A 92-year-old grandmother won a Tekken 8 tournament and it is all the rage on the networks: “It’s the best feeling!”

With his favorite character, Claudio Serafino, Sakai not only won the trophy, but inspired thousands by proving that the passion for video games has no age..

A 92-year-old woman in Japan is going viral for winning a Tekken 8 esports tournament, becoming one of the oldest esports event winners ever

‘Claudio’ player, Hisako Sakai, won the event setup to help seniors “live bright, healthy, and active lives” pic.twitter.com/5nkPUmpy3o

— Dexerto (@Dexerto) December 16, 2025

The tournament, organized by the Care eSports Association in Japan, brought together eight participants from the prefectures of Mie, Aichi and Gifu, with ages including the oldest competitor at 95 years old.

Broadcast live on their YouTube channel, The event highlighted how video games can foster vitality in old age, evolving from games like Shogi and Othello in previous editions to the intense combat of Tekken 8. The story of Sakai, who swept without losing a single gamehas generated waves of global admiration, positioning her as one of the longest-running esports winners in history.

Hisako Sakai entered the tournament with a clear determination: “I aspire to the trophy”he declared before competing, according to Japan’s Game*Spark media. Using Claudio Serafino, a character known for his magical and elegant attacks, Sakai beat strong rivals in elimination rounds. In the semi-finals, he defeated Sadayuki Kato, who played as Armor King, and in the finals he defeated Goro Sugiyama, a Lili user. Her undefeated streak culminated in a victory that left her elated: “It’s the best feeling!”he exclaimed in the post-match interview, showing his enthusiasm for future editions.

The event, held in November of this year, is part of the mission of the Care eSports Association, founded in 2019, to create accessible environments where seniors can enjoy esports and stay active. Other notable participants included Reiko Yokota, 95, who competed with Jun Kazamaand the previous champion, Ryoe Murabe, with Panda, although the latter fell in the first round to Kinuko Watabe and her Alisa Bosconovitch.

The news exploded on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter), where various publications celebrate Sakai as a “legend” that dismantles myths about age in video games.

This also goes to show nobody is old to do anything. Live and let live. https://t.co/ErU0EJpS5Z

— Dannie (@inDANbitably) December 16, 2025

Users highlighted how, at 92 years old, she shows that “It’s never too late to learn something new”with humorous comments like “While people half her age say she’s too old”. Hisako’s achievement highlights the intergenerational impact, drawing attention to how esports can bridge ages and promote mental and physical health in adults.

Initiatives such as Care eSports seek to expand to national tournamentsevolving from traditional games to modern titles like Tekken 8 to keep participants “bright, healthy and active”.

Sakai’s victory not only inspires gamers of all ages, but highlights the therapeutic benefits of video games, such as improving coordination and emotional well-being. With more events on the horizon, Stories like this could normalize the participation of older adults in the gaming world, attracting more grandmothers and grandfathers to the competitive arena.