Punk and Fuudo unable to compete at Combo Breaker due to Friday pool assignment, conflicts with Eleague playoffs
Both competitors were assigned pools on day one (Friday) -- which were assigned randomly -- and as a result will not be able to make it in time.
Panda Global took to Twitter to confirm Punk's absence.
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Though pools were randomly selected, naturally, some fans are upset over Punk -- arguably the best Street Fighter 5 player in the world -- not being placed in Saturday pools. Combo Breaker tournament organizer Rick 'The Hadou' Thiher responded to the concerns on Twitter, explaining why things couldn't be moved around.
"If we do, then we've gotta do the same thing for everyone else with work/life commitments on Friday," Thiher said. "Job's a job, even as a pro gamer.
"The downside of trying to uphold a principle is having to stand by it (where possible)."
FOX|Momochi is also competing in the Eleague playoffs today, however, his pools won't play out until tomorrow. So, we should be seeing the top-level Ken player compete over the course of the weekend.
Be sure to check out our coverage of both Eleague and Combo Breaker 2017.
Photo credits - Capcom Fighters TV and Chris Bahn.