Welcome, fighters and fans! We’re thrilled to sit down with one of the standout players in the Tekken community, Pao Islaw, who has been dominating the scene for years.
Known for his mastery of Eddy and his impressive tournament performances, Pao has consistently been a top contender in both local and international competitions.
In this interview, we’ll dive into Pao’s Tekken journey, his approach to the game, and his thoughts on his custom JMD custom fightstick.
Whether you’re an aspiring Tekken player or just a fan of fighting games, there’s plenty of insight and inspiration to be found here.
- NAME: Paolo Luis Dizon
- GAME: Tekken
- IGN: Pao Isláw
- PREVIOUS GEAR: Snackbox Micro
- CURRENT GEAR: JMD Standard All-Button Fightstick in Yakal Wood
Testimonial for JMD Fightstick
“I love how ergonomic the JMD fightstick is. They built it to my exact specifications, placing buttons just where I wanted them. That allowed me to create new shortcuts and play fighting games in a more efficient way.
But the real game-changer was how relaxed and natural my arms and wrists felt using the fightstick.
It took me about a month or two to get used to the custom layout I requested, but the results were incredible. I placed 1st runner-up in my first-ever Super Street Fighter 2 Turbo tournament right after getting the stick, which was a big surprise.
Even more impressive was the boost to my Tekken 8 rank. I went from Tekken God, the third-highest rank, to the top rank, God of Destruction, in just two weeks.
I’m really happy with the JMD fightstick’s design, and I look forward to working with them again!”
Career Highlights
Tekken World Tour Standings
- 2022: 7th Overall in Philippines & East Asia
- 2017: 64th Overall in Asia
Tekken Global Championship
- Global Qualifiers for Philippines, August 2013: 20th Place
- National Qualifiers (Market Market), August 2013: Winner, Qualified for Global Qualifiers
Timezone Tekken Tournaments
- Tekken 7 National Grand Finals (3v3 Team), 2016: 1st Runner Up
- Tekken 7 National Qualifiers (Trinoma), 2016: 3v3 Champions
- Tekken Tag 2 National Finals, December 2012: 5th Place
- Tekken Tag 2 National Final Qualifiers (SM City San Lazaro), December 2012: Winner, Qualified for National Finals
Philippine Gaming Association (PGA) Convention
- December 2016: Tekken Champion
- August 2016: Tekken Champion
Tara Tekken Northern Luzon Tournament
- 2016: 5v5 Team Champions
Notable Tournaments
- Gamepad Tekken Fight Night Ep 5: Champion
- Baguio Gaming Summit 2019: 2nd Place
- FEU Raging Art Easter Brawl 2019: 4th Place
- Secret Base Mini Tournament 2019: Champion
- Cosmic Gorgons RageQuit Week 16 2018: Champion
Getting to Know You
JMD: Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you got into playing Tekken?
Pao Isláw: I was a toddler when I started. After my afternoon nap, Tekken was my go-to game. It’s been a part of my life for as long as I can remember.
JMD: What was the first Tekken game you played, and what made you like it?
Pao Isláw: The first one I played was Tekken 2. I was drawn to the colorful vibe and how distinct the characters were. It just had this cool, unique energy that pulled me in.
JMD: Why do you enjoy playing Tekken more than other games?
Pao Isláw: It’s the complete package—great characters, deep movesets, and 1v1 battles that really test your skills. Plus, I grew up with it, so there’s a sentimental connection to the Tekken community as well.
Gameplay & Practice
JMD: Who’s your favorite character in Tekken, and why?
Pao Islaw: Eddy Gordo has been my favorite since Tekken 3, and I’ve stuck with him ever since. The only time I don’t play him is if he’s not available in the game.
JMD: How do you practice for tournaments or online matches?
Pao Islaw: I use online matches as my primary practice for tournaments. Playing against different people keeps me sharp and helps me adapt quickly.
JMD: What’s your strategy for learning new characters or moves in Tekken?
Pao Islaw: I start by mastering the top 5 most effective moves for a character, then gradually build my skillset from there. It’s a solid way to understand their strengths early on.
