Absolutely agreed on the discussion on being a pro player. I've noticed this trend years ago, which is why I pivoted to doing a hybrid content creator/competitive player approach. I've spoken at length about how the ecosystem does not support being a dedicated pro player, and as a result we have a real talent drain, where many of the best players simply hang it up because they have no financial future in being a dedicated pro. There's little to no way to be 100% focused on being the best player, unless you are literally the #1 or #2 player in the world. But if that's what it requires to dedicate yourself to be the best, then the best will be the king of a hill. Without an ecosystem to support many dedicated pros with financial support, we will stagnate and the best players will move on, and newer players will have to split their focus to support themselves. Unfortunate reality is right now top players MUST do content to grow their brand and pay the bills, or be MenaRD who is 1 of 1 right now. Hopefully one day pro players can support themselves by just being pro players.
Nice to see you here Brian. Hope you're doing well. And yes Content Creation is the way to go for independent financial support and semi-pro approach is the right thing to do
With exciting events down the road like Esports World Cup, I'm hoping that the ecosystem of Esports and Fighting games in particular sees a change/growth leading to the possibility of a future where pro players are able to be self sustainable simply by being pros. Glad to see you here Brian, you are killing it with your content as well and congrats again on the recent Texas Showdown Win!
@mresk8tv128 this always has been a side hobby of mine, I've been working full time forever. And I understand you're trying to just insult me, but look up the winnings for EVO and you'll see the same story. People making 10k or less for the biggest tournament of the year. Much better to just work your 9-5.
Xian is a Real one for keeping it real about being a pro in 2024 and giving props to Fuudo. A class act for sure. The FGC has shifted from arcade, to home console, to online,to EVo,to ESports,and now twitch and Streaming content. Who knows what's next?
I really enjoyed hearing Xian's perspective on this. Some of it felt like thoughts you'd be more likely to hear off-camera in a private conversation but not shared openly on a RUclips video, which is refreshing to see. Also glad to hear he signed with a good team recently. I'm looking forward to see what he brings to the table at EVO this summer 💪
@@fakename8543 Yeah, SF4 era is where he achieved his peak notoriety as a player and personality. He played MVC2 before under a different handle but he became better known in the FGC when he won 4th place at EVO 2010 and when he teamed with Gootecks to do Cross Counter Live and Excellent Adventures. He played some MVC3 but was never very good at it and by the time SFV rolled around he wasn't entering tournaments anymore.
@@megavolt67hes been around the whole time. Crazy guy was going to tourneys for xrd. Just didnt have a show and wasnt tweeting because gross, who would want to do that.
would be pretty selfish for him to go on the road for the CHANCE to win $3k or $5k or spend $500 on travel and get nothing. he can stream and upload vids now.. he was pro for like 20 years. hes proved his point anyways
As others have said, it makes no financial sense for him anymore especially with him having a family now. He has a podcast with Maximilian & Matt McMuscles, so he kind of straddles the line between competitive player and that sort of "fighting game fan" circle.
I feel that at the same time, Xian's goal is not to crush dreams but to be that parent who shares the hard truth. All of our champions had their hard work put in and it paid off. Who knows we might meet our next Mena sooner than we think
This is the best new fighting games related channel to come up recently, really happy to see the chemestry between you two and all the different kinds of videos you make, specially the discussions and showing singapore around (the price of those meals almost makes me want to move there lmao), hope Xian wins a lot this year and gives Mike a wallet with chain so he doesn't forget it at home when you go out
Fun money life. Also @chanbenyamin3527 if you are free be sure to come down to SG's locals! Feel free to reply if you are interested! Thanks for the support!
The conversation about the Deejays was honestly the realest shit ive heard come out of a pro player in a long time. Ive watching videos here and there on this channel, and the thing that has stood out most to me is how honest y'all(especially Xian) can be, and this convo about the Deejays cemented that sentiment. The amount of introspect, self-awareness and humility on display in what Xian said about their Deejays is truly some emotionally mature shit and stuff of what a role model should be. I hope those words rub off on the younger gens watching this content, truly a great example for them and worth admiration. The honesty about oneself and competing on VsVortex is really refreshing. Keep it up Miguel Rosa and Xian!!! 💯💯🔥🔥
I relate to what Xian said about either being top 3 in the world or it's very hard to make it. I traveled all around my country (Portugal) to compete for Tekken 7 all throughout its life span and placed very well in most tournaments I went to. Frequent top 8s and top 3s. Even competed internationally when the opportunities presented themselves. Got into 2 different eSports teams. I never managed to become as good as the professional competitors and I had to find something to do to actually be able to afford a living, so I decided it was time to put the controller down. I still play but not as much and not in such a focused manner as I used to. I've been watching Xian and Mike since Excellent Adventures and that helped me get more into fighting games because they made it so much fun to watch. I also learned a lot when it comes to ideas like discipline, problem solving, creativity or composure, so it has been an enlightening experience. Fighting games are pretty good. Even if you don't go the professional route, giving them a go competitively is fun.
