We have to hand it to Justin Wong -- he put up a good fight. Defeating all American contestants in a three-round, GameStop-sponsored Street Fighter IV tournament over the course of the past two months, the NY-based Street Fighter enthusiast can walk tall knowing he took down the best of what America had to offer. What we didn't know when this tournament was announced, however, was that a brief "international title championship" would take place immediately following the battle's end.
After toppling Korea's Poongko, as well as Japan's Iyo, Wong (playing as Rufus) was left to compete with Japan's other entry, Daigo. Daigo apparently swept Wong using Ryu four to zero. Though Wong may not have walked away with the title of "international champion," he did likely need a truck for the Street Fighter IV arcade machine he won and, ya know, that enormous trophy he's holding.
[Image Credit: kineda]
Reader Comments (71)
Posted: Apr 20th 2009 12:35AM (Unverified) said
Videos are up on Youtube. Wong vs. Diago match here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xev531_uB_M
Its not very interesting to watch though, as Diago pretty much dominates Wong.
The match of Iyo (Dhalsim) vs Diago (Ryu) is a real nail-biter with top notch playing on both sides. Its a much better match-up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSiOyDKgp5Q
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xev531_uB_M
Its not very interesting to watch though, as Diago pretty much dominates Wong.
The match of Iyo (Dhalsim) vs Diago (Ryu) is a real nail-biter with top notch playing on both sides. Its a much better match-up:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSiOyDKgp5Q
Posted: Apr 19th 2009 7:05PM Jeremy White said
That guy looks like he'd be a character in Street Fighter.
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 7:06PM TheDarkWayne said
I feel with every mention of a SF tournament, this must also be mentioned
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7cW2nMf1gk
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v7cW2nMf1gk
Posted: Apr 19th 2009 7:08PM (Unverified) said
Seeing people explode when that guy won made me feel kind of ashamed of being a gamer. Even I had to step back and be like wow who cares.
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 7:24PM TheDarkWayne said
so if you dont enjoy winning why do you play games?
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 7:25PM (Unverified) said
I play games for my own enjoyment. I can't think of many things more boring than watching others play video games.
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 7:37PM TheDarkWayne said
have you ever watched a sporting event tmac? If that's the way you think im guessing not
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 7:42PM (Unverified) said
It's different watching a real sport, as 1) everyone's not sitting on their ass and 2) they can do things us regular people can't. A game is made where anyone can do anything that's allowed in the code.
I guess I just have some bias with the whole "pro gaming" thing, as some of them like to think they're real athletes playing a real sport which makes me, someone who can play real sports get upset. I got a little ticked when everyone was calling golfers athletes, but I had enough when nascar and poker were all of a sudden sports.
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I guess I just have some bias with the whole "pro gaming" thing, as some of them like to think they're real athletes playing a real sport which makes me, someone who can play real sports get upset. I got a little ticked when everyone was calling golfers athletes, but I had enough when nascar and poker were all of a sudden sports.
Posted: Apr 19th 2009 7:46PM TheDarkWayne said
well that's just the thing. Can you get 30 under par? Can you drive a car at hundreds of miles per mere feet away from other cars at similar speeds? Can you block a 30 hit super combo from chun li? Another thing, why are athletes different from "regular people" I guess everyone who isnt in the NBA, NHL, NFL etc. etc. is a fat slob devoid of the ability to move?
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 7:55PM Anticrawl said
@The Dark Wayne
I agree entirely, with such a thing it's all or nothing. But personally I don't like watching anyone else "play." With the exception of family and that's because I'm emotionally attached. If I want to enjoy football, baseball, softball, hockey, video games, etc I play them I don't watch them played.
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I agree entirely, with such a thing it's all or nothing. But personally I don't like watching anyone else "play." With the exception of family and that's because I'm emotionally attached. If I want to enjoy football, baseball, softball, hockey, video games, etc I play them I don't watch them played.
Posted: Apr 19th 2009 7:58PM (Unverified) said
I'm not gonna get into a debate over what's a sport or not. You pretty much have to play 1 to understand the difference, and since you're defending all the non sports I have to assume you don't.
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 8:02PM (Unverified) said
I would say video games aren't a sport if chess, NASCAR, bowling, pool, F-1 Racing, Poker, etc weren't sports either. But NASCAR and Poker are very popular "sports" and they're not going away anytime soon.