JMD: What’s your favorite move or combo, and how do you use it in matches?
Pao Islaw: Definitely Eddy’s Mirage. It’s got great range and is perfect for whiff punishing my opponents. I use it a lot to control spacing and catch them off guard.
JMD: How do you stay calm during important matches, especially in tournaments?
Pao Isláw: I try to keep my expectations low in terms of results. It takes the pressure off and lets me play more freely, which usually leads to better results.
Competitive Scene & Experiences
JMD: Can you share your most memorable Tekken tournament experience?
Pao Islaw: My first REV Major was by far the most memorable. Competing against some of the best players in the world for the first time was a surreal experience. It’s something I’ll never forget.
JMD: Who’s the toughest opponent you’ve faced, and what did you learn from that match?
Pao Islaw: Doujin is the toughest opponent I’ve faced. He’s so quick to learn and counter my habits, which taught me that I need to adapt faster and not rely on the same patterns.
JMD: What do you think about the current competitive scene in Tekken?
Pao Islaw: The competition is strong. There are a lot of skilled players out there, and it keeps everyone on their toes. It’s a healthy environment for growth.
JMD: What keeps you motivated to keep improving and competing?
Pao Islaw: Honestly, it’s my love for the game and the community. I’ve grown up with Tekken, and I just can’t see myself leaving it behind. It’s where I belong.
Personal Preferences & Insights
JMD: What’s your favorite stage in Tekken, and why?
Pao Isláw: Moonlit Wilderness from Tekken 5. The atmosphere is incredible, and the soundtrack makes it even more epic. It’s the perfect combination.
JMD: Are there any characters you find hard to fight against? How do you deal with them?
Pao Isláw: The toughest matchups are usually the overpowered newcomers. But I always trust that I’ll learn how to counter them with enough time and practice.
JMD: Do you have any habits or routines before a big match?
Pao Isláw: Yeah, I always grab a Snickers bar before the match. It’s a small routine that helps me get in the zone.
JMD: How do you balance playing Tekken with other parts of your life, like work, family, or school?
Pao Isláw: I make time to play when I’m not too tired after work. I try to find a balance and only play when I know I can enjoy it.
Goals & Advice
JMD: What are your goals for the next year in Tekken competitions?
Pao Isláw: My main goal is to keep having fun and enjoy competing with my fellow players. Winning is great, but enjoying the process is what keeps me going.
JMD: What advice would you give to new players who want to get better at Tekken?
Pao Isláw: Enjoy the game and take your time improving. The journey is just as important as the results.
JMD: Are there any upcoming Tekken updates or characters you’re excited about?
Pao Isláw: I’m excited about the return of some legacy characters, especially Christie if she comes back with her classic Capoeira moveset.
JMD: Where can people follow you and keep up with your Tekken journey?
Pao Isláw: You can follow me on Facebook at fb.com/ttpao9.
Final Thoughts
Pao Isláw’s passion for Tekken and his unwavering connection to the community make him a standout player.
From his early days playing Tekken 2 to reaching the highest ranks in Tekken 8, his story highlights the importance of dedication and love for the game.
With his custom JMD fightstick enhancing his performance and a strong mindset for competition, Pao continues to dominate the scene.
Whether you’re a casual player or aspiring to compete at a high level, Pao’s story reminds us that loving the game is what truly matters.
We can’t wait to see where his Tekken journey takes him next! Thanks for sharing your story, Pao—we’re all rooting for you!
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Want Your Own Custom Fightstick?
At JUANminiDIY, we specialize in building custom arcade sticks tailored to your gaming style and personality. We’ve crafted over 300 custom wooden fightsticks for gamers around the world, and we’re passionate about bringing your dream arcade stick to life.
To see some of our previous builds, check out our Facebook page and YouTube channel. For parts and accessories, visit our Lazada shop.
Join Pao Islaw and many others who have taken their gaming to the next level with a JUANminiDIY custom wooden arcade stick. Let’s build your perfect fightstick today!
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