November 10, 2025
Daigo Umehara Thinks Street Fighter 6 May Be the Last Clash Between Veterans and Newcomers The fighting game legend reflects on the changing landscape of competitive Street Fighter and why SF6 may mark the end of an era
Daigo Umehara has been a cornerstone of the fighting game community since the early 1990s, starting with Street Fighter II and cementing his legacy through countless tournaments and unforgettable highlights — including the legendary Evo Moment #37, a sequence that transcended gaming itself.
While Daigo no longer dominates the competitive scene as he once did, he continues to perform at an elite level, consistently proving that experience and mastery can still compete with the youthful reflexes of today’s pros.
🧠 “This Might Be the Last Time We’re All Mixed Together”
In a recent walking interview, Daigo shared his thoughts on the current state of competition in Street Fighter 6 and how the generational balance is shifting.
“The younger crop of players have really been making great strides lately, huh?” the interviewer remarked.
“But the old guard has been working really hard, too,” Daigo replied before pausing. “This might be the last of that, though. This might be the last time you’ve got the young and the old guard all mixed together.”
Daigo went on to reflect on his age and the physical demands of the modern fighting game scene:
“By the time Street Fighter 6 happens, we’re going to be like 50. So don’t you think this is it? Our last stand against youth. I guess the game mechanics are a factor, too — youth is a particularly big boon in Street Fighter 6. So I guess this is the most interesting time for this scene.”
⚔️ A Generational Shift in Fighting Games
Daigo’s comments touch on a broader truth — the fighting game community is undergoing a generational change. Street Fighter 6 has introduced a new era of accessibility and faster-paced gameplay, allowing young competitors to rise faster than ever before.
Still, the veterans — players like Tokido, Justin Wong, and Daigo himself — continue to push the limits of experience and adaptability, proving that mastery of fundamentals still holds weight in the modern meta.
Whether this truly marks the final chapter for the “old guard” remains to be seen, but Daigo’s reflection underscores just how special this moment in Street Fighter history really is — a rare overlap between eras.
🏁 Final Thoughts
As the competitive scene evolves, Daigo’s perspective reminds us that Street Fighter 6 is more than just the latest entry — it’s a generational crossroads.
If this is indeed the “last stand” for the legends who defined the franchise, it’s shaping up to be a fitting, respectful handoff to the new era of players ready to carry the torch.