A fighting game professional is considered one of the best players in the world. His homeland has now honored him with an award for his success and lasting impact.
Who is it about? Saul Leonardo “MenaRD” Mena II is a professional fighting game player from the Dominican Republic. At 26 years old, he is very successful and has already won numerous awards:
- He is a three-time EVO champion, having won both EVO Japan 2024 and 2025 as well as EVO 2025 in Las Vegas for Street Fighter 6.
- He is also a two-time Capcom Cup champion, having won the tournaments in 2017 and 2023 for Street Fighter V.
“MenaRD” has become one of the key “Street Fighter” players in recent years. He sponsored other competitors’ trips to tournaments around the globe and even founded his own esports team, the Santo Domingo Tigers.
MenaRD has now been honored by his homeland, the Dominican Republic. His compatriots presented him with an award for his achievements in fighting games. This was reported by Dexerto.com.
MenaRD is regarded as an outstanding player, now honored by his homeland
MenaRD is now a well-known name in the Dominican Republic, and to thank him for his positive influence, the country awarded him the title “Pride of Dominican Culture” on August 28, 2025, right on his 26th birthday. He proudly shares the award on X.com.
In an interview on Instagram, MenaRD talked about what it was like to be recognized for such an achievement and what the award means to him.
It’s crazy to have started this gaming journey and to experience what I am currently experiencing, to have so much success – that’s what you work for and what the community expects from me.
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