Pursuit of the Record: An Interview with the World’s Largest Tekken Collector

Step into the world of Abdulhadi Aljohani, known to many as Sultan, a committed Tekken enthusiast from Saudi Arabia. He’s poised on the brink of a significant achievement: a place in the Guinness World Records for his remarkable Tekken collection, boasting over 1,900 unrefined non-duplicated items. This interview brings into focus Sultan’s spirited journey toward this landmark record, his extraordinary Tekken memorabilia trove, and the profound impact the iconic game has made on his personal and professional life. Sultan’s passion for the game and unwavering dedication to his collection paints an enthralling picture of the Tekken universe and the fascinating niche of gaming memorabilia collecting.

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First off, please introduce yourself. What is your name, where are you from, and what do you do for a living?

My name is Abdulhadi Aljohani, but everyone calls me Sultan. My nickname is Lover202. I am from Saudi Arabia and work as an administrative assistant in a school. I also have an MBA in esports.

How did you develop such a deep passion for Tekken and collecting?

It started when I noticed that I already had a few Tekken games and goodies. As a professional player, tournament organizer, and someone who loves esports, especially fighting games, my passion for Tekken grew. Collecting became a way to showcase the beauty of Tekken and its history.

What motivated you to aim for a Guinness World Record with your Tekken collection?

While browsing Guinness World Records (GWR), I discovered that I was the only Tekken collector, and there was no existing application for that title. So, I decided to make a new request on the GWR website.

Could you share more about the ongoing process of applying for the Guinness World Record? What challenges have you faced so far?

The process was quite challenging. Making a new application is difficult, but competing with an open application is comparatively easier. Initially, I had to check if my title already existed. I had to choose between paying small fees for the processing that takes around three months or paying hefty fees for a quicker application that takes approximately two weeks. My application was declined three times because there was already an application for most fighting game memorabilia, specifically for Pokémon. Even though I applied for Tekken only, it was rejected because fighting games were considered one category. However, I found out that there was an application for games like Street Fighter that was not refused for category reasons. When I mentioned this to them, they finally accepted my application and asked me to reapply.

What are some of the rarest or most prized items in your Tekken collection?

There are many rare items in my collection, especially from the era of Tekken 1 to Tekken Tag 1. During that time, Tekken had numerous goodies and memorabilia that are nearly lost in time. I focused on acquiring these items. Additionally, all the Tekken press kits hold a special place in my heart. The Mokujin chocolate is also precious to me, although it is very fragile and delicate.

How long did it take you to amass your collection, and what were some of the challenges you faced along the way?

It took me around 15 years to collect almost all of the items, with some missing pieces that I couldn’t acquire due to various reasons.

Could you share any interesting stories or anecdotes related to acquiring specific Tekken items for your collection?

I have a memorable story to share. There was a particular item that I was trying very hard to get. The seller was located in Italy, and he refused to ship the item. Moreover, he insisted on receiving the money in person. To overcome this, I reached out to one of my friends whose colleague lives in Italy. With their help, I was able to complete the transaction. The item was then shipped to Poland, where I was staying at the time, and eventually, I brought it back with me to Saudi Arabia. Another interesting experience was when I missed an auction for an item I wanted so much. I felt sad for a week, but then, surprisingly, the same item reappeared shortly after, and I was able to acquire it at a much lower price.

Have you had the opportunity to meet any of the Tekken game developers or other prominent figures in the Tekken community through your collection and record?

Yes, I have. I met many members of the Tekken community while traveling to compete in tournaments between 2009 and 2010. Additionally, I had the privilege of meeting Katsuhiro Harada when I was in charge of escorting him during his visit to Riyadh in 2017. I had the pleasure of setting up the Saudi culture outfit on him and interviewing him on stage. I also had the opportunity to meet Shuhei Yoshida, the president of Sony Interactive Entertainment. Although they saw glimpses of my Tekken Museum through pictures and videos, it was a memorable experience. I also had the pleasure of meeting and talking to Mr. Meltos, the marketing manager of Bandai Namco Europe.

How do you organize and display your extensive collection? Is there a specific system or arrangement that you follow?

Currently, my collection is stored off-display in boxes because I am planning to move to a different place. However, when it comes to organizing and displaying, I follow a systematic approach. I arrange the items in rows, with each showcase representing a specific Tekken installment from Tekken 1 to Tekken 7. I also categorize the items, grouping them by type, such as figures, CDs, keychains, magazines, t-shirts, manga, and so on.

Are there any specific goals or milestones you are still striving to achieve within your Tekken collection?