As someone who is a pro in a different gaming genre (and former professional in a niche sport): He is super spot on. It's way more rewarding to be a content creator in these spaces. You can train for 8 hours a day, sacrifice friendships and personal life, to travel to tournaments and have a bad run, or not place as high as you want. Your income is not guaranteed as a competitor (even if sponsored) if you don't constantly put up results. Being a content creator allows you to engage with your game in fun ways and not have to be beholden to winning, and it is way more lucrative at the end of the day. You don't have to even be good at the game as long as you are entertaining. I've top 3-ed almost every tournament I've completed in over the last 6 years, but I've had more success, fun, and income simply being a content creator and commentator in this space.
@@VersusVortex I am a semi-retired professional Yo-yo player (who is still involved in the community when not competing) and currently a competitive rhythm game player with DANCERUSH STARDOM and DDR. (Mostly running events and commentary for the latter). Before that I was a sponsored player in the early days of Call of Duty for Fariko and Xiled Gaming. Currently I would say I'm probably in top 3 DANCERUSH players in the US. If anyone is going to be at CEO, I'll be one of your head TO for DDR A20+ and DANCERUSH! Come say hi. HoldBackToBlock covered one of our tournaments from the year before on their channel, and interviewed me, the head of the event, and TAG, a former staff member and musician at Konami. Check it out! Currently sponsored by Duncan Toys for yo-yoing and actively get paid by them for shows, demonstrations and competitions, and tour with a Vegas variety show every year. It's all definitely more than you would think, but not enough to make a living off of, even if I were to win every competition I go to. It's like a side job that has it's busy seasons. Rhythm game wise I'm sponsored by a dance shoe company as the game I play is way more freestyle dance oriented and caters to ACTUAL dancers. Rhythm games have about the same payout as your FGC tournaments on the level of Texas Showdown. In Japan it's borderline non-existent if you aren't part of the e-sports league because of laws there. This comment got long winded! But all to say that the competition was a means of growth for the success outside of it: I never would have gotten the opportunity nor platform had I not have competed first.
8:52 - _"And the fact is you can be a content creator and do streaming and stuff and that doesn't mean you can't still win a championship. It may not make a difference because _*_in this era games are catered in a way where even if you don't play as much you can still win._*_ It's just that when you work harder, the percentage chance (to win) is a little bit higher."_ REALLY important part here that I feel like is being overlooked. Same point that Ryan Hart made when he said _"everyone is good now."_ It may sound paradoxical but it's harder to be a pro when anyone can be one. Modern fighting games have been trending towards accessibility and lessening the skill gap between players for years now, which is at odds with the purely competitive-gaming driven nature of E-Sports (and the prize money which accompanies it).
Man, this is so important for everyone to see, I grew up watching my cousins play fighting games, and knew that I would love. I use to be in the Xbox live parties, travel and i even offered car pooling to help get players to tournaments in South Florida. It was a great experience i made some life long friends, but between being a Chef Full time and playing Fighting games, and trying to compete, I just couldn't justify being money that it took draining my account, so i had to choose one. I became a stream monster, from team spooky days, and now a food content creator but I still play just to not get rusty. Xian has always been a huge part of the fgc, he would say these very things on streams about how hard it was.
This issue has been going on for a long time with esports, starting with starcraft 2 at the very beginning. You are way more profitable as an asset and having consistent revenue by just streaming. Yes, there was a million dollars on the line, but you could have made that by streaming over time instead of banking on one bracket, where there are many factors outside of yourself to actually secure that bag. This isn't a "this generation" thing, this is a "always has been" thing.
That being said more people like Xian need to speak like this to make sure the next generation of gamers are playing to have fun, not to try to secure a livelihood, very difficult pipeline to achieve.
Regarding the financial viability, an interesting case to look at is OG Starcraft. My understanding is that game's being kept alive by a bunch of younger Korean & Chinese businessmen who grew up watching tournaments for it. They're generally under no illusion that they could ever make money from funding events or what have you, they just want to support their favorite players and the costs are a drop in the bucket for them. Maybe that's what the FGC needs lol, some oil baron who takes this on as his passion project!
Have always loved Xian, happy to see his passion for esports is still strong, FGC has a lot of room for growth and stability, just gonna take some work 🤘🏾
Im a top player in my country I started winning/placing in tournaments regularly around 2021 across SFV, SF6 and KOFXV. We dont have tournament support where I am from devs, my "career" winnings from 2021 to current would be around $500 US. If you factor in travel cost going to other cities for their majors its well in the red but it isnt about the money for me its the competitive drive. I am envious about the opportunities afford to people in other regions but 100% see it isnt sustainable to solely be a pro player due to how small FGC prize pools are
What xian said has been a thing since street fighter 2. There’s a difference between the best player and the best character player. A cool example is daigo and xiao hai in street fighter 4. At the end of sf4, daigo was getting the best results with evil Ryu, but anytime he played xiao hai, xiao hai would regularly beat daigo in the evil Ryu mirror match. There also used to be the debate of which is better to be, a character specialist or someone who knows a lot of characters. Today it’s better to know multiple characters and you won’t get shamed as much for counter picking like the old days.