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 8:06PM (Unverified) said
I don't want it to go away, basically I just want the term athlete to have meaning again. It gets kind of diluted when people who sit on their ass for 12+ hours a day playing games call themselves athletes.
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 8:07PM TheDarkWayne said
well then debate about the audiences, you said that sports are different because everyone isnt sitting on their asses, of course referring to the players. But in your first post you were more upset with the audience for sitting on their asses and watching. But in both "real" and "fake" sports, the audience is sitting in their ass, so there really isn't a difference. Maybe you can play real sports, but chances are you arent actually Air Jordan, or even in a minor league, so you proved that even us common folk can play real sports. Also, saying that I have to play one to understand is basically the debate equivalent of a "You had to be there" joke, so you probably just aren't able to elaborate on the difference, so maybe there isn't one? Finally, I do play real sports, I'm in a fight league in Gotham City.
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 8:23PM Saria the Cat said
Well, I am not really a fan of watching competitive anything (video games, sports, etc.) but I understand that people can enjoy it. I just can't understand deeply since I never get the same feelings from it. As usual, different strokes for different folks. :)
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 8:23PM (Unverified) said
Yeah, I knew it was a bad idea to bring up real sports and real athletes on a gaming site of all places. Too many nerds get offended and try to spin logic enough to make themselves think they're athletes by sitting on their asses all day "training"
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 8:28PM TheDarkWayne said
insults are the last resort of a failed argument Tmac
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 8:33PM (Unverified) said
Or it could just be me now realizing that I'm trying to explain the difference between real sports and playing video games on a place that's full of...for lack of a better term....nerds. I didn't realize until now how futile it is for me to even try.
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 8:36PM TheDarkWayne said
the fact is Tmac you only said the words " real athlete" and "real sports" without even attempting to define what makes a sport a real sport or athlete. Really it just seems like you're trying to make yourself feel better that you really are a real athlete because you play sports even though it's probably only occasionally and recreational
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 9:08PM (Unverified) said
Sport is an activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively. Sports commonly refer to activities where the physical capabilities of the competitor are the sole or primary determinant of the outcome (winning or losing), but the term is also used to include activities such as mind sports (a common name for some card games and board games with little to no element of chance) and motor sports where mental acuity or equipment quality are major factors. - From Wikipedia
Gaming:
Governed by a set of rules - check
Engaged in competitively - check
Physical capabilities - ... moving fingers around... check xD
Mental acuity - check
Equipment quality - arcadestick > gamepad, check.
Maybe Tmac should listen to his own words and "play 1 to understand the difference". Funny how he's saying ppl who visit gaming sites are nerds yet he's here reading the post/comments, watching that video, and commenting himself while trying to come off like he's the only athlete here.
What if I said that all athletes are pill popping jocks with low IQ... how's that for being stereotypical? xD
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Gaming:
Governed by a set of rules - check
Engaged in competitively - check
Physical capabilities - ... moving fingers around... check xD
Mental acuity - check
Equipment quality - arcadestick > gamepad, check.
Maybe Tmac should listen to his own words and "play 1 to understand the difference". Funny how he's saying ppl who visit gaming sites are nerds yet he's here reading the post/comments, watching that video, and commenting himself while trying to come off like he's the only athlete here.
What if I said that all athletes are pill popping jocks with low IQ... how's that for being stereotypical? xD
Posted: Apr 19th 2009 9:13PM (Unverified) said
A sport is a game, guys; calm down. That's why we have mind sports and motor sports; not just physical sports.
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 9:16PM (Unverified) said
and there's the twisting I was talking about, it's so cute watching it happen.
NUH UH I...IM AN ATHLETE TOO CUZ I PLAY VIDJA GAMES!!!
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NUH UH I...IM AN ATHLETE TOO CUZ I PLAY VIDJA GAMES!!!
Posted: Apr 19th 2009 9:29PM (Unverified) said
I'm at a lost here, tmac doesnt see himself as a nerd, but yet he wastes hours of his day bitching on joystiq.
hahahaha
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hahahaha
Posted: Apr 19th 2009 9:35PM (Unverified) said
Please, from the original post itself and from the comments of all the readers, point to me where it is stated that Progamers are athletes. Only in your warpped mind do you think that a "sport" MUST be played by an "athlete".
