Welcome to another exciting installment of our JMD Featured Gamer series!
Today, we’re spotlighting Recca Villarey, known in the gaming community as “Stratego”, a passionate and competitive Street Fighter 6 player who’s making waves in the fighting game scene.
From his humble beginnings to dominating tournaments, Recca shares his gaming journey, practice habits, and tips for newcomers.
Whether you’re an aspiring player or a seasoned competitor, there’s something here for everyone. Let’s dive in!
- NAME: Recca Villarey
- GAME: Street Fighter 6 / Tekken 8
- IGN: Stratego
- Previous Gear: JMD Mixbox
- Current Gear: JMD Leverless
Testimonial for JMD Fightstick
“If I had to sum up my experience with JMD Fightstick in one word, it would be “Customization.”
With JMD, you have the freedom to choose your buttons, layout, and overall design with their expert guidance.
They don’t just build the stick; they offer advice and suggestions along the way to ensure it’s perfect for you.
When it finally arrives, it feels like you’re adding a personalized weapon to your gaming arsenal—crafted with a touch of JMD magic that makes it truly your own.”
Career Highlights
- Top 9 – 1st JMD Master’s Cup (SF6)
- Top 6 – MxM Road to Singapore CPT (SF6)
- MYM Pride 11 – SEA Qualified (DoTA 2)
- 2X Battlecup Champions – SEA Division 2020 (DoTA 2)
- Semi-finalist – JoinDoTA Masters IV (DoTA 1)
- Ranked No. 2 – 1v1 Grandmaster Rank Leaderboard | 2016 Season 1 (Starcraft 2)
- MISTAH Esports Brand Streamer | 2020-2022
Getting to Know You
JMD: Can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got into playing Street Fighter?
Stratego: Sure! Most people know me as “Stratego” in the gaming world. I started out playing competitively in MOBA, RTS, and FPS games like DoTA 2, Starcraft 2, and Valorant.
But recently, I made the switch to the fighting game genre.
I stream regularly on Facebook and post gameplay walkthroughs of everything from indie games to AAA titles on my YouTube channel.
I got into Street Fighter a few months back—it’s been a refreshing change in my gaming journey.
JMD: What was the first Street Fighter game you played, and what drew you to it?
Stratego: My first experience with the series was in Street Fighter V!
I was watching MDZJimmy’s stream back in 2018, and something about the game and the genre just clicked for me. I instantly fell in love with it.
JMD: Why do you prefer Street Fighter over other games?
Stratego: It’s got that competitive edge that makes it perfect for esports. The game is thrilling to watch, and it’s even more satisfying to win a match. The intensity is unlike any other game I’ve played.
Gameplay & Practice
JMD: Who’s your favorite character, and why?
Stratego: I’ll always go with the OG poster boy, Ryu! He’s the main protagonist, and his single goal is to keep pushing himself to become stronger. His lore and character arc are just too cool to ignore.
JMD: How do you prepare for tournaments or online matches?
Stratego: I focus on watching my replays to spot my mistakes, and I study other Ryu mains like Semy, Kusanagi, and Paladin. I also spend time in training mode to improve my understanding of different moves and characters.
JMD: What’s your strategy for learning new characters?
Stratego: I always start with their combo trials. Then, I hit the training mode to learn which of their moves are punishable and which are safe. Once I’ve got the basics, I bring them straight to Masters Rank!
JMD: Do you have a favorite move or combo?
Stratego: Definitely Ryu’s Level 3 Shin-Shoryuken. It’s usually a combo ender, but when Ryu hits you with it and says, “What’s wrong?! Get up!”—it’s pure badassery.
JMD: How do you stay calm during high-pressure matches?
Recca: Honestly, I’m not calm at all! But I try to focus on enjoying the match itself. That helps me shake off the tension and keep my head in the game.
Competitive Scene & Experiences
JMD: Can you share your most memorable tournament experience?
Stratego: The latest one has to be the Hilltop Gaming Tourney. It wasn’t just about the matches; it was about connecting with other players in the local FGC.
