Tekken 8 Pro Player Arslan Ash Reveals He Doesn’t Listen to Music

Tekken 8 pro player and EVO champion Arslan Ash recently revealed that he doesn't listen to music.

He made this known during an interview at the Esports World Cup, where he was asked about his level of excitement for singer Post Malone. Ash responded that he wasn’t familiar with the artist and went on to explain that he doesn’t listen to music at all.

The reaction to this revelation has been more notable than the statement itself, with many people expressing shock that someone could be completely uninterested in music.

Ash later clarified that his disinterest is partly due to religious reasons, as some interpretations of Islam consider listening to music haram. However, he also added that he simply has no personal inclination toward music and has no interest in attending concerts or festivals.

Given how deeply embedded music is in global culture, it’s rare to encounter someone who’s entirely indifferent to it. But when such individuals do appear, it’s worth remembering that personal preference plays a large role—and that disliking music is just as valid as loving it. Some online comments used this moment to criticize Islam, while others suggested that if Ash gave their favorite artists a try, he might change his mind. Still, others speculated that the negative responses came from those who already disliked Ash as a competitor.

Regardless, this brief moment of controversy is likely to fade quickly. Once Arslan Ash returns to competition, the focus will inevitably shift back to his gameplay.