Zeng Zhuojun Wins EWC Street Fighter 6 in 9-Game Thriller, Punk Picked as Trophy Base Sparking Buzz: A Match That Altered the Timeline

In the early hours of August 24, 2025, Chinese fighting game veteran Zeng Zhuojun (ID: XIAOHAI) successfully defended his title in the EWC Esports World Cup – Street Fighter 6 event after a nail-biting nine-game final. He edged out 15-year-old Chilean prodigy Blaz with a narrow 5-4 victory, clinching the world championship once again.

What followed the final was just as headline-worthy. As per EWC tradition, the champion gets to select three opponents whose “keys” will form the base of their trophy. XIAOHAI chose Punk, GO1, and Blaz — a decision that immediately stirred discussions within the community.

Each of the selected players had deep connections with XIAOHAI’s tournament journey:

• GO1: Previously defeated XIAOHAI in the Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves grand final. This time, XIAOHAI avenged that loss with a 5-2 win in the Street Fighter 6 quarterfinals.
• Blaz: The grand final opponent, whose age-defying skill and composure earned widespread respect.
• Punk: Famously threw away a massive lead during the group stage by prematurely celebrating — only to be reverse-swept by XIAOHAI in a moment that instantly became part of FGC lore.

Fans have dubbed this reversal “the match that changed the timeline.” Some even joked, “Punk deserves half the trophy,” referencing the now-viral meme: “It all started when Green Rushed to pick up the controller…”

Editorial Commentary:

Zeng Zhuojun’s triumph wasn’t just a win of skill and mental fortitude — it was a masterclass in narrative-driven esports. By choosing Punk, GO1, and Blaz, he honored not only rivals but key turning points in his own competitive arc.

The “trophy base selection” mechanic is quickly becoming an iconic EWC ritual — transforming competitive gaming into a richer storytelling medium. In EWC, championships are no longer just about scorelines, but also about who and what shaped the journey.