Loved the interview! Seeing Xian playing Tokido and win his Evo with Gen made me play the character and enjoy fighting games. Guy is amazing and the information did NOT make me sleep, on the contrary! Pet peeve: the background music was a little too loud...
I nearly did fall the fuck to sleep. But not in a bad way you had me in a trance and captivated the entire time. Xian is the GOAT in my eyes. Mike, you're a close 4th.
That point about the games these days are created in a way that everyone can win, is so real! Its like the modern vs legacy games argument. Modern games are like rock paper scissors, its easy to play but hard to win because the skill gap is smaller, and because everyone has a good chance to win, its very hard to win consistently. Legacy games are hard to play, with higher skill ceiling thus higher skill gap, pro players can consistently win. Being a pro these days is extremely hard because of that, there are more players within the same skill level in a lower skill ceiling game. Even MenaRD who is the best SF player now couldn't win Gamers8 and Capcom Cup when it matters.
I know ppl want this to be a thing but ppl just have to realize that it is not at that point. league of Legends has the money behind it along with the numbers. Fighters are simply not there. League also has $200 skins to fond all that craziness. If a fighter had $200 skins it would die so quick. We also have too many weirdos that spook the ad money away. We are simply still children in the main scheme of things.
Interesting topics that raise more questions: How has Chris Wong been mentally with second place? Was there any mental or spiritual damage from being so close to a million dollars? The winner of the Capcom Cup saw his effort rewarded, but would he try again? He already won a million, he can practically live comfortably on that without ever playing more than for fun until a next tournament with another huge prize where you can focus again and go through stress and other things . These are questions that I wish Xian could ask both players in an interview.
Great video, though it’s kind of sad. The reality of this space is that being a commentator or content creator outweighs being a pro. Kudos for putting in the work.
The commentary bubble is just as tough, if not harder to penetrate. Talking with good personality is not as easy or might not come as easy to many either. In this current era, its particularly important to undergo multiple channels to get your name out there. Also thanks for the support!
@@VersusVortex Facts! These conversations are so nuanced that saying one outweighs the other sometimes makes it sound like it's easier or dismissive of how much work you have to put into the other paths. Just seems as if you're more capped as a pro. :D
The grind to be Pro takes sooo much time out of your life. The top 5,000 SF6 players probably devote so much of their time into the game to get better, and most never reach Pro status. Before you know it, 5-7 years are wasted out of their lives, time that could have been spent learning a good career, making more money, and spending more time with family and friends. The top players should receive more financial support. Xian is def keeping it real.
I understand Xian's perspective, and yet I see a lot of pros emerging in fighting games all the time. The Pakistani Tekken pro scene is going strong, with quite a few having bagged sponsorships recently. So, how are they sustaining themselves if the prize money is too small? Are they working 9-5 and playing Tekken only on the side?
The appeal of new tournaments such as ESWC happening in Riyadh leads to alot more opportunities for sponsors to sign new/ strong players. Signing players that are rising hot is also particularly incentivizing for orgs because you get viewers who would specifically tune in to watch them play, giving their sponsors that tasty shoutout, making their money worth.
That's why we need seeded tournaments to ensure that industry pros that are OGs are those who are OP, get a definitive tournament pay out. A bit like tennis. It ensures that amateurs get their chance in lower tier tourneys, but tournaments now pay guaranteed money for a seeded pros' attendance.
From the streets Xiao Wan Long to the current Xian, you've come a long long way to establish yourself as a pro gamer. Add oil and keep your passion alive!!
What Xian talks about refers to pretty much any self made business or creative venture in life. In which you rely on yourself. That isnt a job working a typical 9 to 5. Or in the case of trying to make a living playing video games. When the games is a niche genre. Which fighting games are. Its a life long and lifestyle commitment. You cant half ass the process and the journey. While also having a way to finance your venture.
but thats with anything in business or pro. Im a photographer/film maker soon to be and we need to brand ourselves to make our money. Im sure a normal joe can stream but compare him to xian whos gonna get more views? So summary, you don't make that money in tournaments or as a pro, but your resume or your proof of work can lead you to a career after. content , tutorials, podcasts, etc compared to a normal kid. Now competition with a girl whos attractive and can barely play but gets more views than pros is concerning lmao
Cause watching pros gets boring. The biggest issue is they all play the same characters. I’m a 32 year old man. I’m not going to wake up and watch 7 mirror matches. Just boring. I’ll rather use that time to play the game myself or watch RUclips gameplay. Pros only have themselves to blame. They want to have views but spend the whole games life time just complaining about the game. Why would new people join if they are constantly trashing the game and not recommending it.
