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Blog / Street Fighter’s New GOAT Sets His Sights on Daigo as the Next Big Challenge

December 10, 2025

Street Fighter’s New GOAT Sets His Sights on Daigo as the Next Big Challenge

Street Fighter’s New GOAT Sets His Sights on Daigo as the Next Big Challenge

🥋 A Historic Season That Cements GOAT Status

Few players in fighting game history have built a résumé as stacked as the Dominican Street Fighter star now sitting atop the competitive scene. After leading Team Bandits to victory in the Street Fighter League 2025 US Finals, he has fully entered the conversation as one of the greatest competitors the franchise has ever seen.

2025 has been nothing short of legendary. He captured titles at Evo Japan, Evo Las Vegas, and capped it off with a dominant Street Fighter League US Pro Finals performance. His Grand Finals win showcased complete control, countering every adjustment—including character switches—thrown at him.

With multiple Evo victories and two Capcom Cup trophies already under his belt, he stands alone among the few who have achieved this level of consistent excellence.


🏆 Embracing Greatness While Aiming Even Higher

Despite being widely recognized as the new GOAT of Street Fighter, he isn’t slowing down. During a post-Finals interview, he shared that he has fully embraced the title—but also believes his journey is far from over.

He revealed several goals still driving him forward:

  • Winning a third Capcom Cup
  • Claiming the Evo France championship
  • Securing the prestigious Esports World Cup title

He described this moment in his career as both surreal and motivating, saying that he feels “at peace” with his accomplishments but remains hungry for more. For him, the satisfaction comes not only from winning but from pushing himself and uplifting his teammates along the way.


⚔️ The Daigo Challenge: A First-to-Ten Dreams Match

Among his remaining ambitions, one stands above the rest: a long-awaited first-to-ten exhibition match against Daigo Umehara—arguably the most iconic name in fighting game history.

Daigo’s influence spans decades, from his dominance in titles like Third Strike and Street Fighter IV to his reputation as a master at “downloading” opponents during long sets. FT10 matches are his battleground, where he has dismantled even the world’s best.

Earlier this year, the new GOAT officially requested the match. Although nothing has been scheduled yet, he is confident that it will happen—and even more confident in the result. He stated he is “10 out of 10” sure of his preparation and believes Daigo won’t be ready for what he plans to bring to the table.


🎯 What’s Next for the New Champion?

While waiting for the Daigo showdown to materialize, his focus shifts back to major competition. Team Bandits is gearing up for the Capcom Cup and the Street Fighter League World Finals, where they’ll take on Ninjas in Pyjamas from the EU and the yet-to-be-determined Japanes

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