Most FGC-oriented esports organizations embody a “started from the bottom” mentality, but few turned it into undeniable success like Equinox Gaming. Emily “NyxRose” Tran and her cousin Timo “TimoKauff” Kauffman founded EQNX in 2018. In just three short years, the team evolved from a humble startup into arguably the best collection of Tekken 7 talent.
EQNX is one of the most recognizable sponsors in Tekken 7. Aside from an elite stable of players, the team also employs Trungy, one of North America’s top pros, as Head Tekken Analyst. This organization continues to live up to their “never stop fighting” tagline with an ever-increasing presence in the FGC. Let’s take a moment to highlight each player and their accomplishments.
Ulsan
Real Name: Soo-hoon Lim
Country: South Korea
Main Characters: Fahkumram, Kazumi
You have to talk about Ulsan when discussing the best Tekken 7 players in the world. The 21-year old phenom broke out during the 2019 Tekken World Tour with numerous top 8 finishes and a win at Battle Arena Melbourne. After qualifying for the TWT Finals, he fought through legends like Knee, Lowhigh, and Anakin in the Loser’s Bracket to claim 2nd place. Ulsan continues to dominate South Korea (Tekken’s strongest region) during the pandemic. As he continues to gain more experience, the sky's the limit for this pro’s potential.
Notable TK7 Tournament Placements
- 1st at Damagermany 2019
- 1st at Battle Arena Melbourne 2019
- 1st at CHIKURINCUP 2019
- 1st at HAKAIOH YUYU CUP 2019
- 1st at Afreeca Tekken League 2020 Season 2 Offline Finals
- 1st at The Esports Night x Dynamic BUSAN Tekken Team Battle 2020 (with EyeMusician as Team EQNX)
- 2nd at Tekken World Tour Finals 2019
- 2nd at Afreeca Tekken League 2020 Season 1 Offline Finals
- 2nd at REV Major 2018
- 3rd at FV x SEA Major 2018 3rd at Thaiger Uppercut x SEA Major 2019
- 3rd at Afreeca Tekken League 2020 Season 3 Offline Finals
- 4th at Evo Japan 2020
- Top 8 at Evo Japan 2018
- Top 8 at Afreeca Tekken League 2020 Grand Final
- Top 8 at FV Cup 2019
Joey Fury
Real Name: Joseph Bennett
Country: USA
Main Character: Marduk
Joey Fury is one of the most recognizable Tekken players in North America. A veteran of the series and true student of the game, Joey makes top 8 finishes look like clockwork with his aggressive approach and thorough game knowledge, having toppled some of the world’s best players. He became even scarier when his true main Marduk was released in Season 2.
Notable TK7 Tournament Placements
- 1st at ICFC North America Season 1 Finals
- 2nd at Summer Jam 2017
- 2nd at Red Bull Conquest Finals 2018
- 2nd at Bud Light Beer League TEKKEN Finals 2020
- 3rd at Tekken World Tour 2017 Americas Regionals
- 3rd at Canada Cup 2016
- 3rd at Final Round 2017
- 3rd at Absolute Battle 2017
- 3rd at SoCal Regionals 2018
- 3rd at Final Round 2019
- 3rd at Electric Clash 2019
- 4th at DreamHack Atlanta 2017
- 4th at The Fall Classic 2017
- 4th at Tekken Extreme Tournament 2017
- 4th at Headstomper 2018
- 4th at Summer Jam 2018
- 5th-6th at Tekken World Tour Finals 2017
- 5th-6th at ICFC North America Season 2 Finals
- Top 8 at Tekken World Tour Finals 2018
- Top 8 at Kumite in Tennessee 2016
- Top 8 at SoCal Regionals 2017
- Top 8 at NorCal Regionals 2018
- Top 8 at Texas Showdown 2018
- Top 8 at Fighting Games Challenge 2018
- Top 8 at Canada Cup 2018
Cuddle_Core
Real Name: Jeannail Carter
Country: USA
Main Characters: Alisa, Ling
Cuddle Core is one of the US’s most well-known Tekken stars and among the best players of any gender in the world. The electrifying Alisa main was always a tough competitor but began to elevate her game to new levels after signing with EQNX. Cuddle Core is a strong advocate for women in the FGC, as well as Breast Cancer Awareness through her K.O. Cancer campaign.
