Both events aired as a 50-minute TV report in Japan, skyrocketing his popularity in the country. and his first overseas tournament victory. national tournament, which was held in San Francisco, California on November 8. After winning the tournament by defeating Nuki 3-1, Daigo went on to face Alex Valle, the winner of the U.S. His first tournament victory came at his second tournament in 1997, where he defeated Nuki in the finals.Īt the age of 17, Daigo participated in Capcom's official Street Fighter Alpha 3 national tournament and advanced to the finals, which took place on October 11, 1998. Daigo enrolled in his first tournament when he entered GAMEST Cup's national Vampire Hunter tournament in 1995, losing in the block's finals. Īround the time when he was a 13 year old middle school student, Daigo shifted his main game to Vampire Hunter (also known as Darkstalkers) because he thought he was more skilled in it than Street Fighter II. This was when he discovered that he preferred competing with other players. Even though he felt shy, Daigo eventually started challenging other players in Street Fighter II for an opportunity to play. His career and the iconic moments he took part in are cherished around the world, and today Daigo has several books, a manga series, and a statuette in his honor.īiography Childhood and Early Career ĭaigo began going to the arcades and playing fighting games as an elementary school student at around 10 years of age.

Also known as 'The Beast' in the west and 'Umehara' or 'Ume' in Japan, he is considered by many to be the best Street Fighter player of all time, as well as one of the greatest fighting game players of all time.ĭaigo was not only the first Japanese pro gamer, but also one of esports’ first global stars. Daigo Umehara's career spans over two decades, with dozens of legendary performances in the biggest tournaments in the world, accumulating 6 EVO championships.

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