No REAL athletes would think any less of themselves just because a non-physical event is labled a sport. You think the real T-Mac would be ranting just because people called Tiger Woods an athlete? ;)
"OH SNAP! A non-athletic person is being called an athlete! WTF does that make me now!?"
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No REAL athletes would think any less of themselves just because a non-physical event is labled a sport. You think the real T-Mac would be ranting just because people called Tiger Woods an athlete? ;)
"OH SNAP! A non-athletic person is being called an athlete! WTF does that make me now!?"
Posted: Apr 20th 2009 1:57AM datniceguy said
@tmacairjordan87
Dude. Remember when the Rockets were down ten to the Spurs with like 53 some seconds to go and Tracy McGrady scored 13 points in 33 seconds to cap an epic comeback?
That's what compares to Diago parrying Wong FTW.
I don't think gamers will ever coin themselves athletes. Wong even professes himself that he's an NBA fan and gamers belong in their own category. While athletes do sustain the physical and mental rigors of their respective sports, I think gamers have their own to "train" for (i.e. dexterity, mental aspects, etc). I mean, the best chess players in the world weren't just born. It's the same with competitive gaming.
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Dude. Remember when the Rockets were down ten to the Spurs with like 53 some seconds to go and Tracy McGrady scored 13 points in 33 seconds to cap an epic comeback?
That's what compares to Diago parrying Wong FTW.
I don't think gamers will ever coin themselves athletes. Wong even professes himself that he's an NBA fan and gamers belong in their own category. While athletes do sustain the physical and mental rigors of their respective sports, I think gamers have their own to "train" for (i.e. dexterity, mental aspects, etc). I mean, the best chess players in the world weren't just born. It's the same with competitive gaming.
Posted: Apr 20th 2009 10:05AM Vcize said
Tmac, I don't think people are calling them "athletes" as much as "professionals".
But it doesn't matter either way, your argument doesn't really hold a lot of water. Either way, in all the sports as well as these "games" that don't require you to break a sweat during them (golf, videogames, etc) they're doing something at a higher level than you will ever be able to do.
I'm pretty sure that I've played a sport at a higher level than you (see: avatar) but I in no way get offended by people calling these game tournaments the way they do. Sure, maybe not "athletes" because it doesn't require a lot of physical ability, but I certainly respect what professional gamers and poker players do for a living, because I know that it's just as difficult for them to become experts in their field as it is with any sport. We'd all love to get paid to play videogames for a living just like we'd all love to get paid to play a "real" sport for a living, but instead we're all here on an internet blog because the experts at each of those games/sports are few and far between.
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But it doesn't matter either way, your argument doesn't really hold a lot of water. Either way, in all the sports as well as these "games" that don't require you to break a sweat during them (golf, videogames, etc) they're doing something at a higher level than you will ever be able to do.
I'm pretty sure that I've played a sport at a higher level than you (see: avatar) but I in no way get offended by people calling these game tournaments the way they do. Sure, maybe not "athletes" because it doesn't require a lot of physical ability, but I certainly respect what professional gamers and poker players do for a living, because I know that it's just as difficult for them to become experts in their field as it is with any sport. We'd all love to get paid to play videogames for a living just like we'd all love to get paid to play a "real" sport for a living, but instead we're all here on an internet blog because the experts at each of those games/sports are few and far between.
Posted: Apr 19th 2009 7:12PM BananaBoat said
Remember when you got a million dollars and three hot playboy bunnies covered in chocolate for winning a national championship in a video game? I know that only lasted a year or two, but I miss it.
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 7:54PM aristokrat said
What good is a SFIV arcade cabinet when he can't play against anyone on it?
"Woah, you have a SFIV arcade machine in your house?"
"Yeah, I won it in the national SFIV championships. Wanna play?"
"Um....no, not any more."
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"Woah, you have a SFIV arcade machine in your house?"
"Yeah, I won it in the national SFIV championships. Wanna play?"
"Um....no, not any more."
Posted: Apr 19th 2009 8:00PM (Unverified) said
I think it's a pretty crappy prize. National champion and you get a measley $2-3000 prize. Woopity do.