Evo champ wins like 6000 euros lol, being a pro fighting game player is a joke, at higher level fighting games aren’t even as fun as mid level/ casual level, it’s so much time n effort for no reward unless you consistently win
Yeah, as far as I understand it the pools have not realistically been sufficient to pay the bills unless it is one of the rare tournaments that has a gigantic prize pool. On top of that everything is getting more and more expensive these days. If even the 9-5 guys are struggling to survive, semi-pros and pros in a niche community(compared to other esports) don’t stand a chance. So it falls to diversifying revenue streams which can be extremely challenging for people to do. Especially when getting a regular job provides upfront money. The game is rigged and not everyone can compete.
Xian out here dropping gems. Being a pro FGC player is simply not the same as it was back in the golden era of fighting games (sf3/4). Anyone who can't or just refuses to wrap their head around that sentiment just hasn't been around long enough to experience how badly certain aspects in life can degrade over time. Being an FGC pro now means you are limited to only playing the newest games and constantly having to adjust to each new scrub mechanic that gets introduced. Meanwhile, a professional chess player doesn't have to worry about this, because the rules of the game have remained the same for 1500 years. It's a game purely based on skill. You can't just randomly pop heat or v-trigger to checkmate your op. The same could be said for basketball or many other sports. The fact of the matter is that developers will always have to choose profits from mass appeal over the relatively small user base of passionate players that have kept them afloat all these years. This is precisely why the FGC will always remain a very niche and divided community and will never establish any real credibility in the world of sporting and entertainment. As much as it saddens me to know that this trend will only continue to worsen, I'm grateful I got a chance to experience the golden era as it was easily one of the best times in my life.
Absolutely agreed on the discussion on being a pro player. I've noticed this trend years ago, which is why I pivoted to doing a hybrid content creator/competitive player approach. I've spoken at length about how the ecosystem does not support being a dedicated pro player, and as a result we have a real talent drain, where many of the best players simply hang it up because they have no financial future in being a dedicated pro. There's little to no way to be 100% focused on being the best player, unless you are literally the #1 or #2 player in the world. But if that's what it requires to dedicate yourself to be the best, then the best will be the king of a hill. Without an ecosystem to support many dedicated pros with financial support, we will stagnate and the best players will move on, and newer players will have to split their focus to support themselves. Unfortunate reality is right now top players MUST do content to grow their brand and pay the bills, or be MenaRD who is 1 of 1 right now. Hopefully one day pro players can support themselves by just being pro players.
Nice to see you here Brian. Hope you're doing well. And yes Content Creation is the way to go for independent financial support and semi-pro approach is the right thing to do
You could just say you're washed and save some text
With exciting events down the road like Esports World Cup, I'm hoping that the ecosystem of Esports and Fighting games in particular sees a change/growth leading to the possibility of a future where pro players are able to be self sustainable simply by being pros. Glad to see you here Brian, you are killing it with your content as well and congrats again on the recent Texas Showdown Win!
@mresk8tv128 this always has been a side hobby of mine, I've been working full time forever. And I understand you're trying to just insult me, but look up the winnings for EVO and you'll see the same story. People making 10k or less for the biggest tournament of the year. Much better to just work your 9-5.
@@Brian_F Whatever helps you sleep at night. Nobody likes to hear the truth, but you can't escape it either.
Xian is a Real one for keeping it real about being a pro in 2024 and giving props to Fuudo. A class act for sure. The FGC has shifted from arcade, to home console, to online,to EVo,to ESports,and now twitch and Streaming content. Who knows what's next?
I really enjoyed hearing Xian's perspective on this. Some of it felt like thoughts you'd be more likely to hear off-camera in a private conversation but not shared openly on a RUclips video, which is refreshing to see. Also glad to hear he signed with a good team recently. I'm looking forward to see what he brings to the table at EVO this summer 💪
2024 we coming in strong
xian never trolls, we he says mike ross is the best player in the world HE MEANS IT
Was Mikes career around the sf4 era? I havent seen much outside the popular clips on youtube...and apparently hes retired now?
@@fakename8543marvel 2. Not retired
@@fakename8543 Yeah, SF4 era is where he achieved his peak notoriety as a player and personality. He played MVC2 before under a different handle but he became better known in the FGC when he won 4th place at EVO 2010 and when he teamed with Gootecks to do Cross Counter Live and Excellent Adventures.
He played some MVC3 but was never very good at it and by the time SFV rolled around he wasn't entering tournaments anymore.
@megavolt67 he clap Jwongs yet?....if ever?
@@megavolt67hes been around the whole time. Crazy guy was going to tourneys for xrd. Just didnt have a show and wasnt tweeting because gross, who would want to do that.
Thanks for being real about it. I noticed J. Wong doesn’t care about it anymore as well.
I think Justin even said it himself, how he'd rather be with his daughter than flying all over the place for tournaments.
@@Boyzby He established a name and brand for himself, he's made it afaik. Happy for him
would be pretty selfish for him to go on the road for the CHANCE to win $3k or $5k or spend $500 on travel and get nothing.
he can stream and upload vids now.. he was pro for like 20 years. hes proved his point anyways
And his content creation career is going well, which is what matters. He chose a different thing and it's working for him.
