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It’s a tough road ahead for the Filipino Tekken star but AK’s not planning on slowing down.
Evo 2025 is right around the corner and NAVI’s AK is looking to make a breakthrough in this year’s 2,500+ man Tekken 8 tournament. After graduating from the De La Salle College of Saint Benilde earlier this year, Alexandre “AK” Lavarez is now free to shift his attention to the battles ahead.
“Masaya siya pero at the same time nabitin ako,” says NAVI’s AK on the topic of his graduation. “Hindi ko na-expect na ang bilis; ngayon graduate na ako. Pero masaya pa rin siya kasi pagtapos na, pwede ka na mag-focus sa ibang bagay.”
That focus is going straight to securing a spot in the Esports World Cup’s Tekken 8 tournament later this August. Only two qualifiers are left and that’s this Evo and the upcoming Last Chance Qualifier a week after. Time and slots are running out for one of the biggest Tekken tournaments of the year but AK remains calm and collected through it all.
“May times nga naiisip ko na nakaka-pressure pero syempre, ganun talaga,” says NAVI’s AK matter-of-factly. “Minsan nananalo, minsan natatalo. Pero ang importante doon ay I’m having fun and I’m loving the game. And at the same time, hindi nagiging stagnant yung performance or skills ko.”
The competition has indeed been tough for AK as he’s gotten painfully close to securing his spot multiple times. Still, he can’t let those shortcomings deter him, especially on a stage as big as Evo.
“Oo, natatalo ako sa mga past tournaments ko, pero I’m seeing improvements compared to dati. Yun yung importante – hanggang hindi pa tapos yung mga qualifiers or laro, then hindi pa siya tapos. Nagpre-prepare pa rin ako para mag-qualify.”
Banner photo from AK.