By Web Desk 
August 20th will forever be etched in the memory of Pakistan’s TEKKEN superstar Arslan Ash. The day, which also marks his birthday, took an unexpected turn that even he couldn’t have imagined. What started as a regular celebration turned into an extraordinary event when Arslan met Brazilian football legend Neymar Jr. during the ongoing ESports World Cup in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Arslan Ash, a five-time Evolution Championship Series (EVO) champion, has long been a dominant force in the world of TEKKEN. However, his birthday this year brought him face-to-face with one of the biggest names in football. The encounter happened backstage at the ESports World Cup, where both stars were present for different reasons—Neymar for a celebrity showmatch and Arslan for his upcoming TEKKEN competition.
Taking to social media to share his excitement, Arslan posted, “Couldn’t have asked for a better birthday present than meeting @neymarjr! Thanks for making my day!” The post quickly gained traction, with fans from both the esports and football communities expressing their excitement over the unexpected meeting.
Neymar Jr., who currently plays for Al Hilal, one of Saudi Arabia’s top football clubs, was at the event to participate in a celebrity match aimed at promoting the ESports World Cup. Known for his love of esports, Neymar is not just a casual fan; he is also a part-owner of FURIA Esports, Brazil’s leading esports organization. His involvement in the esports scene made the meeting with Arslan even more special, as it symbolized the growing intersection between traditional sports and esports.
Arslan Ash, on the other hand, is gearing up to compete in the TEKKEN event at the ESports World Cup, which kicks off today. The Pakistani gamer has already made a name for himself on the global stage, and this meeting with Neymar adds yet another highlight to his illustrious career. It’s not the first time Arslan has crossed paths with other sporting legends either. Just two months ago, he met Pakistan’s cricket sensation Babar Azam in Dallas, further solidifying his position as a crossover icon in both esports and traditional sports.
The ESports World Cup in Riyadh has attracted global attention, and this encounter between Arslan Ash and Neymar Jr. has only added to the event’s buzz. For Arslan, the meeting served as an unforgettable birthday gift, one that perfectly encapsulates his rise to global stardom. As he prepares to compete in the TEKKEN event, fans are eager to see if this memorable birthday encounter will inspire yet another championship victory.