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 9:06PM (Unverified) said
National fighting game tournaments don't pay out that well anyway. Plus, you can put that machine in an arcade and share the profits with them; that's usually how it works.
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Posted: Apr 20th 2009 8:20AM Level 5 said
Schwing. Yeah I mean I'd sell it, no questions asked. If you ditch a SFIV cabinet for $10K, you could get the following instead (assuming he doesn't ALREADY have these):
- Sharp 65" LCDTV (from bestbuy.com just for ref) - $6k
- XBOX 360, PS3, and SFIV on both - $1020 (X360 Elite, 160GB PS3, both SFIV versions)
- Bose Surround (I hate Bose, but it's the most expensive thing in retail usually) - $2000
And hey while you're at it, why not cop SF Anniversary Collection on original Xbox (or PS2), a PS2 with components along with SF Alpha collection, SFII HD Remix on PS3/360, SF2T on 360, and a couple of Sanwa/X-Arcade sticks to round out the package?
Yep.. still under 10K. I couldn't think of any reason someone would want to keep it other than to say "Hey look at me, I have an arcade cabinet SFIV."
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- Sharp 65" LCDTV (from bestbuy.com just for ref) - $6k
- XBOX 360, PS3, and SFIV on both - $1020 (X360 Elite, 160GB PS3, both SFIV versions)
- Bose Surround (I hate Bose, but it's the most expensive thing in retail usually) - $2000
And hey while you're at it, why not cop SF Anniversary Collection on original Xbox (or PS2), a PS2 with components along with SF Alpha collection, SFII HD Remix on PS3/360, SF2T on 360, and a couple of Sanwa/X-Arcade sticks to round out the package?
Yep.. still under 10K. I couldn't think of any reason someone would want to keep it other than to say "Hey look at me, I have an arcade cabinet SFIV."
Posted: Apr 19th 2009 8:07PM xGearSecondx said
Nicce! Congrats to him. I've been looking at videos of him and Daigo SF fights for the longest now
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 8:10PM (Unverified) said
they say he beat the best america had to offer...
but considering that the GS tourney forced you to use the 360 controller and no unlockable characters, i beg to differ..
My view on the 360 D-Pad: Its not a pad. There are no directions. it is a huge, circular button.
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but considering that the GS tourney forced you to use the 360 controller and no unlockable characters, i beg to differ..
My view on the 360 D-Pad: Its not a pad. There are no directions. it is a huge, circular button.
Posted: Apr 19th 2009 8:49PM darthisurus said
you are completely incorrect. they could bring any stick they wanted that used the control schemes in the game. most of em used the SFIV tourney sticks.
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 8:57PM (Unverified) said
THEY could. In the later rounds of the tourney, maybe. but in the first round.. the one that i actually went to, you HAD to use the controllers provided to you, in order to make things "fair". trust me, i read the rules enough times to know.
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 9:22PM jynxycat said
Short of a handful of cali players that didn't make it, or even enter, Justin Wong beat plenty of good players at the top 16, and plenty of good players were represented.
Obviously EVO will be taken more seriously, but to think that he just waltz through the competition versus a bunch of no body pad players is a bit of an exaggeration.
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Obviously EVO will be taken more seriously, but to think that he just waltz through the competition versus a bunch of no body pad players is a bit of an exaggeration.
Posted: Apr 20th 2009 12:01AM (Unverified) said
The thing about Cali players is that there are so MANY top notch players in California, and only a limited amount of regional tournaments. It's good that you get to see 16 players from 16 different places, but at the same time, it makes places like California seem unrepresented since they have more players.
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Posted: Apr 19th 2009 8:10PM Istari Spartan said
I wonder if I (with a decent control pad) could beat these people.
Meh.
A guy can dream.
Still, it takes skill to blog that chun-li combo. Pure gamer-respect and props to that.
I couldn't do it.
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Meh.
A guy can dream.
Still, it takes skill to blog that chun-li combo. Pure gamer-respect and props to that.
I couldn't do it.
Posted: Apr 19th 2009 8:29PM Saria the Cat said
Congrats to him. I've never really understood competitive gaming on a personal level since I play games for fun and the idea of loading so many hours and grueling WORK into a hobby would make it less...fun and more...work. But it's not without merit and definitely something you can brag about to other gamers.
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