'We Don't Take Anything For Granted' — LATAM is the Strongest Region in Street Fighter 6, and It’s Because They’re Hungrier Than You
IGN sat down with Blaz and the team at 2Game to discuss their monumental victory at the Street Fighter League Americas 2026 Finals and that viral set with NoahTheProdigy.
The Street Fighter League Americas 2026 Finals showcased some of the most thrilling and competitive Street Fighter gameplay witnessed by reporter. Derek 'Blaz' and Noah 'NoahTheProdigy' Solis engaged in an intense set that left viewers on the edge of their seats. Blaz, a 17-year-old Chilean player, demonstrated exceptional skill using the underrepresented character Jamie, while Noah played Luke.
The Latin American region, particularly Chile, has become a powerhouse in Street Fighter 6, with young players like Craime making Top 8 at Evo Las Vegas and winning the 2026 Esports World Cup. This regional strength is attributed to the fact that Latin American players don't take anything for granted. They lack the same opportunities as other regions, which pushes them to perform at the highest level whenever given the chance.
This determination was evident in Blaz's remarkable match against Noah, where he perfected three consecutive parries against Luke's projectiles. Following their victory, Mexican player Lugabo secured the win for 2Game, marking their comeback after a third-place finish last year. The team emphasizes the importance of seizing every opportunity to level up their skills, as seen in Lugabo's third consecutive offline tournament win.
Blaz's achievements are reminiscent of Victor 'Punk' Woodley's breakthrough in Street Fighter V, highlighting the potential for younger competitors in Street Fighter 6. The team will now focus on preparing for the upcoming Street Fighter League World Championships at Capcom Cup next year.
Written by urgent.news from IGN's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
