At gamescom asia 2024 in Singapore, we had the privilege of speaking with GamerBee (Hsiang Yu-lin), a legendary name in the Street Fighter community. Originally from Taiwan and now representing Indonesia’s Arcade Aces team, GamerBee’s journey from aspiring player to respected professional spans over 35 years. Known for his iconic performance as Adon in Street Fighter IV, he first gained widespread recognition in 2010 at EVO, where his victory over Justin Wong marked the beginning of his rise in the competitive scene.

A Journey to Becoming a Pro Player

Reflecting on his career, GamerBee considers his 2010 EVO performance as a pivotal moment. “That was the turning point that led me to become a professional player,” he shared with us during the interview. But for him, it wasn’t just the victory that mattered—every tournament, regardless of the outcome, contributed to his growth both as a player and as a person.

After his breakthrough, GamerBee faced significant challenges in 2011. Despite his success at EVO, he struggled to find the financial support needed to continue competing. “I decided to view fighting game tournaments as a hobby,” he explained, describing how he had to balance his passion with a day job. “You know, like most working people, you still need a hobby,” he added. It wasn’t until 2012 that GamerBee was able to transition fully into a professional career, solidifying his position within the Street Fighter community.

A Champion’s Mentality

When asked how he handles the intense pressure of tournament play, GamerBee emphasized the importance of preparation. “If you’ve trained and prepared, even if there are problems or stress, you can remind yourself that sometimes it’s just about luck,” he said. For him, remaining focused on strategy and trusting his training are key to managing unexpected moments in competition.

Made out from my pool winners side, tmorrow need to wore harder! pic.twitter.com/dZRi7utXLJ

— Bruce Hsiang ゲマビ (@GamerBeeTW) July 20, 2024

With the release of Street Fighter 6, GamerBee praised the game’s balance, noting that it’s accessible for new players while still providing depth for seasoned competitors. “Among the current fighting games, I believe Street Fighter 6 is one of the most successful. It strikes a fantastic balance between being easy to learn but very challenging to master,” he explained.

He went on to emphasize the game’s complexity, stating, “You can’t control every situation.” This complexity is part of what keeps Street Fighter 6 appealing to both new players and veterans, offering a constant challenge that keeps the game fresh.

The Next Generation of Players

As the new generation of players rises, GamerBee is excited about the talent coming into the scene. He mentioned 17-year-old Ugang from Taiwan and 16-year-old Micky from Hong Kong as examples of the future of competitive Street Fighter. “These young players represent the future of Street Fighter,” he said, eagerly anticipating the skill levels they will bring to the competitive stage.

EVOへ出発、今回は17歳若手Ugangを連れて現地配信をしますので、よろしくお願いします！ Heading to EVO with 17 years old Taiwanese player “Ugang” and we are going to streaming whole time in Vegas, stay tuned! https://t.co/Gt4DKDdVUB pic.twitter.com/1QP9wiyCDM

— Bruce Hsiang ゲマビ (@GamerBeeTW) July 16, 2024

However, GamerBee also has some advice for aspiring pro players. “Becoming a professional player is very difficult. Even if you’re great, that doesn’t guarantee opportunities,” he explained. Success in the competitive scene, he noted, depends on a mix of skill, results, and sometimes, luck. He advises younger players to first establish stability in life, ideally through a job that can support their passion. “You need to balance career aspirations with personal enjoyment,” he said, emphasizing the importance of a cautious approach.

A Message to Fans

GamerBee shared his deep appreciation for the fans who have supported him throughout his career. “Wherever I go, fans often greet me, and that makes me very happy,” he said with warmth. These encounters, whether at tournaments or online, have remained some of the most meaningful moments of his journey.

I am delighted to become a professional player under the Indonesian team “Arcade Aces,” and I look forward to contributing to the team and sharing my experience with young gamers. pic.twitter.com/hC24cKwoTM

— Bruce Hsiang ゲマビ (@GamerBeeTW) October 20, 2023

For GamerBee, the connection with his fans is something he holds dear, and he encourages them to approach him at events, “If you see me, feel free to say hello.”