the legendary Pakistani player Arslan “Arslan Ash” Siddique.
An undefeated run at Combo Breaker 2024
Laverez’s journey to the top was nothing short of spectacular. Maintaining an undefeated run throughout the tournament, he showcased his exceptional mastery of Shaheen.
His path to victory was paved with wins against top-tier players, each match reinforcing his position as a leading contender in the Tekken scene.
Among his notable victories were former Evo champion Daichi “Nobi” Nakayama of Japan, former Tekken World Tour champion Jeong “Rangchu” Hyeon-ho of South Korea, and Team Falcons’ Muhammad “Farzeen” Farzeen of Pakistan.
AK vs Arslan Ash in the grand final
The grand final match was a nail-biting showdown, reminiscent of their iconic grand final clash at Evo Japan 2019, which Arslan won.
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The Filipino prodigy, opting for Shaheen, faced off against the legend’s Nina in an intense battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The match was incredibly close, coming down to a final-final round. Arslan, aiming for a bracket reset, was met with the Shaheen specialist’s unwavering determination to claim the championship.
The Shaheen strategic play forced Arslan to spend his Heat early, effectively limiting his options.
With precise pokes, the Filipino controlled the pace, eventually catching Arslan’s sidestep with a Rising Falcon and executing a massive combo that carried Arslan to the wall.
The climactic moment came as Laverez sealed the victory with a perfectly timed Sand Storm slide, clinching the tournament with a 3-2 score.
This dramatic win not only avenged his previous loss to Arslan at Evo Japan but also solidified his place as the Tekken 8 champion at this year’s Combo Breaker.
As a Tekken World Tour Master event, Combo Breaker attracts the best players from around the globe, all vying for glory and valuable TWT points. His victory earned him a substantial 560 TWT points, boosting his standing in the global rankings.
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