As others have said, it makes no financial sense for him anymore especially with him having a family now. He has a podcast with Maximilian & Matt McMuscles, so he kind of straddles the line between competitive player and that sort of "fighting game fan" circle.
I like the contrast of Mike and Xian
Longtime Ross fan and it’s good to still see him still involved in games
He was born in the game and will hold the flag high. Thanks for the support!
Coming from an EVO champion this is pretty much a total flattening of anyone's expectations if they're thinking about stepping in.
I feel that at the same time, Xian's goal is not to crush dreams but to be that parent who shares the hard truth. All of our champions had their hard work put in and it paid off. Who knows we might meet our next Mena sooner than we think
I just want to be an online warrior and occasionally crack top 64 at some big tournaments.
I appreciate Xian being honest and providing insight.
This is the best new fighting games related channel to come up recently, really happy to see the chemestry between you two and all the different kinds of videos you make, specially the discussions and showing singapore around (the price of those meals almost makes me want to move there lmao), hope Xian wins a lot this year and gives Mike a wallet with chain so he doesn't forget it at home when you go out
Thank you so much for your comment!!! Means a lot to us!
Man, xian is one of my favorite not just pro players, but personalities in the scene. Dude is hilarious and knowledgeable and down to earth
hey Xian! fellow singaporean and sf6 player here. im nowhere near your level but im just playing to have fun. stay positive!
Fun money life. Also @chanbenyamin3527 if you are free be sure to come down to SG's locals! Feel free to reply if you are interested! Thanks for the support!
Xian was pretty on point on why Snake Eyez didn't go to tournaments like that cause he felt he needed those secrets.
Game knows game
Mike ross and Xian the rush hour duo of the FGC. Hells yeah ✨🙌🏻
The conversation about the Deejays was honestly the realest shit ive heard come out of a pro player in a long time. Ive watching videos here and there on this channel, and the thing that has stood out most to me is how honest y'all(especially Xian) can be, and this convo about the Deejays cemented that sentiment. The amount of introspect, self-awareness and humility on display in what Xian said about their Deejays is truly some emotionally mature shit and stuff of what a role model should be. I hope those words rub off on the younger gens watching this content, truly a great example for them and worth admiration.
The honesty about oneself and competing on VsVortex is really refreshing. Keep it up Miguel Rosa and Xian!!!
💯💯🔥🔥
We keep trying to get this dude Xian to write his book LOL. Thank you Hollowdarling for the support!
I relate to what Xian said about either being top 3 in the world or it's very hard to make it. I traveled all around my country (Portugal) to compete for Tekken 7 all throughout its life span and placed very well in most tournaments I went to. Frequent top 8s and top 3s. Even competed internationally when the opportunities presented themselves. Got into 2 different eSports teams. I never managed to become as good as the professional competitors and I had to find something to do to actually be able to afford a living, so I decided it was time to put the controller down. I still play but not as much and not in such a focused manner as I used to.
I've been watching Xian and Mike since Excellent Adventures and that helped me get more into fighting games because they made it so much fun to watch. I also learned a lot when it comes to ideas like discipline, problem solving, creativity or composure, so it has been an enlightening experience. Fighting games are pretty good. Even if you don't go the professional route, giving them a go competitively is fun.
Fighting games are already an integral part of us even if we can't play as often because of where life takes us. Appreciate the support Seifer!
I love Xian, also he never trolls 😂
The trolls are always the most insightful. But Xian never trolls heheh
🧢
Good stuff, love you guys from back in the CrossCounter days, much love~ Xian is the best
Thanks for all the years of support! More videos on the way!
As someone who is a pro in a different gaming genre (and former professional in a niche sport): He is super spot on.
It's way more rewarding to be a content creator in these spaces.
You can train for 8 hours a day, sacrifice friendships and personal life, to travel to tournaments and have a bad run, or not place as high as you want. Your income is not guaranteed as a competitor (even if sponsored) if you don't constantly put up results.
Being a content creator allows you to engage with your game in fun ways and not have to be beholden to winning, and it is way more lucrative at the end of the day. You don't have to even be good at the game as long as you are entertaining.
I've top 3-ed almost every tournament I've completed in over the last 6 years, but I've had more success, fun, and income simply being a content creator and commentator in this space.
Would like to know which games you were a part of! Sounds like an interesting story to tell too
@@VersusVortex I am a semi-retired professional Yo-yo player (who is still involved in the community when not competing) and currently a competitive rhythm game player with DANCERUSH STARDOM and DDR. (Mostly running events and commentary for the latter). Before that I was a sponsored player in the early days of Call of Duty for Fariko and Xiled Gaming. Currently I would say I'm probably in top 3 DANCERUSH players in the US.
If anyone is going to be at CEO, I'll be one of your head TO for DDR A20+ and DANCERUSH! Come say hi.
HoldBackToBlock covered one of our tournaments from the year before on their channel, and interviewed me, the head of the event, and TAG, a former staff member and musician at Konami. Check it out!