Notable TK7 Tournament Placements
- 1st at ICFC North America Season 2 Finals (2021)
- 1st at ELEAGUE Tekken Team Takedown (with BrawlPro, JimmyJTran, KoDee, and KawaiiFaceMiles as Team Cuddle_Core)
- 2nd at ICFC North America Season 1 Finals (2021)
- 2nd at Frosty Faustings 2018
- 3rd at Kumite in Tennessee 2016
- 3rd at Kumite in Tennessee 2019
- 4th at Tekken World Tour Finals 2018 LCQ
- 4th at Kumite in Tennessee 2018
- 4th at Canada Cup 2018
- 4th at Bud Light Beer League TEKKEN Finals 2020
- Top 8 at Combo Breaker 2017
- Top 8 at Northwest Majors 2019
- Top 8 at Evo Online 2021 Tekken 7 NA
- Top 8 at Combo Breaker 2016 (TTT2)
- Top 8 at Kumite in Tennessee 2016 (TTT2)
Brian_F
Real Name: Brian Foster
Country: USA
Main Characters: Balrog (SFV)
Brian_F, the lone non-Tekken player on EQNX’s roster, brings a slice of variety to the team. Consistent top 8 finishes in one the FGC’s most popular games is no easy feat, yet Brian makes them look second nature with his patient and methodical gameplay. He is also one of the most entertaining content creators in the community and strives to help other players improve their skills.
Notable SFV Tournament Placements
- 1st at CPT2017 Online Event: North America Two
- 2nd at CPT2017 Online Event: North America Four
- 2nd at CPT 2021 Online Event: North America Midwest One
- 3rd at Capcom Cup 2017 Last Chance Qualifier
- 4th at Combo Breaker 2017
- 4th at Summer Jam 2017
- 4th at Frosty Faustings 2019
- 4th at CPT 2019 Online Event: NA East
- 5th-6th at Capcom Pro Tour NA Regional Finals 2017
- Top 8 Qualifier for Intel World Open SFV - NA East Regional Finals
- Top 8 at Northwest Majors IX.5 (2017)
- Top 8 at Frosty Faustings 2018
- Top 8 at Final Round 2019
- Top 8 at DreamHack Dallas 2019
- Top 8 at Frosty Faustings 2020
- Top 8 at Evo Online 2021 SFV NA West
EyeMusician
Real Name: Minhyung Park
Country: South Korea
Main Character: Yoshimitsu
EyeMusician burst onto the Tekken scene in 2019. The wildly entertaining Yoshimitsu was almost immediately deemed the new leader of the Manji Clan by his newfound fans. One of the last true Yoshi mains in the world, Eyemusician balances unconventional offense with opportune defense. He also makes better use of Flash (Soul Stealer) than anyone else in the community.
Notable TK7 Tournament Placements
- 1st at The Esports Night x Dynamic BUSAN Tekken Team Battle 2020 (with Ulsan as Team EQNX)
- 3rd at Tekken Online Challenge: Korea
- 4th at Tekken World Tour Finals 2019 Last Chance Qualifier
- Top 8 at REV Major 2019
Dimeback
Real Name: Ji-myung Jeon
Country: South Korea
Main Character: Asuka
Dimeback joined EQNX after years of excelling as an “unsigned hype” in the community. He has a calm, yet fun-loving demeanor, and is well known for frequently using an inhaler during matches. He is also one of the most consistent players in South Korea.
Notable TK7 Tournament Placements
- 2nd at SoCal Regionals 2018
- 2nd at The Pinnacle 2019
- 3rd at Tekken World Tour Finals 2018 Last Chance Qualifier
- Top 8 at Tokyo Tekken Masters 2017
- Top 8 at REV Major 2017
- Top 8 at Battle Arena Melbourne 2018
- Top 8 at CEO 2018
- Top 8 at Tekken Extreme Tournament 2018
- Top 8 at SEA Major Singapore 2018
Masa
Real Name: Masaki Fujita
Country: Japan
Main Characters: Leo, Steve
Once one of Tekken’s best kept secrets in Japan, Masa’s recent online performance in the ongoing Asia Circuit for ICFC Season 3 gained recognition around the globe. He’s currently made five out of nine Grand Finals (winning four of them) and is the top seed going into the Season Finals. While considered a Leo and Steve main, he can play multiple characters at the highest level.
Notable TK7 Tournament Placements
- 2nd at Kurokuro Cup Dojo in Odaiba 2019
- 4th at ICFC Asia Season 1 Finals
- Top 8 at Evo Japan 2020
Jyotaro
Real Name: Jyotaro Tsunoda
Country: Japan
Main Character: Noctis
Another example of Japan’s low-key talents, Jyotaro makes the most of the few major tournaments he enters. His most notable placement was 2nd at Pre-Evo 2019, losing to Arslan Ash. Now that Jyotaro is sponsored, expect his tournament attendance to increase.
Notable TK7 Tournament Placements
- 2nd at GameWorks Pre-Evo 2019
- 2nd at Mastercup.10 TRY (2018)
- 4th at Tekken Online Challenge: Japan (2020)
- 6th at Topanga League x Tekken 7 (2020)
- 7th at Topanga League x Tekken 7 Season 2 (2020)
Many of EQNX’s players have embraced online tournaments during the pandemic. Keep an eye out for them in multiple regions during Evo 2021 Online.