Image courtesy of Robert Paul
Ever since breaking into the larger fighting game community’s consciousness with a fifth-place Street Fighter IV finish at Evo 2009, Eduardo “PR Balrog” Pérez has become one of the strongest competitors in the scene today.
While he once went by the handle Scrub, Pérez proved himself as anything but by going on to win events like Final Round XIV (in a now legendary grand finals performance against Mad Catz’ Hajime “Tokido” Taniguchi) and Winter Brawl 7. He would later add to his winnings by branching off into games like Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (earning the silver at Evo 2011), Mortal Kombat, Injustice: Gods Among Us, and Killer Instinct.
That’s why, when Pérez took to Twitter earlier this morning to announce his impending retirement, it came as quite a shock. Fresh off a strong showing at Canada Cup’s The Masters Series this past weekend, which saw him qualify for the Ultra Street Fighter IV invitational during an intense last-chance tournament before going on to place fourth overall, Pérez looked more than ready to jump into the 2015 tournament season both with his eponymous main character and recent pick-up Evil Ryu.
Fortunately, we haven’t seen the last of this Puerto Rican competitor yet. We recently had the opportunity to talk to Pérez about his decision, which he says has been on his mind since the conclusion of Evo 2014.
“I once said that I would stop playing if I felt that I wasn’t enjoying what I was doing and that’s how I feel right now. I feel that when I play I just do it because I have to and not because I want to,” Pérez explained to Shoryuken through email. “I don’t practice anymore before going to events because I don’t have the drive that I had four years ago and would like to start creating memories of my life outside of my competitive career, which I haven’t been able to do. Don’t get me wrong I love tournaments and I love the competitive scene and I do love fighting games but I think for me its time to close the ropes.”
Pérez has publicly stated that he still plans on participating at Evo 2015 and, while he didn’t share specifics, he told us that he will be traveling to multiple events throughout the year before his retirement in an effort to qualify for Capcom Cup.
“I have to thank Evil Geniuses for sponsoring me and making a dream that seemed impossible come true,” Pérez said in parting. “I also want to thank everyone that has supported me throughout my career and especially I have to thank my parents and my girlfriend for always being there for me in the good and bad moments.”
His final words to the community? “Always remember everyone, never give up, and no one is unbeatable no matter how good they are.”