Today's Edition
Isidora Ciric (abu dhabi)
In the world of professional gaming where pixelated warriors clash in epic battles, Adel Anouche, one of the UAE’s first international e-sports stars, has carved out a name for himself that resonates far beyond the virtual arenas.
Anouche, known in the gaming realm as “Big Bird,” has taken the global community surrounding popular game “Street Fighter” by storm with his skills.
Anouche’s journey from casual gamer to e-sports champion is nothing short of exciting. Growing up in the UAE, Anouche told Aletihad that he was always drawn to video games as a form of entertainment and relaxation.
He fondly recalled his early days playing various fighting games, such as Tekken and Mortal Kombat. However, it was Street Fighter that eventually captured his heart and led him down the path to professional gaming. He started playing the game as a fun hobby, which gradually evolved into something much more significant.
“Well, it was all a coincidence. It started out just for fun and it kept developing slowly until it became a career. But when I first played, I never would have imagined I’d be where I am now,” he explained.
Today, Anouche’s career is studded with memorable moments, but one stands out among the rest. He vividly recounted a triumphant first-place victory from this July at the Red Bull Kumite, one of the most prestigious events in the world of competitive Street Fighter.
His other accolades include a second-place finish at Evo 2019, the largest fighting game tournament globally, and a double win at EGX 2019 in the UK. He has also made history by becoming the only non-Asian player to win a major tournament in Asia.
The UAE, and Abu Dhabi in particular, are witnessing a rapid growth in the e-sports industry, Adel believes. According to him, what the region is set apart by its close-knit gaming community.
“Here, the gaming community feels like a family. Everyone knows everyone, and there is unwavering support for each other,” he shares.
Abu Dhabi’s role in the e-sports scene is becoming increasingly significant, with organisations like Abu Dhabi Gaming leading the charge. They recently held their first e-sports awards ceremony, acknowledging and celebrating the achievements of talents, including Anouche and his gaming partner Amjad, who is known to the gaming community as “Angrybird”.
“Things like that are necessary to increase and put the spotlight on gaming in the region,” Anouche said.
Anouche acknowledges that being a professional gamer in the UAE has its advantages. The sense of community, combined with the early recognition of his talent, made it somewhat easier for him to secure sponsorships compared to regions with a more saturated e-sports landscape.
When asked about his contribution to the growth of gaming in Abu Dhabi, Adel said that he is passionate about mentoring the next generation. He aims to continue competing at the highest international level, but his focus is also on nurturing the gaming scene in the UAE.
“I think people see e-sports pros playing in tournaments and think it is all fun, when often there is a lot of sweat, tears, stress, and pressure involved - and people need to understand that before getting started,” Anouche admitted, adding that it is also important not to forget about other parts of life, like staying healthy, exercising, and being social.
As for his upcoming plans, Adel is gearing up for a series of major tournaments. His team, NASR E-sports, will be competing in the 3v3 Street Fighter League in October.
In November, he will be heading to the Dominican Republic for a prominent tournament, and then to Singapore towards the end of the month. The grand prize is set at a whopping $2 million (Dh7.4m) for the Capcom Cup finals, set to be held in February.
