The Kid From Nowhere Who Won it All... and Gave the Money Away

[@1nterzept661]

The fact that he used his price money to upgrade his "Dojo" and started a Dominican Esports team and began making local tournaments in DR. Damn, huge respect to the guy

[@fineguy2696]

all that with just 250k? how he live?

[@kibskibs498]

fineguy 250k in here dollars goes way further in the DR

[@VinylUnboxings]

@@fineguy2696 that's like 50 years of the average wage if it's really 400 a month, should be easily doable, as long as he's not planning on never working again. Labor is probably a lot cheaper for renovations, and starting a team and tournaments doesn't exactly require much. Hell, technically I could renovate my crib and start an eSports Team Tournament with way less than that in the USA. Hopefully he put some of the money away, or has a way to profit off the dojo/tournaments

[@fineguy2696]

@@VinylUnboxings love those usd

[@Albertdepena]

@@fineguy2696 250k here in DR. are about 13 millions in dominican coin. Reparing the dojo would not be more than 3k us and i am exaggerating. Yes, the minimum wage is near 400 and up, but the dominican economy is about nearly 55% informal cuz you cant even get a decent job. I was very proud of him and truly im still are. Our country is beautiful but the goverment is so corrupt that sometimes we even lost hope. I was very proud of him and truly im still are. Regards

[@Impactframess]

I swear fighting game videos just hit different.

[@r.i.petika829]

yikes butt I feel like I nearly cry every time. I did for Arslans story and few others. It just hits you *hard* man.

[@lifeofapotato4595]

because it's more idk..personal maybe? because FGC is all about individual's development or story

[@nathanielcarlyon3393]

Great thing about fgc is that it’s not anyone but you who determines you’re success. The grind is what gets you to the top.

[@ForzaOwnz]

Its something about the 1v1 and the ability to show rounds real quick with quick hype. Players are able to show up in Majors and go on runs which most other 1v1 games can't eg Starcraft.

[@homelessperson5455]

"Fighting games...*HIT* different" I see what you did there ;3

[@damien_rsa24]

"It's not easy, but it's easier" that's the attitude that gets you far in life🙌🔥

[@qwertywypi1337]

i dont understand the quote

[@dsan17]

@@qwertywypi1337 The money he won helped a lot but it's still difficult to bring players from his community to the international scene. He went from Ultra hard to hard, "not easy but easier".

[@tacothunder2298]

@@qwertywypi1337 it means it's still hard, just a little easier now. Some quotes lose meaning when translated to english word by word.

[@chupasaurus]

@@qwertywypi1337 What Mena meant is that through his team other DR players have a support to organize the travel and they could mention his achievement at the interview for visas which actually helps (a good example: many Russian players in other esports actually acquired visas to other countries since 2001 because of the dominance at WCG in CS and Quake).

[@jeykon]

In the Dominican Republic we don't have how to pay Mena everything he has done for our local FGC. Thanks Saul.

[@Thalor]

He is a very kind and talented young man I wish him the best and can only hope it gets better for you all. God bless

[@depurasangre86]

Brothers give to brothers. Entre los Hermanos El dinero no importa. Enjoy the gift from your brother.

[@aaa-bm1fv]

​@@Thalor AND HE DID IT AGAIN!!!!

[@michael2305]

Happy AF for him. Zero to Hero mode activated.

[@ssoboguh]

Now thats money well spend. GJ kid, now go on.

[@KiraGamer97]

spent*

[@Schreibtisch98]

Brooo

[@RLomoterenge]

I’d like your comment but it’s at 666. Nice

[@ssoboguh]

@@Schreibtisch98 bruuuh

[@terminator2348]

No, it isn't. It was immature and stupid.

[@Polored1066]

This guy living in hardcore ultranightmare mode and showing everybody how it's done

[@chr1s_CS]

Tbh for us in DR it was just normal. Even tho it was random when the light whent out we still knew at around what time it would.

