Singapore’s Brandon Chia has made a remarkable transition from snooker to esports, showcasing his versatile gaming skills on an international stage. At the 2023 Asian Games in Hangzhou, Chia represented Singapore in Street Fighter, a shift from his earlier days competing in cue sports across Asia and internationally.
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Brandon’s journey into esports began post his mandatory military service, a time when his snooker skills waned and his interest faded. Yet, his competitive spirit was reignited in the local gaming arcades of his youth, gradually leading him back to representing his nation, this time in a digital arena.
Chia’s approach to gaming is uniquely balanced. Unlike many full-time gamers, esports for him is a part-time pursuit alongside a full-time job, enjoying the competition while managing family life with his wife and family support. He views his involvement in esports as temporary, aware of the physical and time demands it imposes.
Currently engaged with Street Fighter, Chia is enthusiastic about the release of Street Fighter 6, which he finds more dynamic and enjoyable than its predecessors. He participated in a Street Fighter demonstration at the Olympic Esports Week in Singapore, heralding the new game’s potential to reshape future competitions.
Despite esports’ growing popularity, Chia recognizes the challenges in changing perceptions in conservative societies like Singapore. He advocates for a greater understanding of the skills involved in esports, such as teamwork, coordination, and rapid strategic thinking, which go largely unnoticed by the public.
As the only Singaporean in esports at the Asian Games, Chia not only competes but also plays a crucial role in elevating the status and acceptance of esports within his country.
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