At Tokyo Game Show, two Abu Dhabi gamers find fame as Street Fighter stars
A police officer once stopped Adel “Big Bird” Anouche in Japan, but not because Anouche had done anything wrong; the officer had simply recognised him. Amjad “AngryBird” Al Shalabi has become used to similar encounters. On trips to Japan, strangers have stopped him in metro stations to talk about matches he played years earlier. That recognition was apparent again at Tokyo Game Show 2026 , where…
At the recent Tokyo Game Show, two gamers from Abu Dhabi gained widespread recognition for their skills in Street Fighter. Adel "Big Bird" Anouche and Amjad "AngryBird" Al Shalabi, who both compete as part of the Red Dunes Esports team, were met by fans at the booth of the Abu Dhabi studio, Red Dunes Games. Anouche was surprised by the large number of people who attended the meet-and-greet, while Al Shalabi noted that Japanese fans often show a deep understanding of his career.
The pair, known collectively as The Birds, started their journey in Abu Dhabi before establishing themselves on the international fighting game circuit. In 2026, their seasons took different directions. Anouche entered Capcom Cup confident of winning, qualifying from his group in first place but facing difficulties against Japanese veteran Fuudo in the top 16 due to Fuudo's character choice.
Al Shalabi had a different kind of year, recovering from personal issues and returning to Japan to improve his form. He trained intensively and reached the top three at Ultimate Fighting Arena in France, finishing second in SFL EMEA 2026 and qualifying for the playoffs.
Both players acknowledge the increased competition level in Street Fighter, with Anouche highlighting the growing player base, particularly in Japan, and improvements in the average player's skills. Al Shalabi points to the increased depth in the top eight at major tournaments, noting the challenge of maintaining a high level across a busy international schedule.
In the Middle East, Anouche sees growing interest in esports in Saudi Arabia, while Al Shalabi is more reserved about progress in the UAE fighting game community. Red Dunes is now focusing on supporting the next generation of players, acknowledging the significant difference in resources compared to when they first started.
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