Four wins. That's a feat. MenaRD's back-to-back victories in 2025-2026, combined with his consecutive wins at Evo Japan, are a huge deal, but it's the character switch that really gets me - ditching M. Bison for Blanka in high-pressure matches, which, let's be real, requires some serious skill and adaptability in Street Fighter 6.
Quick Facts — Street Fighter 6
| Developer | Universal Studios Hollywood Hub |
|---|---|
| Publisher | Capcom |
| Release Date | June 2, 2023 |
It's a big deal. MenaRD faced Shigematsu's Blanka in the Winners Semis. He chose M. Bison first, which led to a tight 2-2 match. You'll see why this matters. The real feel of competition was there. MenaRD switched to Blanka for the last game, and it paid off, beating Shigematsu and sending him to the losers bracket. They've got a lot of heart, and Shigematsu reset the bracket in the Grand Finals with a 3-1 win over MenaRD's Bison, but MenaRD brought out Blanka again, and this time he swept the final set 3-0, taking the Street Fighter 6 Evo championship.
MenaRD's 1% Blanka/Bison Risk
It's the real feel. You'll see why MenaRD picked M. Bison. He chose M. Bison over Blanka, which is worth mentioning. The reason is key: Shigematsu's teammate, Takagi, a top Blanka player, had an influence on MenaRD's strategy in Street Fighter 6, for the Evo champion, it was a clever crossover.
"Honestly, it was a matter of Shigematsu [being] a teammate with another top Blanka player from Japan called Takagi. So I took that into account and I had confidence in my Bison after practice. And my Bison actually produced better results against the Blanka players that I practiced with. But I also had the suspicion that his style was a little bit different. A little more aggressive, and had a lot of tricks."
MenaRD
It's a gamble. The real feel of MenaRD's Street Fighter 6 Evo win came from this. You'll notice it's all about countering with Blanka/Bison, which was key in those Evo matches, for they've spent a lot of time perfecting the crossover of these two characters.
It's a fact. MenaRD won. He was on the winner's side of the Grand Finals. That helped. You'll see why - he could take a risk. The first set was tough, though. Shigematsu won it. Then MenaRD switched to Blanka. This was not just a desperate move. It was a plan. He knew his opponent's style now, and Blanka is his go-to character, the one he's really good with, so it made sense to use him and try to turn things around in Street Fighter 6.
Japan's Secret Weapon: Training Behind Blanka/Bison Dominance
MenaRD wins. He's in Japan now. You'll see him in the Street Fighter League with the Zeta Division. It's key for him, with teammates like Momochi, Higuchi, and Yamaguchi - they're all great players. They give him tough competition every day, which is the real feel he needs to improve in Street Fighter 6.
"I'm staying in Japan right now. I'm playing in the Street Fighter League. My teammates in the Zeta Division: Momochi, Higuchi, and Yamaguchi, they're all amazing players and I see them every day."
MenaRD
He's got the real feel. MenaRD's switch to Street Fighter 6 is key. You'll see it in his Blanka/Bison strategy, which is worth mentioning, especially with Evo on the line, and it's clear they've put in the time to make it work.
Why Everyone's Wrong About Blanka/Bison
It's a switch. You'll see it in Street Fighter 6. MenaRD's move is key. The guy's got skills. He can play Blanka or Bison, it's all the same. In a game like this, you need to know your characters inside out. We've seen him adapt, and that's what makes him a champ. The community's taking note, and for them, it's a lesson in being flexible - you've got to know your own character, and also figure out how to counter your opponent's style, which is no easy feat, especially in a game with this level of complexity.
It's a bold move. You'll see this in Street Fighter 6 often. Capcom has found the sweet spot. The real feel of competition is there. MenaRD's switch to Blanka/Bison paid off, which is worth mentioning. His win at Evo is key, showing that with the right skills, you can take it all in Street Fighter 6.
MenaRD's Bold Bet: Why Blanka/Bison Only
- MenaRD secured his fourth Evo win with a strategic switch from M. Bison to Blanka in the finals.
- The switch was based on practice results against Blanka players and adapting to Shigematsu's aggressive style.
- MenaRD's training in Japan with the Zeta Division has been crucial for his improvement.
- The win highlights Street Fighter 6's competitive depth and balance.
The Bad Gamer Take
Capcom will continue to support Street Fighter 6 with new characters and balance updates because the game's competitive scene is thriving with players like MenaRD. MenaRD's unorthodox Blanka/Bison strategy will inspire other players to experiment with character switching in high-pressure matches. WATCH MenaRD's upcoming tournaments to see if he continues to successfully employ his daring character switch strategy.
MenaRD's win is real. You'll see why soon. The Street Fighter 6 scene is changing fast. It's all about the real feel now. With Street Fighter League and Evo coming up, we've got a lot to look forward to, for sure. The gaming community is waiting to see if MenaRD's Blanka/Bison strategy will inspire other players to switch it up, or if it's just a key move that only he can pull off, which is worth mentioning, especially with the champion's next move being highly anticipated by fans worldwide.
