There are few names more synonymous with the FGC and the fighting game genre at large than “Justin Wong.” As a competitor and content creator, Justin has firmly established his position in the space for decades, racking up 9 EVO championships, mastering an ever-increasing list of fighting games, and originating countless iconic memes along the way. His most recent focus hits a little closer to home: Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game. We were lucky enough to grab some of his time to talk all things Avatar, his time hitting arcades as a kid, and the state of the modern FGC. We gon’ learn today!
How did you first get into fighting games? What about them did you like as opposed to other genres of games? I got into fighting games as my Grandma took me to my local arcade called Chinatown Fair and during this era of arcades in the 90s, fighting games were so popular and I was so addicted to it as it was a social thing and I met so many of my closest friends from that arcade. I also love fighting games the most because it feels like we are having a conversation from playing against each other.
What was the fighting game scene like in NYC? How did that affect your ascent to the top? The fighting game scene in NYC was one of the best in all of USA because everyone was super good at them. I was very blessed to have such a strong community where I can learn and take a lot of losses to gain more experience and become a stronger player. So because we have a strong community, it was really easy for me to learn and understand how to play fighting games properly.
Of the nine EVO championships, which one meant the most to you? I want to say the Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3 Championship was the most important to me because I did not have to rely on the meta to win. I wanted to win my way and I was able to accomplish that and because of that I was able to motivate so many fighting game players to play what they want to play.
Folks may know you from a singular FGC moment…Take us back to when your infamous Evo Moment 37 happened. When did you first hear about it going viral? How did it affect your career? EVO Moment 37 happened in 2004 and it did not go viral until the internet became more mainstream. So I want to say after 2009 it started to catch on when it comes to the moment being viral. It also was voted as the number one esports moment of all time around 2010s timeframe which really skyrocketed the popularity of the clip. It affected my career as gaining alot more followers and a lot of fans came up to me and said they got into the fighting games because of that moment.
How is the fighting game scene different from that moment to now? The fighting game scene is very different now as becoming a professional fighting game player can be a reality now compared to back in the day. You can also learn and connect with people all around the world which really increase the skill level of fighting gamers all around the world. I am pretty envious of all the new fighting game players as its also super popular for a lot of companies to make fighting games now as well. Its a great time to be a fighting game player right now!
What’s your favorite part of being in the fighting game community? My favorite part of being in the fighting game community is going to offline events and seeing the love and passion from the community. I also love seeing the salt as well when people take the losses hard because they were so close. You can really see how much people care when it comes to competition offline.
What is your history with Avatar? Were you a fan of the original animated series or was there another iteration that got you into the franchise? I am a huge fan of Avatar the animated series. I watched it multiple times and anytime I see it on anywhere, I want to finish watching that episode. It really was a fun series that also became serious and great at storytelling. I hope Avatar keeps coming back with live action or the continuation with the animated series as well.
Who is your favorite Avatar character and why? My favorite character is 100% Toph. She is just such a badass character. So much confidence with her personality while she cannot see and also the episode where she learn how to metal bend on the spot was just so insane.
How did you get involved with Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game? I got involved as many members of the team working on Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game are people I know from my era of competitive fighting games. They know how fighting games were back in the day and present. So because of that, I was able to see their vision on how they approach with the game which is super exciting.
What excites you most about Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game? What do you think the FGC will like the most about it? I have been saying this to everyone who ask but the FGC will really be excited to play this game because Avatar Legends has so much soul in their game. Its a fighting game where characters feel so diverse and not limited and it gives me that nostalgic feeling how an old fighting game feels. I love that so much.
What’s your dream matchup from the game that you’d want to see in an episode (or movie)? I need to see Amon vs Aang. Amon was such an amazing villain from Legend of Korra and of course Aang eventually became really strong. Am also super excited to see the movie as we get to see the adult version of Team Avatar in action so maybe my answer will change as we see the power up happen.
Quick Hits
Top 5 Video Games:
Marvel vs Capcom 2
Final Fantasy X
Golden Sun The Lost Age
Magical Drop II
Street Fighter III 3rd Strike
The Last Hardest Boss Fight You Played: The General from Kaiser Knuckle
The Last Time a Video Game Made You Emotional: Metaphor: Refantazio
What’s Your Gaming Hot Take? Fighting games are the best genre of gaming
Favorite Video Game Character? Anytime Storm is in a fighting game or beat em up that is my main character
Favorite Game World? This one is tough I am not even sure so lets go with Pokemon since it would be cool if I could become a Pokemon trainer lol