As part of our series highlighting passionate players in the fighting game community, we’re excited to sit down with John Escolano, better known as Junky284.
As the owner of Cumulus Gaming Lounge and a dedicated Street Fighter competitor, John’s experience spans decades.
In this interview, we dive into his journey through the fighting game world, his love for Street Fighter, and his experience with the JMD Mini Fightstick.
Whether you’re a casual player or a serious competitor, John’s insights will surely inspire and motivate you!
- NAME: John Escolano
- GAME: Street Fighter 6 / Killer Instinct
- IGN: Junky284
- PREVIOUS GEAR: Madcatz SE Fightstick
- CURRENT GEAR: JMD Mini Leverless
Testimonial for JMD Fightstick
“The JMD Mini Fightstick has been a game-changer for me. Its lightweight design is perfect for tournaments, especially since carrying heavier gear can be a strain. Plus, it’s compact enough to fit in my sling bag, which makes it super convenient when traveling.
This stick isn’t just easy to carry—it’s helped me consistently perform well, keeping me in the Top 8 at tournaments.”
Career Highlights:
- 5th Place | Rev Major 2023 (Street Fighter 6) | SMX Convention Center, Pasay
- 4th Place | MxM Invitational Season 1 (Street Fighter 6) | Online
- 7th Place | ICFC Street Fighter 6 Asia
- Champion | SHORYU: Fighting Games Festival (Street Fighter 6) | Robinsons Malolos
- 1st Place | Dead Game Revival (Street Fighter 4) | Online
- 5th Place | Malolos Fight Fest Round 2 (Tekken 8) | Cumulus Gaming Lounge, Malolos, Bulacan
Getting to Know You
JMD: Tell us a little about yourself. How did you get started playing Street Fighter?
John: I’m the owner of Cumulus Gaming Lounge and a longtime competitor representing Cumulus Gaming PH (CGPH). My journey with Street Fighter started with the Alpha series on the Sega Saturn, a console my brother borrowed from a friend. From that moment, I was hooked on fighting games.
JMD: What was your first Street Fighter game, and what drew you in?
John: The Street Fighter Alpha series was my first. What grabbed me was the variety of characters. It made the game feel fresh and exciting, and I loved exploring each character’s unique style.
JMD: What sets Street Fighter apart from other games for you?
John: Street Fighter—and fighting games in general—are all about rewarding hard work. You can literally see your progress through training and practice. That feeling of improvement keeps me coming back for more.
Gameplay & Practice
JMD: Who’s your go-to character in Street Fighter, and why?
John: My favorites are Chun-Li and Sakura. Sakura’s fast-paced and simple, making her gameplay smooth and fun. Chun-Li, on the other hand, is iconic—the fighting game goddess. She rewards players with a solid neutral game, which is what I love about her.
JMD: What’s your practice routine like before a big match?
John: I focus on the fundamentals—execution, punishes, reactions to different matchups, and spacing. It’s important to get comfortable with distance management against specific characters.
JMD: How do you approach learning new characters?
John: I always start with their normal moves—checking for range, fast pokes, and strong confirms. Once I have those down, I move on to learning bread-and-butter combos that I can rely on during matches.
JMD: Any favorite moves or combos you rely on in tournaments?
John: In Street Fighter 6, my favorite is Chun-Li’s Serenity Stance. It really allows players to express their own unique style and create a personalized approach to the character.
JMD: How do you stay calm in the heat of a tournament match?
John: I focus on enjoying the game itself. It’s easy to get lost in the competition, but staying grounded and remembering why I love playing helps me keep calm under pressure.
Competitive Scene & Experiences
JMD: What’s been your most memorable Street Fighter tournament experience?
John: Definitely Rev Major 2023. Walking onto the stage with the crowd cheering for me against a top Japanese player was an incredible moment. It reminded me how much the community’s support means.
JMD: Who’s been your toughest opponent, and what did you learn from them?
John: That would be Nemo from Japan. He taught me that good defense can be just as powerful as aggressive offense. You don’t need to press a lot of buttons to win—sometimes, patience is key.
JMD: What’s your take on the current Street Fighter competitive scene?
John: The scene is definitely growing, especially with Street Fighter 6. We’re seeing a lot of new faces, and the diversity of characters is keeping things interesting. It’s a great time to be part of the community.
JMD: What motivates you to keep improving and competing?
John: I’m always looking to improve, not just for myself but for the community. When I get better, I can help others improve, and that’s what really keeps me going.
Personal Preferences & Insights
JMD: What’s your favorite Street Fighter stage?
John: The Africa Stage from Street Fighter 4. I love the atmosphere, especially with the animals in the background. It’s visually unique and just adds to the experience.
JMD: Are there any characters you find particularly challenging to fight?
John: Dhalsim is always a tough matchup for me. The key to dealing with him is patience—waiting for the right moment to strike.
JMD: Do you have any pre-match routines?
John: Not consciously, but I might have some habits I don’t even realize!
JMD: How do you balance Street Fighter with your other responsibilities?
John: It’s been tough recently since I’ve been busy running Cumulus Gaming Lounge. I don’t get as much time to play as I’d like, but I make it work when I can.
Goals & Advice
JMD: What are your goals for the next year in Street Fighter competitions?
John: As a player, I want to keep showing that Street Fighter is fun—it’s not just about winning, but also about putting on a good show for the spectators. As an organizer, I want to grow the Street Fighter and FGC communities by bringing in more new players and hosting bigger events.
JMD: What’s your advice for new players who want to get better at Street Fighter?
John: Focus on the basics—fundamentals like spacing, anti-airs, and defense. Mastering those will take you far in not just Street Fighter, but any fighting game.
JMD: Any upcoming Street Fighter updates or characters you’re excited about?
John: I’m really looking forward to seeing how Mai turns out in SF6. She looks promising, and I hope she’s fun to use.
JMD: Where can people follow your Street Fighter journey?
John: You can follow me on my Facebook page: Junky284, or keep up with Cumulus Gaming Lounge for events and updates.
Final Thoughts
It’s always inspiring to hear from players like John, whose love for Street Fighter is evident in every tournament and event he participates in. His passion for improving, not just himself but the entire community, is a true testament to the spirit of the FGC.
We’re proud to see him represent JMD Fightsticks and can’t wait to see what the future holds for him in both his personal competitive journey and the growth of Cumulus Gaming Lounge.
Keep an eye on this talented player—you’ll want to follow his story as he continues to make waves in the fighting game world!
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Want Your Own Custom Fightstick?
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With over 400 wooden fightsticks crafted for gamers worldwide, we’re committed to bringing your dream arcade stick to life.
Check out our previous builds on Facebook and YouTube. For parts and accessories, visit our Lazada shop.
Join players like John Escolano and many others who’ve leveled up their game with a JUANminiDIY custom fightstick.
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