In the Street Fighter competitive scene, some players stand out not only for their skill but for the passion, dedication, and insights they bring to the game.
This month, we had the pleasure of interviewing Joevani Mark Mazza—better known to the community as “Turkido,” “Turks,” or simply “Turki.”
With an impressive track record, Turkido has become a key figure in the Filipino Fighting Game Community (FGC), respected both as a fierce competitor and a loyal supporter.
Join us as we dive into his journey, his love for Street Fighter, and his approach to mastering high-level play.
- NAME: Joevani Mark Mazza
- NICKNAME: Turkido, Turks, Turki
- GAME: Street Fighter 3, 4, 5, and 6
- IGN: MxM.Turkido
- PREVIOUS GEAR: PS5 DualSense, Hori Rap N, and Fightbox B1
- CURRENT GEAR: JMD Mini Custom Leverless
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“JMD customizes everything to match your unique layout preferences. They really go out of their way to make sure the ergonomics work for you, which is a game-changer during those long, intense sessions.”
Career Highlights
Turkido has made his mark in the competitive scene with notable placements in various tournaments:
- 3rd Place | JMD Master Cup | Offline
- 3rd Place | Road to Rev Major | Offline – Makati
- 3rd Place | Road to Rev Major | Offline – Southmall
- 3rd Place |DGR 7.25.21 Street Fighter II X Grand Master Challenge | Online
- 2nd Place | DGR 5.30.21 Ultra Street Fighter 4 | Online
Getting to Know You
JMD: Can you tell us a little about yourself and how you started playing Street Fighter?
Turkido: I got my start with Street Fighter III competitively because of its standout graphics, music, and that incredible parry system. It just hooked me right from the start.
JMD: What was the first Street Fighter game you played, and what made you like it?
Turkido: My first Street Fighter game was Street Fighter Zero. Back then, I only knew how to jump and sweep. I was a kid, just messing around, and had no idea what I was doing, but it was fun!
JMD: Why do you enjoy playing Street Fighter more than other games?
Turkido: Street Fighter is a love-hate relationship for me. Sometimes it makes you so mad you want to stop playing. But then, you always come back for more—that’s what’s so great about it.
Gameplay & Practice
JMD: Who’s your favorite character in Street Fighter, and why?
Turkido: Menat, hands down! I love pulling off those long V-Trigger combos and sneaky resets. Plus, her visuals are amazing—she actually reminds me of my wife, so there’s that!
JMD: How do you usually practice for tournaments or online matches?
Turkido: I like to hit the lab, get in some practice, and sometimes I’ll even do a little “shadow boxing” in my head. It keeps me sharp.
JMD: What’s your strategy for learning new characters or moves?
Turkido: I start by finding the best buttons and getting familiar with their priority. Then, I dive into the toughest combos, break them down, and work on my muscle memory to get comfortable with them.
JMD: Favorite move or combo, and how do you use it?
Turkido: Menat’s Critical Art, The Nefertem. That move’s got style—and let’s just say, her hips don’t lie!
JMD: How do you stay calm during high-stakes matches?
Turkido: I take a deep breath and tell myself I’m not nervous. It’s a little lie that surprisingly works most of the time!
Competitive Scene & Experiences
JMD: What’s your most memorable tournament experience?
Turkido: This wasn’t a tournament, but a casual match with my mentor, Stungunner69. We were both on the brink of losing, and I landed a forward HK with Chun-Li to counter his crouching HK with Alex. It was intense, and winning that moment felt huge to me—it was my first time beating him.
JMD: Who’s been your toughest opponent?
Turkido: Besides H1ghsc0re, I’d say my teammate and brother, Coke. His Cammy is relentless, and it keeps me up at night figuring out how to defend against his style.
JMD: What’s your take on the current Street Fighter competitive scene?
Turkido: The Philippine FGC might be struggling a bit, but communities like JMD SF6 Club, SF6H, Cumulus, and Davao FGC are stepping up to keep things alive. They’re making sure new players feel welcome and keeping the community going strong. Those groups are the MVPs right now.
JMD: What motivates you to keep improving and competing?
Turkido: I still love competing, but I’m also moving more toward supporting other players and organizing events. Recently, I got to help out at the Capcom Singapore Super Premier, which was a huge highlight. Thanks to Gelo and Eliphant for that opportunity—I’m excited to do more like it in the future!
Personal Preferences & Insights
JMD: What’s your favorite Street Fighter stage?
Turkido: The SF4 East Asia Overpass! The background music takes me back every time.
JMD: Are there any characters you find hard to fight against?
Turkido: Dhalsim gives me a hard time every time!
JMD: Do you have any habits or routines before a big match?
Turkido: I don’t play for a few days before the match to keep my nerves calm. Overthinking tends to make me anxious.
JMD: How do you balance Street Fighter with other parts of your life?
Turkido: I’m a family man, so I take care of my responsibilities first—work, family, whatever’s on the list. Then, I squeeze in some game time when I can. Guile would be proud!
Goals & Advice
JMD: What are your goals for the next year in Street Fighter?
Turkido: I want to host more tournaments and, of course, compete in as many as I can.
JMD: Any advice for new players who want to improve in Street Fighter?
Turkido: Pick a character you think is cool. Don’t let anyone talk you out of it! If you’re enjoying the character, that connection will help you improve naturally.
JMD: Any upcoming updates or characters you’re excited about?
Turkido: Is that even a question? I’m counting down the days for Menat. When’s Menat coming back?
JMD: Where can people follow your Street Fighter journey?
Turkido: You can check out our channels below for updates and content:
Final Thoughts
Turkido’s journey from a Street Fighter kid to a seasoned competitor and community supporter shows just how deeply the love for fighting games can run.
His dedication to both his craft and the community speaks volumes about the heart of the FGC.
Whether he’s landing critical moves with Menat or helping new players find their footing, Turkido is a true asset to the scene.
We’re excited to see where his journey takes him next, both in and out of tournaments, and we’ll be cheering him on every step of the way!
Thanks for sharing your story with us, Turkido!
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