Currently sponsored by Duncan Toys for yo-yoing and actively get paid by them for shows, demonstrations and competitions, and tour with a Vegas variety show every year. It's all definitely more than you would think, but not enough to make a living off of, even if I were to win every competition I go to. It's like a side job that has it's busy seasons.
Rhythm game wise I'm sponsored by a dance shoe company as the game I play is way more freestyle dance oriented and caters to ACTUAL dancers.
Rhythm games have about the same payout as your FGC tournaments on the level of Texas Showdown. In Japan it's borderline non-existent if you aren't part of the e-sports league because of laws there.
This comment got long winded! But all to say that the competition was a means of growth for the success outside of it: I never would have gotten the opportunity nor platform had I not have competed first.
Love Xian's honesty
8:52 - _"And the fact is you can be a content creator and do streaming and stuff and that doesn't mean you can't still win a championship. It may not make a difference because _*_in this era games are catered in a way where even if you don't play as much you can still win._*_ It's just that when you work harder, the percentage chance (to win) is a little bit higher."_
REALLY important part here that I feel like is being overlooked. Same point that Ryan Hart made when he said _"everyone is good now."_ It may sound paradoxical but it's harder to be a pro when anyone can be one.
Modern fighting games have been trending towards accessibility and lessening the skill gap between players for years now, which is at odds with the purely competitive-gaming driven nature of E-Sports (and the prize money which accompanies it).
Man, this is so important for everyone to see, I grew up watching my cousins play fighting games, and knew that I would love. I use to be in the Xbox live parties, travel and i even offered car pooling to help get players to tournaments in South Florida.
It was a great experience i made some life long friends, but between being a Chef Full time and playing Fighting games, and trying to compete, I just couldn't justify being money that it took draining my account, so i had to choose one.
I became a stream monster, from team spooky days, and now a food content creator but I still play just to not get rusty. Xian has always been a huge part of the fgc, he would say these very things on streams about how hard it was.
Very insightful stuff about who the best Dee Jay is. Much respect for acknowledging things beyond surface level (statistics only).
This issue has been going on for a long time with esports, starting with starcraft 2 at the very beginning. You are way more profitable as an asset and having consistent revenue by just streaming. Yes, there was a million dollars on the line, but you could have made that by streaming over time instead of banking on one bracket, where there are many factors outside of yourself to actually secure that bag. This isn't a "this generation" thing, this is a "always has been" thing.
That being said more people like Xian need to speak like this to make sure the next generation of gamers are playing to have fun, not to try to secure a livelihood, very difficult pipeline to achieve.
You definitely got the Fun Money Life motto down
@@VersusVortex thanks Mike. This is excellent down to earth content, and any avenue of the gaming industry needs more of it. Keep up the great work.
Regarding the financial viability, an interesting case to look at is OG Starcraft. My understanding is that game's being kept alive by a bunch of younger Korean & Chinese businessmen who grew up watching tournaments for it. They're generally under no illusion that they could ever make money from funding events or what have you, they just want to support their favorite players and the costs are a drop in the bucket for them. Maybe that's what the FGC needs lol, some oil baron who takes this on as his passion project!
We see this happen with SNK with their recent news. I choose to believe!
Have always loved Xian, happy to see his passion for esports is still strong, FGC has a lot of room for growth and stability, just gonna take some work 🤘🏾
Always cool to hear the behind the scenes thoughts. Thanks for the vid.
Thank you for the support too!
THIS is how you express opinions like this without throwing grass-roots TOs under the bus.
Jeez, it's old man Mike talking to his nephew Xian about something serious
Mike on that Unc train
This was really great, I loved the bit more serious angle for this topic! Gj guys
Im a top player in my country I started winning/placing in tournaments regularly around 2021 across SFV, SF6 and KOFXV. We dont have tournament support where I am from devs, my "career" winnings from 2021 to current would be around $500 US. If you factor in travel cost going to other cities for their majors its well in the red but it isnt about the money for me its the competitive drive. I am envious about the opportunities afford to people in other regions but 100% see it isnt sustainable to solely be a pro player due to how small FGC prize pools are
Xian keeping his streak of speaking absolute facts. On all topics. And he never trolls.
Keepin it a buck
VersusVortex RealTalk™
I ate this video like tangos in a Marn safelane.
Bars
What xian said has been a thing since street fighter 2. There’s a difference between the best player and the best character player. A cool example is daigo and xiao hai in street fighter 4. At the end of sf4, daigo was getting the best results with evil Ryu, but anytime he played xiao hai, xiao hai would regularly beat daigo in the evil Ryu mirror match. There also used to be the debate of which is better to be, a character specialist or someone who knows a lot of characters. Today it’s better to know multiple characters and you won’t get shamed as much for counter picking like the old days.
Well said Xian. Thanks for sharing your perspective and being vulnerable with us.
Loved the interview! Seeing Xian playing Tokido and win his Evo with Gen made me play the character and enjoy fighting games. Guy is amazing and the information did NOT make me sleep, on the contrary!
