A 92-year-old grandmother from Japan has achieved an unlikely victory, defeating her rivals to become a champion in the popular fighting game Tekken 8.
A Champion's Passion at 92
Hisako Sakai emerged victorious at a tournament held last month, organised by the Care Esports Association. She beat seven other competitors to win the crown, playing as the character Claudio. The nonagenarian expressed she was 'so happy' with her win, which was secured through what spectators praised as 'brutal combos' and clear passion for the game.
The competition is specifically designed for gamers aged between 73 and 95, aiming to create a casual esports environment for the elderly. The final, watched by thousands online, saw Hisako face off against 74-year-old Goro Sugiyama, who played as the acrobatic fighter Lili.
Senior Esports and Cognitive Benefits
The event, streamed on YouTube, highlighted a growing trend of older adults engaging with video games. While some viewers joked about 'button mashing', the gaming magazine PC Gamer noted there were still 'moments of breathtaking hype' during the matches.
This fascination with pensioners gaming isn't new. When Grand Theft Auto V launched in 2013, clips of seniors exploring its virtual world became a popular online phenomenon. Beyond entertainment, research suggests certain games can benefit the ageing brain.
A 2018 study by Dr Gregory West of the University of Montreal found that playing 3D open-world games like Super Mario 64 could improve grey matter in the brain's hippocampal region. However, the study noted that first-person shooter games did not have the same positive effect.
Changing Perceptions of Play
The Care Esports Association, based in Japan's Mie, Gifu and Aichi prefectures, continues to challenge stereotypes by hosting these events. Their mission is to provide an accessible platform where older people can participate in the digital pastime of esports, a domain typically associated with the young.
Hisako Sakai's remarkable achievement underscores that gaming skill and competitive spirit have no age limit, inspiring a new conversation about technology, ageing, and cognitive engagement.
