Introducing the Team Capturing the Heart of America’s Fighting Game Scene: Bars, Pizza Parlors, and Hidden Back Rooms

For many years, video games have been a way for people to connect with each other. This goes way back to the days of arcades, long before the era of gaming consoles and flashy gaming PCs changed the scene. These social arenas are still hanging on in the form of LAN parties, gaming cafes, and tournaments, but they don’t hold the same place in our hearts as they once did. Back in the day, you might have run into Greg playing Counter-Strike: Source or Street Fighter 2 in town. Now, Greg is more likely a Clannad profile picture on Discord. How times have shifted.

Yet, there are some who still crave that genuine face-to-face gaming experience. These are the folks for whom gaming is incomplete without sharing it with others who are just a short walk or drive away. Despite the gradual fading of these digital hangouts, a dedicated group has taken it upon themselves to explore these places through grassroots fighting game tournaments in a new video series called Locals Unknown. Their first location? The basement of a pizza joint in a college town.

I’m really intrigued by this concept, so I chatted with two of the project’s driving forces. Victeemo, a professional in the fighting game circuit, and Siam, the owner of Kanme Esports. Along with some help from Sol Naciente, a Tekken expert and King main, this small team has embarked on a mission to capture local gaming scenes and venues throughout their travels. It’s much like the classic days of YouTube—mixing old-school vlogging with the feel of a travel documentary.

The project kicked off when Victeemo became a part of the Kanme team. He and Siam saw an opportunity to create something beyond just attending events to promote their brand.

Siam described their conversation: “When chatting with Victeemo, it became clear we’re both really passionate about the local fighting game scenes where we started. These local places are crucial—they’re the launchpad for newcomers, and each has its unique vibe.”

Victeemo said, “Around the end of Tekken World Tour season 1, I was looking for sponsors and came across Kanme. It was interesting, both Siam and I stumbled upon the Locals Unknown idea together. We brainstormed, and then he suggested, ‘What if we send you to different locals to document them?’ I loved the idea and wanted to dive into it.”

“I’m primarily a competitor first, a role I’ve embraced since Tekken 7 began, but my second priority is the community. I’m thrilled to be part of this initiative, and the buzz it’s created is fantastic.”

Victeemo had little experience with a video camera before Locals Unknown, but now he’s capturing these local scenes at their finest. Siam and Sol_Naciente handle editing back home, driven by passion for the community rather than corporate backing.

Both share a common story familiar to many in the fighting game arena: losing beloved local spots. They both paid their respects when Xanadu Games, a Maryland fighting game landmark, hosted its final event in December 2024.

Reflecting on those days, Victeemo shared, “We had a local called Xanadu, tucked in a small business center outside Baltimore. When Tekken was big, we’d cram 50 people in there for monthly locals, barely room to breathe (laughs). That gave me the push to compete at a higher level and a deep love for the community.”

Siam added, “Numerous spots have closed. One of our usual venues, Xanadu Games, recently shut down. We were at its final event. Witnessing that inspired us to highlight venues that still thrive.“

This idea spurred the series, though not solely because of Xanadu. Many local gaming havens for titles like Street Fighter and Tekken have closed over recent years, replaced by infrequent large-scale events or fading away. For Siam and Victeemo, these are challenging times for the fighting game community.

Siam explained, “It’s tough now. Online options are convenient, especially after 2020. Before that, venues were more accessible. Post-2020, online tournaments became the norm, and physical venues struggled to maintain their audience. We’re seeing a decline now.”

Victeemo emphasized, “Many locals are shutting down, so spotlighting the ones that keep the community alive, where people can make friends and build relationships, is crucial compared to the current online landscape.”

So, why embark on this journey? What makes these places so significant to deserve a video series and an article? For Victeemo and Siam, it’s about honoring their roots and illuminating a world that shaped them.

“My partner and I have been together nearly seven years, all thanks to meeting at Xanadu through the fighting game community. I’ve forged lifelong friendships there, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything,” said Victeemo.

Siam noted, “In a way, it’s about giving back. It’s important for players to share their beginnings. People often idolize players, but it’s good to bring it back to ‘Hey, I’m a player too; I started somewhere like you did,’ and that’s often at their local scene. I hope to show the human side beyond the games—the people building these communities.”

The first episode of Locals Unknown is available on the Kanme channel, with more episodes in the pipeline. If you appreciate their work, show them some love. It’s vital to celebrate the broader gaming culture, especially those segments that might one day vanish.