If there’s one thing we’ve learned about previous Capcom Cups, it’s that anyone can take the tournament.
Only one can reign supreme among this year’s 48 Capcom Cup 11 players, and it’s anyone’s guess who’ll raise the cup this year. A million dollars is a great motivator for any competitor and Capcom Cup X has shown us that a champion can rise from the most unexpected of places.
Will another upset happen this year? We truly can’t say just yet — but we do have five players that everyone should keep an eye on.
Victor “Punk” Woodley
This one’s easy, as Punk is the biggest favorite to take it all among the Capcom Cup 11 players. After failing to qualify for Capcom Cup X, he’s coming in with a vengeance this year. He’s only looked better and better since winning Evo 2024 and his eyes are set on that million-dollar prize.
Punk’s also entering Capcom Cup with a lot of momentum on his side. His team’s recent victory at the Street Fighter League Pro-US 2024 looked almost one-sided. It’s clear that few in the Americas can match Punk so let’s see if the international competition can challenge him.
Amjad “AngryBird” Al-Shalabi
Speaking of Evo winners among the Capcom Cup 11 players, AngryBird is looking like a strong challenger this year. As one of the pillars of the MENA region, AngryBird has a long history of strong tournament finishes. His consistency has helped keep his region competitive and that might be what’s needed to lift the Capcom Cup trophy.
Saul “MenaRD” Mena II
Of course, we can’t talk about the Capcom Cup 11 players without mentioning the only two-time Capcom Cup champion. MenaRD’s run in Street Fighter 6 has been rockier than most but no one will deny that he’s still one of the most dangerous competitors in the whole world.
Plus, he’s looking to settle the score with Punk in this tournament. MenaRD’s team was on the receiving end of Punk’s thrashing in the Street Fighter League finals and there were some choice words exchanged in the end. While the two facing each other is not guaranteed, it’s extra motivation for MenaRD to take his third trophy.
Kun “Xian” Ho
Xian is our choice for the dark horse of the tournament. He’s always been one of the best Street Fighter players in Southeast Asia and has even proven himself internationally. Unfortunately, he hasn’t had a lot of opportunities to travel to some of the bigger international events last year. Capcom Cup 11 might finally be his time to show off his prowess and remind everyone that Southeast Asian players aren’t pushovers.
Hajime “Tokido” Taniguchi
And we can’t conclude this list without including one of the best Street Fighter players in the world. Similar to Punk, Tokido failed to qualify for last year’s Capcom Cup so he’s looking to remind everyone why he was inducted into the Evo Hall of Fame this year.
Who’s your money on?
Banner photo by Todd Owyoung / Red Bull Content Pool.