WATCH: Pinoy prodigy is world's youngest pro Tekken player

 

 

As one of the most popular and recognizable fighting game franchises on the planet, Tekken stands as one of the most enduring and influential brawlers ever. Across the series’ various installments and spinoffs, everyone has a particular favorite character that matches his or her style, with subtle tweaks made through the years that give more than enough reason to come back and test their limits.

 

Then there’s those moments that truly make games like these unpredictable: facing someone as young as 14-year-old Filipino Alexander “AK” Laverez, the youngest known competitive Tekken champion to date!

 

In a video by Bandai Namco Games' very own Tekken channel in YouTube, AK steps in the spotlight and talks about why he became a Tekken player in the first place: his love and admiration for his grandma, who took him to the mall when he was four years old and got him his first taste of Tekken at the arcades.

 

 

Currently studying at St. Paul College of Parañaque, AK says he diligently wakes up early and tries to be a good student in school. But come dismissal time at 4pm, he goes to his father’s shop to play and practice his skills in Tekken.

 

Because of his young age, it is understandable how other players have at first underestimated him but have now come to respect his ability to play competitively. 

 

Players who have faced AK have noted how aggressive and polished his fighting style is, something which has helped him him the top position in Tekken tournaments. In fact, professional Japanese Tekken players like Nobi and female player Tanukana have expressed their mutual surprise and admiration for a kid so talented at so young an age.

 

When asked why he plays and loves Tekken by none other than series producer Katsuhiro Harada himself, AK answered very simply: “Because it makes me happy”. That, along with playing to make new friends around the world, is what draws him to Tekken, making video games a place where friendships and communities can be fostered. — TJD, GMA News