In a landmark moment for Taiwan’s esports community, Lin “E.T.” Chia-hung (林家弘) successfully defended his King of Fighters XV (KOF XV) title at Evolution Championship Series: Japan (EVO Japan) 2025, reinforcing his status as one of the greatest fighting game players in Asia.
The 40-year-old esports veteran outplayed his long-time rival, Japanese pro player “mok”, in a thrilling 3-1 victory in the Grand Final, repeating his earlier 3-1 triumph in the Winners’ Final. The back-to-back victories not only earned Lin the championship title but also secured him a 1 million yen cash prize, beating out a competitive field of 294 participants.
🕹️ A Rivalry Dominated by “E.T.”
According to Liquipedia, Lin has maintained a 10-0 set record against “mok” in KOF XV, losing only 6 out of 30 games—an astonishing feat in professional fighting games. Despite “mok” being one of Japan’s top-tier KOF players, he has yet to overcome Lin’s aggressive but calculated playstyle, which combines traditional footsie fundamentals with modern reaction-based pressure techniques.
Lin’s dominance reveals not just his mechanical skill but his deep understanding of the meta, matchups, and psychology involved in high-stakes play. His win is a testament to longevity in esports, as he competes at the highest level at age 40—an age considered well past prime in reaction-speed-based games.
🎮 Lin’s Legacy: From Underdog to Champion
Although Lin began his professional esports career in 2013, it took him over a decade to claim a tier-1 title, finally achieving that at EVO Japan 2024. His journey is inspirational—balancing early struggles, fierce regional competition, and the fast-evolving nature of fighting games, Lin persevered to reach the top.
His back-to-back championships in 2024 and 2025 make him one of Asia’s most respected esports veterans, with fans admiring both his skill and his persistence. Taiwan, which often shines in mobile gaming and League of Legends esports, has now found a global figurehead in the fighting game genre through Lin.
🌍 Broader Implications for Taiwan’s Esports Scene
Lin’s continued dominance highlights the rising profile of Taiwanese esports in the international arena. While Japan and Korea traditionally dominate fighting games, Taiwan’s presence—particularly in niche competitive scenes—is growing.
The Taiwanese government has also been investing more in youth digital literacy and esports as part of broader tech-sector development, giving players like Lin a support system previously unavailable.
His success also inspires young players to consider alternative paths in professional gaming beyond popular team-based titles, such as Valorant or League of Legends.
🧠 FAQs
Who is Lin “E.T.” Chia-hung?
He is a Taiwanese professional fighting game player known for competing in King of Fighters and winning back-to-back titles at EVO Japan in 2024 and 2025.
What is EVO Japan?
EVO Japan is one of the premier fighting game tournaments in Asia, drawing top talent from around the world in titles like Street Fighter, Tekken, and King of Fighters.
How much did Lin win at EVO Japan 2025?
Lin won 1 million yen (~US$6,400) for securing first place in the King of Fighters XV tournament.
How many times has Lin beaten “mok”?
Lin has a 10-0 set win record against “mok” in KOF XV and has only dropped six out of 30 games.
Why is Lin’s win important for Taiwan?
It boosts Taiwan’s reputation in global esports, particularly in fighting games, and showcases the viability of long-term professional careers in competitive gaming.
