Top 50 Most Influential People in the FGC – Part 6

We’ve passed the halfway point of our Top 50 Most Influential People in the FGC project, where we highlight FGC’s shining stars and community leaders whose names are destined for the Halls of Fame. These figures, whether through their exceptional gaming skill, their extraordinary contributions to the community, or their tireless efforts in fostering growth and inclusivity, have helped shape the FGC into what it is today.

However, it's essential to note that while this list aims to honor some of the most remarkable individuals within the FGC, the inherent subjectivity of such rankings means that many other influential figures may not find themselves among these fifty names. The FGC is diverse and expansive, teeming with talent and dedication at every level, and influence often extends beyond the boundaries of a list. This compilation serves as a tribute to those who have undoubtedly played a significant role in the growth and evolution of the Fighting Game Community, but it's important to remember that the impact of countless others is equally valuable and deserving of recognition.

Today, we have the god-slayer, William "Leffen" Hjelte, the emotional voice of Street Fighter, James Chen, the brothers that stood at the beginnings of the FGC, Tom and Tony Cannon, one of the most relatable commentators and community figures, Michael "YipeS" Mendoza, and an example to content creators around the world, Brian "Brian_F" Foster. Congratulations!

James Chen

James Chen is, simply put, one of the best casters in esports. As a renowned commentator and analyst, James Chen's insightful commentary transcends the screen, making complex strategies accessible to both casual viewers and seasoned veterans. His articulate and engaging style has become synonymous with major FGC events, elevating the viewer experience to new heights. One of the biggest fans of the fighting games, James wears his heart on his sleeve — he isn’t shy about showing his emotions, be it crying on air or screaming at the top of his lungs.

Beyond the commentary, James Chen, armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of fighting games and an infectious passion for the community, actively helped shape the entire FGC into what it is today. He has done everything: written guides, essays, articles, tutorials, hosted events, and created fighting game-centric shows. This year, his voice was included as one of the commentary options in SF6 — a fitting celebration of his achievements. 

William "Leffen" Hjelte

In the world of competitive gaming, few have risen from being god-slayers into becoming gods themselves as quickly and as convincingly as the Swedish prodigy William "Leffen" Hjelte. A prolific Super Smash Bros. Melee player, he quickly emerged as a major challenger to the "Five Gods" of the scene — Armada, PPMD, Mango, Mew2King, and Hungrybox. His crowning achievement in Melee was winning Evo in 2018.

Since then, Leffen has tried himself in various other games, to incredibly great success. He made some noise in the DBFZ scene, beating some players that went on to be household names in the scene, but his most important deeds were performed in Guilty Gear -STRIVE-: after a close-call attempt last year, he was able to become an Evo champion this summer. Leffen's journey from a skilled player to an Evo champion in two completely different games is nothing short of inspirational.

Michael "YipeS" Mendoza

Known for his unparalleled passion for the competitive scene, Michael "YipeS" Mendoza isn't just a commentator; he’s the viewer’s link with the match. He doesn't need to tell why something is hype, instead, he will make sure that you feel the hype yourself. Known to have no filter and a very good sense of humor, his commentary oftentimes feels like having just one of the mates on the caster desk. A multitalented commentator, he has participated in the events for Street Fighter, Guilty Gear -STRIVE-, DNF Duel, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and many other games.

But before becoming a commentator, he was an accomplished Marvel vs. Capcom 2 player, even becoming an Evo champion in 2007 by defeating Justin Wong in the grand finals. These days, YipeS is also hosting his own series of events called “Can Opener.”

In an industry where influence is measured not only by victories but also by the ability to inspire others, YipeS stands as a true luminary.

Brian "Brian_F" Foster

A strategic mastermind and a charismatic force, Brian "Brian_F" Foster has seamlessly woven his passion for gaming into a career that transcends the boundaries of competition.

Brian_F is an Incredibly passionate and skilled Street Fighter, having placed in the top 8 for incredibly stacked events like Combo Breaker 2017. A person of incredible willpower, he won a fighting game event three days after defeating testicular cancer.

But what he is known and loved for the most is his charismatic streamer and content creator persona. Brian_F can turn any Street Fighter topic into a very deep, engaging, and interesting discussion or a video. People mainly watch streamers for either cutting-edge gameplay or entertaining personalities. But when someone has both, it’s an instant recipe for success, and Brian_F is the poster child for this case, as he converted his fighting games skill and knowledge into a successful content creator career. He doesn’t chase fleeting trends and kneejerk reactions, concentrating on and preferring to deeply research and understand the topics he covers.

Cannon Brothers

Tom and Tony Cannon are true titans in the fighting games world. Their journey began with a shared passion for fighting games, which eventually led to the inception of Battle by the Bay in 1996, the annual event that people know by its more recent name — Evo. Over the years, the tournament has grown from a grassroots gathering into the world's premier fighting game event, attracting competitors and fans from every corner of the globe. Tony and Tom's visionary leadership has turned Evo into a cultural phenomenon, where the best of the best come to clash.

Beyond their roles as Evo architects, the Cannon brothers have been instrumental in shaping the FGC's landscape. From creating the innovative GGPO middleware, revolutionizing online play for fighting games, to their involvement in game development with Riot Games’ Project L, one of the most anticipated games in the genre. Their impact extends far beyond the pixels on the screen, reaching into the hearts and minds of the FGC community.

We have only four entries remaining in this series. Who do you want to see in the top 50?