Pet peeve: the background music was a little too loud...
THIS is the content the people want. Give the people what they want! 😂
Hell YEAH
Good stuff Xian, wherever you compete you’ll have my cheers and applause homie, thank you
And thank you for the support!!! 2024 gonna be an exciting year for sure
I nearly did fall the fuck to sleep. But not in a bad way you had me in a trance and captivated the entire time. Xian is the GOAT in my eyes. Mike, you're a close 4th.
1. Jokes aside, thanks FishTacosTonite for the support! Hopefully you get entranced with our future videos to come!
Jia you Xian. you are fighting game star of Singapore. You will win Champion again if you keep moving..😮
I agree with Xian's philosophy. Fun first. If you're not having fun, don't force yourself to do something.
This was very educational and fun to watch, great insight.
Thank you!
I still never liked what the e-sports mentality has done to fighting games. I miss when being number 1 was out of passion instead of the paycheck.
Who was INIT FOR THE MONEY
The struggle is real for sure!! But you are doing a great job keep it up!
THE GOAT KYAAAAAAAAAAAAA
This should not be the accepted status-quo. No progress will be made this way.
That point about the games these days are created in a way that everyone can win, is so real! Its like the modern vs legacy games argument. Modern games are like rock paper scissors, its easy to play but hard to win because the skill gap is smaller, and because everyone has a good chance to win, its very hard to win consistently. Legacy games are hard to play, with higher skill ceiling thus higher skill gap, pro players can consistently win. Being a pro these days is extremely hard because of that, there are more players within the same skill level in a lower skill ceiling game. Even MenaRD who is the best SF player now couldn't win Gamers8 and Capcom Cup when it matters.
I never thought of doing anything pro I’m just a online warrior 😆. Great video XM 👍
Online warriors can still become the Ultimate Warrior
Xian is a real one. This interview was raw honesty. Thanks for doing this Mike
I know ppl want this to be a thing but ppl just have to realize that it is not at that point. league of Legends has the money behind it along with the numbers.
Fighters are simply not there. League also has $200 skins to fond all that craziness. If a fighter had $200 skins it would die so quick.
We also have too many weirdos that spook the ad money away. We are simply still children in the main scheme of things.
Hopefully Project L will bring many new players.
@@lupapupa1963 It will, but it'll also bring in their form of toxicity
@@lupapupa1963 Unless Project L doesnt have the many champions of LoL, it will drop off.
@@manuelito1233 True, but to be fair fgc is pretty toxic already, just like most competitive video games. (Not LoL level but still)
Interesting topics that raise more questions: How has Chris Wong been mentally with second place? Was there any mental or spiritual damage from being so close to a million dollars? The winner of the Capcom Cup saw his effort rewarded, but would he try again? He already won a million, he can practically live comfortably on that without ever playing more than for fun until a next tournament with another huge prize where you can focus again and go through stress and other things . These are questions that I wish Xian could ask both players in an interview.
Love you Mike and Xian
Great video, though it’s kind of sad. The reality of this space is that being a commentator or content creator outweighs being a pro. Kudos for putting in the work.
The commentary bubble is just as tough, if not harder to penetrate. Talking with good personality is not as easy or might not come as easy to many either. In this current era, its particularly important to undergo multiple channels to get your name out there. Also thanks for the support!
@@VersusVortex Facts! These conversations are so nuanced that saying one outweighs the other sometimes makes it sound like it's easier or dismissive of how much work you have to put into the other paths. Just seems as if you're more capped as a pro. :D
I think this goes for all endeavours that are not a 'regular job'. Content creation unfortunaly is where we're all headed.
Great conversation, xian and Mike.
The grind to be Pro takes sooo much time out of your life. The top 5,000 SF6 players probably devote so much of their time into the game to get better, and most never reach Pro status. Before you know it, 5-7 years are wasted out of their lives, time that could have been spent learning a good career, making more money, and spending more time with family and friends. The top players should receive more financial support. Xian is def keeping it real.
Big year for Xian, send him your energy!
I understand Xian's perspective, and yet I see a lot of pros emerging in fighting games all the time. The Pakistani Tekken pro scene is going strong, with quite a few having bagged sponsorships recently. So, how are they sustaining themselves if the prize money is too small? Are they working 9-5 and playing Tekken only on the side?
The appeal of new tournaments such as ESWC happening in Riyadh leads to alot more opportunities for sponsors to sign new/ strong players. Signing players that are rising hot is also particularly incentivizing for orgs because you get viewers who would specifically tune in to watch them play, giving their sponsors that tasty shoutout, making their money worth.
My favorite FGC player, Xian!
Great video
Appreciate the support!
That's why we need seeded tournaments to ensure that industry pros that are OGs are those who are OP, get a definitive tournament pay out. A bit like tennis. It ensures that amateurs get their chance in lower tier tourneys, but tournaments now pay guaranteed money for a seeded pros' attendance.
