From Arcade to Asian Games: Tekken Pro 'Knee' Aims for Gold in Debut Tournament

At 41, Bae Jae-min, a veteran professional gamer known by his moniker 'Knee', is set to make his debut at the 2026 Aichi-Nagoya Asian Games. He will compete in the esports fighting game category, representing South Korea in Tekken.

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The goal is, of course, to win and get a gold medal.

Bae Jae-min, who turned pro at 33, has a lifelong connection with Tekken, which began in arcades. He turned professional in 2017 after receiving an offer from e-sports team ROX Gaming, a moment he described as a long-held dream. He recently secured his spot on the national team by winning the selection trials in May, earning the right to wear the Taegeuk mark.

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I had such a strong desire to play as a professional player.

The Asian Games will feature a team event for fighting games, combining Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and The King of Fighters XV. This format, where three games form a team, emphasizes teamwork alongside individual skill. Bae Jae-min, a former world No. 1 in Tekken, acknowledges the challenge of adapting to the new Tekken 8 game, which significantly changed gameplay. He described this period as mentally taxing but emphasized the importance of continuous adaptation.

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I never imagined I would participate in a major tournament like the Asian Games as a national representative.

His teammates include Lee Kwang-no, 45, for The King of Fighters, and Yeon Je-gil, 39, for Street Fighter. Bae Jae-min expressed confidence in the team's ability to build camaraderie under coach Kang Sung-hoon. Despite the challenges, his sights are set on a gold medal, though he recognizes formidable opponents in Japan and Pakistan. He drew inspiration from fan support and the 'never-give-up' spirit, vowing to meet expectations.

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I am also feeling a great sense of responsibility to achieve good results.