Falcon | ATIF: “TEKKEN 8 is all about the matchup game”

Pakistan is among the most formidable contenders in the global TEKKEN scene. This strength can be attributed to Arslan Ash, a Pakistani player who significantly boosted the game’s popularity within his country. Additionally, other skilled athletes like ATIF have continued this trend, achieving numerous international victories and making Pakistan a force to reckon with in TEKKEN.

In 2022, ATIF claimed victory at the TEKKEN World Tour Finals, marking one of several top-tier accomplishments for this skilled player. Fast forward to 2024, ATIF left an indelible mark on TEKKEN 8 by emerging as the champion of the CEO 2024 tournament. Seizing the moment, esports.gg extended an invitation to ATIF for a Q&A session.

At CEO 2024, esports.gg achieved our initial top-tier win in TEKKEN 8. How does it feel? Were we anticipating such an outcome?

“Honestly speaking, becoming the CEO in Tekken 8 is a significant accomplishment for me given that the game has only just been released. Initially, I had my doubts about my skills in this new version. However, things turned out better than I anticipated. I’m thrilled with this unexpected victory.”

I’ve been having a great time playing as Dragunov in TEKKEN lately. There’s just something about his backstory and moves that really resonate with me. His military background and tactical approach to combat align well with my own experiences. As for other fighters, yes, I do have a few counter-picks up my sleeve. Each character in TEKKEN has its unique strengths and playstyles, so it’s essential to adapt and learn from them all. Some of my go-to choices include Kazuya, Paul, and Law, but I always keep an open mind and try out new fighters whenever possible.

ATIF: I’ve been deeply connected to Dragunov in TEKKEN 8 since its release. Due to being unwell for nearly three months, myCEO participation was limited to this character as I hadn’t had the chance to explore other options or compete with new characters in Pakistan. However, I am now experimenting with various other characters to broaden my game understanding.

Do you have a preferred character clash in the current game scene that you dislike? Finding it challenging when opponents frequently switch between characters like Doujin?

“Doujin exhibits remarkable skill in playing different characters during the tournament. Impressively so, TEKKEN 8 hinges on the compatibility between opponents. Should you draw a favorable match, victory is more likely to ensue. However, it’s premature to single out a particularly unfavorable matchup at this stage – let’s wait until I face top Korean, Japanese, and international competitors.”

In the top 8 bracket of the CEO 2024 tournament, you faced off against KEISUKE on two occasions. The final match was particularly tight. Could the narrow margin be attributed to your opponent’s ability to adapt? Or perhaps the pressure of the final match played a role?

AIF: “Playing Kazuya against such top-tier competition at CEO isn’t for everyone. Kudos to Keisuke for delivering an incredible performance as Kazuya that we won’t soon forget. He quickly adjusted to my Dragunov, but I took advantage when he faltered with his combos. It might have been the pressure of the grand final affecting him.”

As a seasoned gamer, I’ve learned that managing tournament pressure is all about staying focused and composed. I usually prepare myself mentally by practicing deep breathing exercises and visualizing my gameplay strategies. Before top-level events, I dedicate extra time to honing my skills through extensive training sessions with fellow gamers or online opponents. Additionally, I make sure to get plenty of rest and maintain a healthy diet to keep my mind sharp and my body energized for the competition ahead.

As a gamer, I used to feel overwhelmed by the pressure of competing on the international stage, causing me to underperform. But now, I’ve learned to embrace the experience and stay composed. I remind myself that every moment, whether it’s practicing offline, traveling to events, or actually performing, is an investment in my growth as a player. So, I choose to enjoy and make the most of each moment.

Reflecting on my past, I can’t help but marvel at the incredible milestones I reached in TEKKEN, such as winning the World Tour title. But have you ever stopped to wonder why I gravitated towards this game in the first place? What was it about TEKKEN that held me captivated and ultimately shaped my gaming experiences?

“TEKKEN holds a significant spot in my heart. Through this game, I’ve met numerous individuals who have enriched my life in profound ways – from my soulmate to cherished friends. Initially, I played it casually, but little did I know that my involvement would eventually lead me to such remarkable achievements! I am grateful for that. Inspired by my success in the first tournament I entered, others encouraged me to pursue TEKKEN as a career.”

I’m really hyped up for the Esports World Cup 2024! Which player am I going to have to keep an eye on and possibly face off against in the competition?

“I’m thrilled about participating in the European Wrestling Championships. Obtaining qualification for this event held significant importance for me. However, I anticipate that those who have qualified will present a formidable challenge. Athletes are putting in great effort and making adjustments to prepare.”

Will we be able to see you playing at other Tekken World Tour events?

As a dedicated gamer, I’m thrilled to announce that I’ll be competing in events like Evo and other major tournaments. My goal is to put in my best effort to qualify for The World Tour (TWT) once again. Over the past two years, I’ve been fortunate enough to represent myself in the TWT, even securing the champion title during that time!