The Global Esports Federation enhances its Athletes and Players Commission with the inclusion of Japan’s top gamer, Hajime Taniguchi, better known as Tokido.
“Esports is now among the fastest growing sport and entertainment globally. Skills and commitment alone are not enough to guarantee long-term success in esports, health and wellbeing are as important to ensure a sustainable career in esports. I’m honored to be a part of a worldwide organization that places equal emphasis on the overall wellbeing of players and athletes, empowering them to keep levelling-up their game, and at the same time establishing a sustainable career pathway for esports athletes to succeed,” said Tokido, Esports Champion, Member of Athletes and Players Commission, Global Esports Federation.
“We are thrilled to welcome an esports legend onto the Athletes and Players Commission. I trust that the Global Esports Federation will benefit greatly from his expansive experience having competed on some of the most prestigious world stages in esports,” said Charmaine Crooks, Vice President and Chair, Athletes and Players Commission, Global Esports Federation. “Tokido’s involvement in the Commission will help further the detailed work we have already put in to shape the organization, convening this incredible community, while enhancing the representation of the world’s esports athletes.”
Recognized by fans and the esports community as one of the “Five Gods” of Japanese Street Fighter with a long legacy of winning at the game across multiple eras, Tokido has won many global and domestic titles including, Evo (2002, 2007 and 2017), Canada Cup (2018 and 2019) and Topanga Championship 2020. Hailing from Okinawa, he grew up in Yokohama, Japan and graduated from Tokyo University. Tokido became a professional gamer in 2010 and was a member of Team Mad Catz from 2011 to 2016 and Echo Fox between 2017 and 2019. He has also published two books that chronicle his journey to becoming a professional esports champion; and explain his personal philosophy on commitment and determination that expanded his esports career.