Street Fighter 6: The Controllers Preferred by Top Pros From arcade sticks to DualSense pads, here’s what the best players in the world are winning with

Since its 2023 launch, Street Fighter 6 has become one of the most celebrated entries in Capcom’s iconic series. With its deep combat system, frequent updates, and thriving esports scene, players are constantly refining how they play — and that includes their choice of controller.

Whether you prefer the classic feel of a DualShock, the precision of an arcade stick, or the speed of a leverless hitbox, Street Fighter 6 offers flexibility for every kind of fighter. Here’s a breakdown of what the world’s top players are using right now.

🕹️ BigBird – The Classic Arcade Stick Master

Adel “BigBird” Anouche has cemented himself as one of the best Street Fighter 6 players in the world, most recently taking home the title at Red Bull Kumite 2025. His weapon of choice? The arcade stick.

“When I started playing, I went to the local arcade and I was playing on the arcade cabinet. I never switched since then,” BigBird shared during an Esports World Cup interview.

Arcade sticks remain the gold standard for many veterans. Built around the same six-button layout that defines Street Fighter, these controllers offer durability, fast inputs, and immense customization — from button color and faceplate art to joystick restrictor gates that can alter movement precision.

Switching from a traditional pad can take some adjustment, but the payoff is immense control and a tactile experience that feels true to the series’ arcade roots.

⚡ Daigo “The Beast” Umehara – Leverless Precision

The legend himself, Daigo Umehara, has transitioned from the old-school arcade stick to a Hitbox (leverless controller). Known for his unrivaled precision, Daigo’s setup replaces the joystick with directional buttons — allowing for lightning-fast, frame-perfect inputs.

Leverless controllers separate directional inputs into four distinct buttons, letting players move using individual fingers instead of a thumb or wrist motion. The result? Speed, consistency, and comfort, especially for charge and command characters.

To meet competitive regulations, modern hitboxes are fitted with SOCD (Simultaneous Opposite Cardinal Directions) cleaners, ensuring that simultaneous inputs default to neutral — making them fully legal in official Capcom Pro Tour events.

While some critics call it “too fast,” Daigo’s continued dominance proves that mastering a hitbox takes skill, not shortcuts.

🎮 MenaRD – The DualSense Underdog

You don’t need a $300 controller to win at Street Fighter 6 — just ask Saul “MenaRD” Mena II. The two-time Capcom Cup champion and three-time EVO winner uses nothing more than a standard DualSense controller on PS5.

Despite its simplicity, the DualSense offers flexibility through customizable button bindings and adaptive triggers. MenaRD’s relaxed playstyle, complete with fluid movements and lightning-quick shoulder button inputs, proves that the default controller can go toe-to-toe with specialized hardware.

With the right bindings, you can comfortably map all six attack buttons across the pad, making it as efficient as any pro-grade setup. MenaRD’s success is living proof that skill matters more than gear.

🧩 Choosing the Right Controller for You

So, which controller should you use?

That depends entirely on your comfort and playstyle. Each controller type offers unique strengths:

Arcade sticks give tactile feedback and nostalgia.
Hitboxes deliver unmatched speed and precision.
Gamepads like the DualSense offer accessibility and familiarity.

If you’ve ever been curious about trying something new, now’s the perfect time. The market is full of great arcade sticks and leverless controllers, but the best choice is the one that lets you play your best — and have fun doing it.

🧠 Final Thoughts

At the end of the day, Street Fighter 6 is about expression — through gameplay, characters, and even the tools you use to fight. Whether you’re smashing buttons on an arcade stick or styling with a DualSense, the most important thing is mastering your craft and playing your way.

Find your rhythm, practice your combos, and make every fight your own.