UK fighting games legend and British Esports Advisory Board member, Ryan Hart, was recently inducted into the EVO Hall of Fame, a prestigious list that celebrates the most influential players in the fighting games community (FGC).
We caught up with Ryan for his thoughts and feelings on the achievement, his advice to others pursuing a similar path, and being nominated for several 2026 EVO Awards. He was nominated for Best Combo (Dragon Dance at Combo Breaker 2025), Best Meme (for the ‘Steamed Bun Man’ meme with 22m+ views) and won the ‘Best Dressed’ category.
–
A huge congratulations on being inducted into the EVO Hall of Fame, Ryan! What does this mean to you, both personally and professionally?
This is a huge accomplishment for me and makes me feel like everything I went through was for a reason.
All my struggles that felt close to impossible at the time were the stepping stones to opportunity but you don’t realise it at the time. These things gave me reason to push forward, reason to not give up and reason to stay determined, my problems became the obstacles I had to overcome in order to build the successes I have today.
What do you attribute to your success?
God, my mum, gaming and all the kind people who helped me along the way
What advice would you give others pursuing a similar path?
It’s a tough one for sure and just because I found my way I’d never undermine the weight of the struggle, anyone of us including myself could find themselves in a desperate situation.
I’d say try your best to surround yourself with good people and people that genuinely want to see you do well. Find a positive focus for your life that can carry you through darker times, if you don’t give up there will be a way through for you so keep moving forward!
Where can British Esports support that journey?
I think British Esports can start a string of offline get-together gaming events where people can come and meet like-minded people and be a part of something, because the sense of belonging to something of value is greatly missing in today’s youth society, hence the appeal to join gangs and groups that lead teens down a negative path.
I would be more than happy to perhaps head this project up or support where needed.
Watch this space for more events at our National Esports Performance Campus and our upcoming British Arena. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
I’m just really grateful to everyone who supported and believed in me, even when I didn’t have much to offer them in return. These are the true gems of society and the world, and I think it’s important that these people are not forgotten, the ones who stick with you through thick and thin, the ones who believe in you when nobody else does and so on. I’m extremely grateful to them.
Thank you for the chat Ryan and for being a part of our British Esports Advisory Board for many years now. All the best and we look forward to seeing what you accomplish next.