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When facing off against Saul Leonardo “MenaRD” Mena II in Street Fighter 6, it’s wise to come prepared with an extra set of thumbs. The powerhouse from the Dominican Republic made a remarkable entrance at EVO 2026 in Las Vegas, rewriting history and proving that challenging him for his title is a sure way to end up disappointed.
Out of a field of 2,416 eager players at the Las Vegas Convention Center, MenaRD emerged as the back-to-back EVO champion. With a mix of confidence, strategic character changes, and a fearsome green, electrifying beast, he showcased dominance on the stage.
Chaos in the Bracket
While previous champions like EVO Japan’s Yamaguchi were nowhere to be found in the final stretch, MenaRD seemed to be taking a leisurely stroll through the competition. That is until he encountered Shigematsu, a young Japanese talent who clearly had no intention of making MenaRD’s victory easy.
Starting with M. Bison, MenaRD engaged in a fierce battle with Shigematsu, matching each other blow for blow until the score was tied at 2-2. Forced to switch to his signature Blanka, MenaRD secured the final victory, earning his place in the upper bracket final.
In the semi-finals, he completely outclassed France’s Kilzyou with a flawless 3-0 performance, demonstrating his mastery of Blanka.
A Wild Blanka Mirror Appears
Shigematsu deserves respect for his performance. After being pushed to the lower bracket, he went on a rampage, defeating every opponent in his path to set up a Grand Finals rematch.
For the final showdown, MenaRD took an experimental approach by starting with M. Bison again. It was a risky move that almost backfired as Shigematsu capitalized on their previous encounters, winning three consecutive games and resetting the bracket. momentarily, the champion seemed vulnerable.
The last set saw MenaRD switch back to Blanka, facing Shigematsu’s own Blanka in a historic grand final Blanka mirror match, a first in EVO history.
History Has a Favorite Color
When you challenge the master of Blanka with the same character, you’re playing with fire. Under the bright lights of Vegas, MenaRD delivered a flawless 3-0 sweep, showcasing his expertise and composure. The pressure was intense, but that’s where the Strongest Bull thrives. He outplayed Shigematsu with precision, securing his fourth EVO title.
Reflecting on his historic back-to-back win, MenaRD humbly acknowledged his team and the supportive community around him. As the undisputed king of the hill, he remains unbeatable until someone can figure out how to challenge his dominance in the FGC.