EVO Japan 2025] Interview with WBG RB MenaRD, Winner of Sto6! He said he struggled against Ryukichi, and Kobayan is the strongest Zangi player in the tournament.

We interviewed WBG RB MenaRD (@_MenaRD__), the winner of the ” Street Fighter 6 ” division at the fighting game festival ” EVO Japan 2025 presented by Revatech (EVO Japan 2025)” held from May 9 (Fri) to 11 (Sun), 2025. We interviewed MenaRD(@_MenaRD__ ), the winner of the “Street Fighter 6” division!

Interview with WBG RB MenaRD, the winner of Street Fighter 6!
WBG RB MenaRDSaiga NAK
– What was the toughest scene on your way to victory?

My match against Ryukichi in the Winner’s Final was tough. He was playing very well against my Zangief, so I changed my character to Blanka and barely won. It was definitely the hardest match of the tournament, as the qualification for EWC 2025 was also on the line.

– Please comment on winning EVO Japan again.

I am very, very happy. EVO Japan is one of the most important tournaments and to qualify for EWC 2025 and Capcom Cup 12 means a lot to me. So this year I can play with peace of mind and focus on improving my proficiency. Right now I am still basking in the afterglow of the tournament, but I would like to take some time to sort out my future plans.

Saiga NAK
– You played against Ryukichi last year, but did you feel any difference in your match this year?

I felt his mentality was more stable than last year, and it was a very difficult match. Last year I felt he was nervous, but this year he seemed very confident in his moves. As a result, I didn’t let him do what he wanted, but I am sure that he was in a better mental state than last year.

Saiga NAK
– How do you feel about Kobayan, who also uses Zangief?

Kobayan is without a doubt the best Zangief player in the world. And in Japan, his main competition, there is Itabashi Zangief and Jr. He will also lose to Zangief_bolado player in Brazil. I need to learn from all of them and become even stronger if I want to keep using Zangief.

Saiga NAK
– I’ve been using Zangief for the last year, but lately I’ve been seeing a lot of success with Blanka.

Zangief is very strong, but he was weakened in the middle of the season. You need to adapt to that adjustment, and you also need more time to master this character. As was the case in this match with Ryukichi, a small mistake can be fatal. Do you practice only him or one more character? If you have at least three characters in your hand, you can’t use Zangief. He is such a difficult character.

Saiga NAK
– Is there a French player you feel threatened by?

Kilzyou. He is a really strong player.

Saiga NAK
– What are your plans for the EWC?

I didn’t perform as well as I would have liked at EWC 2024. This year, I want to do my best.

Reika and Mai Shiranui in two shots!
MenaRD “What pose do you prefer? “Saiga NAK

Even though it was right after the game, we were able to get a commemorative photo with Reika (@SoprettyGyudon ), who performed as Mai Shiranui at EVO Japan 2025!

Reika said, “I’m number one! I was like “Number one!” lol.Saiga NAK

Reika’s very rough request.

MenaRD & ReikaSaiga NAK

Congratulations again to the winners!

Sorry, this article is only available in Japanese. at the moment.