“Big Bird” Soars to Victory at Red Bull Kumite's 10th Anniversary Showdown in Paris
Adel “Big Bird” Anouche claimed his second Red Bull Kumite title at the Maison de la Mutualité in Paris, securing a dramatic 5–3 victory in the Grand Final. This triumph also marked the 10th anniversary of the iconic tournament, which once again delivered a weekend full of electrifying Street Fighter 6 action.
Defending Champion Adel Anouche Overcomes Rising Star "EndingWalker" in a Thrilling 5–3 Grand Final.
The anniversary edition of Red Bull Kumite showcased a unique clash of generations, with eight of the most renowned players in the Fighting Game Community (FGC) facing off against eight rising talents. The Legends vs Underdogs format saw legendary figures from past tournaments battle new challengers emerging from the Last Chance Qualifier and Play-In stages.
Team Legends was represented by well-known names like “MenaRD” and “Bonchan,” veterans with years of experience and multiple tournament wins. On the other hand, Team Underdogs brought a wave of raw ambition and promise, featuring up-and-coming stars like Kojiro "Higuchi" and Christ "Akainu" Onema. Their objective was to prove that the next wave of players could take down the established titans of Street Fighter.
“Big Bird” Soars to Victory at Red Bull Kumite's 10th Anniversary Showdown in Paris
Returning to Paris for its 10th edition, Red Bull Kumite brought even more weight to the occasion by returning to the city where it all began - the French capital. Set against the stunning Art Deco backdrop of the Maison de la Mutualité, the tournament fused the elegance of gaming with the raw intensity of competition, elevating the event to a true spectacle.
The tournament's excitement reached its peak on Sunday, 6 April, as the tournament's Semi-Finals began. Defending champion Saul Leonardo "MenaRD" Mena II was eliminated by Adel “Big Bird” Anouche in a hard-fought 3–5 match, setting up an even more intense showdown for the final.
The emotional stakes were high for all the competitors. For "EndingWalker", a young player from the UK, this was his chance to prove himself against some of the best in the world. Similarly, Anouche, a seasoned veteran, sought to defend his title and demonstrate that experience still has its place in the ever-evolving esports landscape. Their performances underscored the dedication and personal sacrifices required to become a top-tier player in a competitive scene that is both demanding and exhilarating.
In the Grand Final, “EndingWalker” from Team Underdogs demonstrated his strength, overcoming “Kakeru” and Masato "Bonchan" Takahashi with 5–3 victories. But it was Anouche who ultimately emerged victorious, securing the win for Team Legends with a 5–3 result, further cementing his place among Street Fighter’s finest players.
"I hope you all enjoyed the show, it's one of my favourite events," said Big Bird following his victory. "I'm happy to have won it – again!"