Xian the goat
thanks for this perspective!
Dam Mike Ross is an OG. He unc now
Yay, was waiting for this one 👍
It's Not Worth it to be a Pro Fighting Game Player! The title needs to an edit, great interview by the way
Thank you GOAT!
Very insightful
I 100% Agree it's not worth going pro in fighting games just stream you'll make way more in the long run
From the streets Xiao Wan Long to the current Xian, you've come a long long way to establish yourself as a pro gamer. Add oil and keep your passion alive!!
Passion never dies
5:48 So true. Btw the only player that's made me consider switching from stick to Pad. Not Punk, not Mena, not Du... Snake Eyez.
Man has a pad with the sticks removed LMAO
Just want to say that i will always support you as a fan Xian and Mike. Unless one of you get cancelled or something.
"Unless one of you get cancelled or something" IS CRAZY
@Xian is always my favourite SF4 player.
This is exactly why I gave up on being a professional musician. I can make music without being perpetually broke.
Mike Ross on his 10th channel now.
Mike Ross Is RUclips
What Xian talks about refers to pretty much any self made business or creative venture in life. In which you rely on yourself. That isnt a job working a typical 9 to 5. Or in the case of trying to make a living playing video games. When the games is a niche genre. Which fighting games are.
Its a life long and lifestyle commitment. You cant half ass the process and the journey. While also having a way to finance your venture.
LOL great interview
Xian spitting out real facts!
Streamers are more known than pros sometimes
I love this.
but thats with anything in business or pro. Im a photographer/film maker soon to be and we need to brand ourselves to make our money. Im sure a normal joe can stream but compare him to xian whos gonna get more views? So summary, you don't make that money in tournaments or as a pro, but your resume or your proof of work can lead you to a career after. content , tutorials, podcasts, etc compared to a normal kid. Now competition with a girl whos attractive and can barely play but gets more views than pros is concerning lmao
great vid
more
on the way
Fun > Money, follow your dreams because you only have one life
Obsession and addiction are never and never will be about "fun." But you need those two things to compete.
GOOD LORD mike ross got old!😳
It’s not worth it until you win a million plus dollars
Do it like Daigo.
Just play the game becauce it's fun. and if you're good you're good enjoy the money.
Xian English has improved greatly. Big fan of this channel please keep making content!
Always!
Cause watching pros gets boring. The biggest issue is they all play the same characters. I’m a 32 year old man. I’m not going to wake up and watch 7 mirror matches. Just boring. I’ll rather use that time to play the game myself or watch RUclips gameplay.
Pros only have themselves to blame.
They want to have views but spend the whole games life time just complaining about the game. Why would new people join if they are constantly trashing the game and not recommending it.
💯
Mike, you looking pretty old now bro. We the same age group and you looking old like Gouken bro... get it together my guy
Jesus. Mike Ross, you got old.
deejay
Damn Mike Ross a grandpa now?
UNC vibes
Damnnnnnnn we ain't gonna hear shit elseeeeeee
Evo champ wins like 6000 euros lol, being a pro fighting game player is a joke, at higher level fighting games aren’t even as fun as mid level/ casual level, it’s so much time n effort for no reward unless you consistently win
Most people dont do it for the money
@@jonathanshihadeh Nobody does something for 5 - 8 hours a day for "fun" either.
People can get PHDs if they spent time studying instead of getting good.
It’s not worth paying 4 electric or gas
FML…😂
Love your name btw
1 ❤
1
Yeah, as far as I understand it the pools have not realistically been sufficient to pay the bills unless it is one of the rare tournaments that has a gigantic prize pool. On top of that everything is getting more and more expensive these days. If even the 9-5 guys are struggling to survive, semi-pros and pros in a niche community(compared to other esports) don’t stand a chance. So it falls to diversifying revenue streams which can be extremely challenging for people to do. Especially when getting a regular job provides upfront money. The game is rigged and not everyone can compete.
1
1
Xian out here dropping gems. Being a pro FGC player is simply not the same as it was back in the golden era of fighting games (sf3/4). Anyone who can't or just refuses to wrap their head around that sentiment just hasn't been around long enough to experience how badly certain aspects in life can degrade over time. Being an FGC pro now means you are limited to only playing the newest games and constantly having to adjust to each new scrub mechanic that gets introduced. Meanwhile, a professional chess player doesn't have to worry about this, because the rules of the game have remained the same for 1500 years. It's a game purely based on skill. You can't just randomly pop heat or v-trigger to checkmate your op. The same could be said for basketball or many other sports.
The fact of the matter is that developers will always have to choose profits from mass appeal over the relatively small user base of passionate players that have kept them afloat all these years. This is precisely why the FGC will always remain a very niche and divided community and will never establish any real credibility in the world of sporting and entertainment. As much as it saddens me to know that this trend will only continue to worsen, I'm grateful I got a chance to experience the golden era as it was easily one of the best times in my life.
Got us out here feeling sentimental :')
There was never money in this. Your nostalgia is blinding you.