Visa Troubles Strike Again: Arslan Ash Withdraws from Evo Japan & Riyadh Clash 2025

Arslan Ash, one of the most celebrated esports icons and a five-time EVO champion, has once again fallen victim to persistent visa challenges that have derailed his participation in international tournaments. This time, the Pakistani Tekken legend has officially announced his withdrawal from Evo Japan and the Riyadh Clash 2025, two crucial stages in the Tekken World Tour.

Posting the news on X (formerly Twitter), Arslan expressed his disappointment:

“I will not be able to attend Riyadh Clash and Evo JP this year. I made every effort to go, but unfortunately, I encountered visa problems again.”

Acknowledging the challenges many Pakistani gamers face, he added,

“It’s fine, I’ve learned to live with passport limitations; maybe one day, things will change.”

While this is a huge blow to fans and the international community, Ash hasn’t given up. He confirmed his participation at the upcoming LevelUp Expo and is eyeing other regional opportunities to stay in form. He also remains hopeful for future international engagements.

The news has once again sparked discussions on the need for greater support for esports in Pakistan, especially regarding visa facilitation for professional gamers.

In past tournaments, Pakistani players have stunned global audiences by consistently defeating top Japanese and Korean players. Yet, visa hurdles remain a major setback in achieving consistent international exposure.

As Saudi Arabia gears up for the Esports World Cup 2025 from July 7 to August 4, featuring 25 games, over 2,000 players, and a record-breaking $70 million prize pool, fans can only hope Arslan will get his chance to shine again on the world stage.