Yes, after years of tirelessly collecting items on my own, I hope to reach a point where I won’t have to chase after them anymore. I dream that one day, Bandai Namco Entertainment will recognize the importance of preserving the history of one of the most significant fighting game franchises. I hope they will support me by inviting me to special events, closed press meetings, and sending me some of their goodies to be part of Tekken’s history in one place. This would not only benefit me as a collector but also allow me to represent Tekken fans and players in the region as a Tekken influencer.

As someone residing in the Saudi Arabia region, how has the local Tekken community influenced your passion for the game and collecting? Are there any unique aspects or events specific to the region that have impacted your journey?

Back in 2008 and onwards, we used to organize tournaments and compete among ourselves. Witnessing the gathering of players and fans in one place, coming from far distances to meet and compete, fueled my passion for collecting, playing, organizing, and being part of the Tekken community. This experience led me to travel abroad to compete and make new friends.

How do you balance your passion for Tekken and collecting with other aspects of your life, such as work, family, or personal commitments?

Let me tell you, it’s a challenging but enjoyable balance. Collecting anything requires investing time and money, which was initially difficult. However, as I acquired most of the items I needed, I realized that less time and money were required to continue collecting.

In your opinion, what makes the Tekken franchise so special and enduring? What sets it apart from other fighting game series?

There are several reasons that make the Tekken franchise special and enduring. Firstly, it has the most ongoing fighting game storyline. It is also the only successful 3D fighting game. Additionally, the variety of characters and the developers’ ability to create something new while engaging with the fans through social media sets Tekken apart. The developers listen to the fans and incorporate elements related to specific countries or infuse gameplay moves or styles with things we know and love.

Have you ever had the opportunity to showcase your collection at any events or exhibitions? If so, what was the response from the audience?

While I had the idea of showcasing my collection at an event in 2017, it didn’t work out due to various reasons, including the size of the collection and the risks associated with shipping and transportation, especially since most significant events were located around 1000KM away from me. However, I recently proposed the idea of a Tekken Museum to Gamers8, and although the risks remain the same, the international nature of the event makes it worth considering.

Are there any particular items or pieces in your collection that hold sentimental value or carry significant personal memories? Could you share the story behind one such item?

The Tekken Tag Tournament 1 mini-board collections hold significant sentimental value for me. I always wanted to collect them, as they are exclusive to Tekken Tag 1. I remember receiving one of them from a friend, and I promised him that I would collect the rest. After many years of searching, I was able to acquire all six mini-boards, which are extremely rare and hard to find.

How do you stay updated with the latest Tekken releases, merchandise, and community news? Do you actively engage with online communities or participate in tournaments?

I stay updated with the latest Tekken releases, merchandise, and community news primarily through social media, especially Twitter. I also attend tournaments and rarely play online due to netcode issues. Participating in offline tournaments is more enjoyable, as it allows me to meet old friends, make new ones, and have a meal together or hang out afterwards.

Have you ever faced any challenges or obstacles in maintaining and expanding your collection? How did you overcome them?

Maintaining a massive collection comes with its challenges. Sometimes, I forget if I already have a particular item and end up purchasing it again. Cleaning and sorting the collection is not an easy task, but with time and experience, it becomes more manageable. As for expanding the collection, I always dreamt of having a Tekken arcade cabinet at home. However, due to expensive shipping fees and regulations regarding gambling machines, I haven’t been able to acquire one yet. I hope to fulfill this dream one day.

As a Tekken enthusiast, what are your hopes and expectations for the future of the franchise? Is there anything specific you would like to see in upcoming releases?

In terms of the future of the franchise, I hope that Tekken will continue to maintain its identity as we know it. Adding new aspects and mechanics is not a problem, but striking the right balance between fun and competitive gameplay can be challenging. I hope that the new mechanics introduced in future releases won’t rely too heavily on luck and will still allow for decisive wins.

Have you been able to connect with other Tekken collectors or Guinness World Record holders through your journey? Are there any collaborations or shared experiences you have had with fellow enthusiasts?

Yes, I have had the pleasure of meeting two passionate Tekken collectors, one from the UK and one from France. We regularly share experiences and information about Tekken items. We have even swapped duplicated items between our collections.

Lastly, what advice would you give to aspiring collectors or those looking to pursue their own Guinness World Records in the gaming or collecting realm?

My advice is to go for it! Choose one type of item or collection that you are truly passionate about and focus on that. If you believe you have something worthy to show the world, don’t hesitate to apply for a Guinness World Record. It’s better to strive for a record that showcases your passion and uniqueness than to aim for something generic like “the biggest pizza in the world.”

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