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PGRSF: Area 51

By Ryan "Saint Cola" Collins | 03/01/21

Panda Global’s ranking of the top 50 Street Fighter V players from 2016-2019 kicks off today with Area 51, a list of five players who fell just short of making the list, but whose accomplishments over the history of SFV still deserve recognition. At this point in the rankings, the differences between players are not big enough to warrant differences in rank. As such, the five Area 51 players will be presented in random order.

Click here to read more on the methodology for the PGRSF.

Chris "ChrisT" Tatarian

Country: United States | Character: Ken
Whereas others left the fiery Ken in favor of greener pastures, Chris "ChrisT" Tatarian kept the flame alight with the hot-blooded fighter throughout his Street Fighter V career. Already an accomplished player since the days of Street Fighter 4, ChrisT kept that same heat by defeating prominent players set in his path. 
One of his most memorable bouts happened at SoCal Regionals 2018, where ChrisT mirror matched Yusuke "Momochi" Momochi—another longtime Ken player—and won, leaving the venue in third place. His other placements such as third place at Northwest Majors X and first place at Game Over Tournament 2018 show he’s never been a slouch. 
Though Chris hasn't been active in the competitive scene lately, the community knows he could burn through a bracket with ease if he chooses to return. 

Jonny Lai "Humanbomb" Cheng

Country: Hong Kong | Character: Chun-Li
If you see a blonde Chun Li tearing through a tournament, it’s probably Jonny Lai “HumanBomb” Cheng at the helm. Having mastered the footsies-heavy Interpol agent, he’s sent more than a few top players home.
One of the giants he’s toppled includes Rohto Z’s Hajime ‘Tokido’ Taniguchi and his demon-infused Akuma, ending the legend's tournament run at Evo 2019. Although his travels were limited as 2019 progressed, Humanbomb did manage to secure fifth place at Saigon Cup 2019 as well.
Despite his relative absence in 2019, Humanbomb was one of the best Chun-Lis in the business in Street Fighter V's first three seasons, with the medals to back it up. His best results include fifth at Evo Japan 2018 and third at FV Cup 2016 and 2017, and his nine Top 8 appearances in 2016 earned him a berth to Capcom Cup 2016, where he finished 17th.

Jonathan "JB" Bautista

Country: United States | Character: Rashid
Even with the numerous victories under his belt, last year was by far Jonathan “JB” Bautista best, as the Rashid player evolved into an absolute threat. Sitting comfortably in the winner’s side of Grand Finals at Texas Showdown 2019, JB crossed up Du ‘NuckleDu’ Dang to take home first place.
That strong start brought the momentum he needed for more strong placements, including seventh at Defend The North 2019 and ninth place at Combo Breaker 2019. Those placements allowed him to earn a spot in Capcom Cup 2019, his first appearance at the Capcom Pro Tour's final event. Not bad considering his first CPT event came just two years prior.
JB's growth has been absolutely exponential, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see him reach the finale again once the offline CPT is back on track.

Lee "POONGKO" Chung Gon

Country: South Korea | Characters: Kolin, Abigail
Quick to pick up a character and even quicker to optimize them, Lee "Poongko" Chung Gon has wielded a wide array of characters over the years. From the towering Abigail to the icy Kolin, Poongko is just as deadly as he was in the SF4 era.  
He reached fifth place at Japan Cup 2017, fourth place at Fighter’s Spirit 2017, and seventh place at Abuget Cup 2018. 2019 was lighter on travel and combat for the player, but the arrival of new DLC in 2020 has returned his old favorite Seth to the fray. The Doll Unit is different than before, but Poongko has already adjusted. Now, nobody will be safe from Poongko's constant pressure. 

Marcus "THE COOL KID93" Redmond

Country: United States | Character: Abigail
When Marcus “The Cool Kid93” Redmond breached Top 8 at the SFV Evo 2018 tournament with his deft Abigail play, many were shocked. Maybe they shouldn’t have been. 
Prior to his biggest breakout performance, he smeared the competition at the Capcom Pro Tour North American Finals 2017. It was there The Cool Kid93 showed the potential of the massive warrior, and revolutionized how the scene saw the character. Thus, his decimation of Kun “Xian” Ho and his Ibuki at the largest fighting game tournament should never have been considered out of the realm of possibility. 
Since then, THE COOL KID 93 has added E. Honda and Cody to his stable for any bad matchups in preparation for the next battle. Don't think we've seen the last of him yet.
The PGRSF will continue Wednesday, March 4th with players 50-41. Find it right here at PGstats.com and subscribe to our YouTube channel for upcoming PGRSF video content.
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