Exclusive: “I’m not fully satisfied yet”: Jeondding has big Tekken 8 goals after re-signing with Team Vitality

At 34 years old, Jeon “Jeondding” Sang-hyun is just getting started. The long-time Tekken pro has just re-signed with Team Vitality until 2030 and has some big career goals that are well within his reach.

Of course, only in esports would 34 be considered old. But this is an industry where most pros are burnt out well before 30. Well, unless you’re in the FGC. Probably the most technical and intense of all esports, fighting games require immense dedication, concentration, and skill. You’re fighting one-on-one after all – no teammates to rely on. Just you. Despite this, the FGC is full of esports pros well beyond the usual age, like 40-year-old Bae “Knee” Jae-min still going strong.

For Jeondding, this is just the beginning. This is the decade where he expects everything to come together, especially with the support of Team Vitality.

“I’ve spent my entire twenties with Tekken – it’s been such a big part of my life. Becoming a professional player has made me even more passionate about the game, and I feel incredibly happy when I compete in front of people,” Jeondding told Escapist. “Now, with Team Vitality, that passion has only grown stronger, because I want to make history together with this team.”

Jeondding aims to be the best Tekken player in the world

Jeondding had a pretty uneventful and frustrating 2024. While it was likely upsetting for Jeondding himself, he also felt he had to do better for Team Vitality.

Going into 2025, Jeondding had a new determination. A new goal: deepen Team Vitality fans’ passion for Tekken 8. He said: “I didn’t want to disappoint the people who believe in me.”

This seemed to be enough of a reason for Jeondding to come back hard. He took 4th at CEO 2025, second at THE MIXUP 2025, 33rd-48th at Evo 2025, and then 4th at Esports World Cup 2025, the largest event of the year.

“I’m not fully satisfied yet. I’m happy to know that I’ve been able to help, even a little!” Jeondding said of his high placement at the Esports World Cup.

He definitely had more in him. He had more to give. Jeondding showed that at Evo France 2025, placing second only to Arslan Ash, the undisputed best Tekken player in the world. The Grand Finals were quite intense, with many in the crowd rooting against Arslan Ash. But the GOAT pulled through, showing he has nerves of steel and the skills to back it up.

I asked if Jeondding felt he was an equal competitor to Arslan Ash, which got a little bit of a vague answer. A gentlemanly answer, I’d say.

“We always win and lose. Especially in FGC, we don’t always win!” he said.

And he’s not wrong. The FGC is one of the most intense esports out there; one wrong move could be the demise of your entire Top 8 run. There’s also a lot of mental strain when you’re the only one up there. It’s a raw, intense fight that feels more personal than any other esports I’ve witnessed.

I think Jeondding knows he’s not the number one player in the world right now. But that could change. Easily.

When I asked him how he plans on becoming the best, he responded: “I believe I need to stay calmer during matches and improve my ability to handle multiple characters effectively. Overall, Tekken 8 is going well, but there are some challenging matchups.

“By studying these more closely and practising my characters with counterpicks, I can continue to strengthen my performance.”

And Jeondding isn’t just saying stuff – this is what he most definitely plans to do and he knows it’ll work. In fact, he is hoping to win the Tekken World Tour Final in 2026.

He said: “I’ve always said I want to bring home a trophy, and so far, I haven’t had the chance to do so. I’m determined to deliver trophies for Team Vitality and make that vision a reality.”

Of course, it’s not all about the most prestigious tournaments either. Back in 2022, Jeondding won the REV Major 2022 in the Philippines, and it’s remained his favorite victory to this day. Jeondding believes he won the event for his grandfather, who passed away right before the tournament. It was no TWT, but it had exciting matches and meaningful memories. It showed the power of the FGC; its passion, excitement, dedication.

Jeondding will be bringing that memory along his journey with Team Vitality, hoping that passion and dedication will push him even further.

It’s just the beginning. He is just getting started.