Ryan Hart Sparks Debate Over Competitive Gaming's Age Reality

Multiple-time tournament winner and Guinness World Record holder Ryan Hart has sparked an emotional discussion about age in competitive fighting games and the inevitable reality facing many long-time pros.

In a recent post on social media, Hart expressed sadness over the fact that for many players in their 40s, Street Fighter 6 could be their final game at a top competitive level.

“Really sad to realise that age-wise for us older players (Tokido, Daigo, myself, Sako, Haitani, Itabashi Zangief, and all the other 40s pros), this will be our last Street Fighter game.

“With each SF game going on for around seven years before the new one, that will put many of us at 50 years old or close to it.

“It’s been such an epic journey and I know I’ll definitely miss attending events to participate.

“It will be fun to watch the new kids go at it, but it’ll be a shame not to even be part of the action.

“Has been a great time of my life. Thank you everyone.”

Hart’s reflections resonated deeply across the fighting game community, with many fans and players sharing similar sentiments. While several agreed with his point, acknowledging that aging players face new challenges, others argued that experience, adaptability, and game knowledge could still allow veterans to compete at the highest level.

In follow-up comments, Hart clarified that his post was not about skill deterioration but about time, the most limited resource for aging competitors. He explained that staying at the top requires countless hours of preparation and travel, which becomes increasingly difficult for those with families or other life commitments.

The fighting game scene has yet to truly see what long-term aging looks like at the highest level. Icons like Daigo Umehara, Tokido, Sako, and Fuudo, all in their forties, are still performing at elite levels, setting new precedents for longevity in esports.

Still, Hart’s concerns are far from unfounded. The competitive schedule is more grueling than ever, with players often traveling across continents for Capcom Pro Tour events, regional events, and invitational tournaments. Younger players, with fewer responsibilities and more time to train, are beginning to rise rapidly, as seen with prodigies like Hinao, Blaz, and EndingWalker.

Whether Street Fighter 6 truly marks the last era for this generation of players remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: their influence on the game and community will endure long after they step away from competition.

Ryan Hart, also known as “Prodigal Son,” is one of the most accomplished players in fighting game history. A British esports pioneer, he holds multiple Guinness World Records, including for the most tournament victories in fighting games, and has competed at the highest level across titles such as Street Fighter, Tekken, and Virtua Fighter.
Hart was also the first UK player to win EVO, and his career has spanned over 25 years, making him one of the most respected figures in the global fighting game community.