Meeting people who share the same passion was an amazing experience, and it really expanded my horizons.
JMD: Who’s the toughest opponent you’ve faced, and what did you learn from them?
Stratego: Locally, it’s H1ghscor3 and Andoru. Overall, it’s Paladin—even though the ping was rough during our match, I still learned a lot.
The main takeaway was the importance of mastering the fundamentals.
JMD: What’s your take on the current competitive scene for Street Fighter?
Stratego: It’s thriving right now on the global stage, but the local scene could use some fine-tuning. One of the biggest hurdles for new players is the cost of the game itself.
Unlike games like DoTA or Valorant, Street Fighter isn’t free, so there’s a barrier to entry. More local game stores (LGS) hosting events could really help with that.
JMD: What keeps you motivated to keep improving?
Recca: Fun! I love the game, and even when I get salty after a tough loss, it just pushes me to keep getting better.
Personal Preferences & Insights
JMD: What’s your favorite stage in Street Fighter, and why?
Stratego: Definitely the Training Stage. It’s simple and easy on the eyes, so I can focus purely on the gameplay.
JMD: Are there any characters you find difficult to fight? How do you handle them?
Stratego: Aggressive characters with looping OKIs always give me a hard time. I usually hit the lab to practice against them, and sometimes I’ll get advice from the top players in the community.
JMD: Do you have any pre-match routines?
Stratego: Hydration is key! I make sure to drink plenty of water before big matches—it really makes a difference.
JMD: How do you balance your gaming with other responsibilities like work or school?
Stratego: It’s all about knowing your priorities and planning your day around them. Once you’ve got that figured out, it’s easier to fit in gaming time.
Goals & Advice
JMD: What are your goals for the next year?
Stratego: My primary goal isn’t necessarily to win a tournament—though that would be awesome. I’m more focused on growing my gaming community and becoming the best version of myself in the fighting game genre.
JMD: What advice would you give to new Street Fighter players?
Stratego: Enjoy the ride! Don’t worry too much about losing—that’s how you learn and improve.
JMD: Any upcoming updates or characters you’re excited for?
Stratego: Absolutely! I’m really looking forward to Terry Bogard from SNK joining the roster.
I’m also hoping for a balance patch to buff Ryu and nerf some of my personal top six characters (cough Akuma, Ed, M. Bison, Chun-Li, Rashid, Zangief).
JMD: Where can people follow your Street Fighter journey?
Stratego: You can follow me on my socials here: Stratego Gaming
A Passionate Gamer Across Multiple Genres
Aside from dominating in Street Fighter, Recca is also well-versed in Tekken 8, DoTA 2, Valorant, and a range of story-driven games from indie favorites to AAA titles.
He’s built a strong community of followers and has earned a reputation as one of the most passionate and popular streamers around.
Whether he’s competing or just sharing his gaming experiences online, Recca brings the same energy and enthusiasm.
He was also a key part of making the JMD Master’s Cup Street Fighter 6 Tournament on September 28, 2024, a huge success.
From hyping up the players to giving his full support, Recca really helped bring the event to life!
Final Thoughts
Recca “Stratego” Villarey shows us that with a mix of passion, hard work, and a love for the game, anyone can rise to new heights in the competitive scene.
His journey through Street Fighter 6—and gaming as a whole—is a reminder that every loss is just another step toward getting better.
Whether you’re a casual player or aiming for the big leagues, Recca’s story teaches us that it’s the growth, community, and fun that make the ride worth it.
We’re excited to feature more gamers like Recca, so keep an eye out for his next adventure in the FGC and beyond!
READ NEXT:
- JMD Featured Gamer: RJ Villarin (H1ghscor3)
- JMD Featured Gamer: Paolo Luis Dizon (Pao Islaw)
- JMD Featured Gamer: Jed James (bobps3)
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 STRATEGO and many others who have taken their gaming to the next level with a JUANminiDIY custom wooden arcade stick.
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