[@necromax13]

Living outside of the usa, rich asia, and the EU is nightmare mode. Africa and poor Asia is ultranightmare

[@phuuc8075]

@@chr1s_CS are you from *the dojo* ?

[@chr1s_CS]

@@phuuc8075 no but it was the same for everyone in the country that wasn't rich

[@nyagah243]

@@necromax13 depends on which part of Africa you're in tbh

[@Michael-mm3mg]

Who would win? Legendary Japanese fighting game God Or *one thicc boi*

[@cluelessgamer4318]

Thicc thighs saves lives

[@thejetparadox]

*one thicc boi* of course

[@xenepth]

@@cluelessgamer4318 You sir is a man of culture!

[@mookredtv]

He triangle choked him w the baby’s

[@mookredtv]

What the hell am I talking about 🤦🏽‍♂️🤷🏽‍♂️

[@vladventura1928]

Oh my god MenaRD in The Score*??? This feels really, really good for me because I'm also from Dominican Republic. Thank you so much!

[@necromax13]

No me vuelvo a montar en motoconcho

[@vladventura1928]

@@necromax13 HAHAHAHAH ya tu sabe!!

[@OXIGM]

Soy de PR y me siento orgulloso como si fuera de RD :3

[@vladventura1928]

@@OXIGM Te entiendo! Cuando cualquier jugador latinoamericano sale a flote (especialmente de Rep. Dom. y Puerto Rico) me siento súper orgulloso

[@AMnotQ]

I understand absolutely nothing in this comment thread, but I’m pretty sure it’s extremely positive.

[@filixamparo8418]

Being Dominican, this made me cry. I'm amped up now. Great video.

[@THEwed123wet]

I was pretty shocked when I saw it in the DR local news, they like never talk about video games or stuff like that and I was quite happy that my country got some spotlight because of him

[@santiagocapellan3245]

A very positive one.

[@manuelsoto7295]

I never imagined that I would see a player from my country on theScore, thank you theScore for letting people know the struggle we have here in esports... And thanks MenaRD because of his effort and his passion. In fact, we (Dominicans) are so proud when a player or a team is recognized internationally and we tend to be very energetic about it.

[@fungus_am0nguz644]

Its great to see Mena RD giving back to the community, you can tell that he loves the scene and his homies. Also fun fact, Tokido actually won that tournament in the DR and he beat Mena (not in the finals) and the whole crowd was cheering for Tokido to win, also it was his birthday and people sang happy bday as well. Dominicans are nuts and fun people. Thanks for everything Saul, de lo mio'

[@Emezie]

Nice feature on a very deserving player. Hope he does well at the LCQ next month!

[@WhirlwindHeatAndFlash]

This comment aged well.

[@te3hee3]

He makes the most genuine face after he wins. He’s so suprised and in disbelief of his achievement. This is why esports will always be entertaining to watch

[@omymomo]

Why do like 30% of the videos TheScore creates make me cry?

[@Saberdud]

Nvm I cried too

[@jairoflores85]

john gorman lol i cried too 😂

[@beakspidey]

Same here

[@justcheesepizzaplease]

I'm not crying OK, I got something in my eye damnit.

[@ekales_]

They know how to deliver these stories. 💯

[@realparisian8765]

Mena has an energy about him. Just seems like an all around champion.

[@gameaddictgonewild777]

His physique is champions worthy

[@Pasicho]

The story is good but as the video quickly glossed over the times where he and his scene gets obnoxious. (yelling at opponents, tea bagging during matches, refusing to shake hands/while obnoxiously popping off (this happened multiple times during the same event in the past) Also there's the time MenaRD tried to pull the race card and the entire FGC gave him a ??? reaction because it literally came out of nowhere and his reasoning made no sense. Over the years it's been a trip up and down on whether or not his scene has shown class.

[@DeeDiazH]

@@Pasicho "refusing to shake hands" This never happens consciously, Dominicans have a lot of respect for their opponents, they are incredibly loud though but that is just a culture difference that some people are not used to, there is no disrespect or malice behind anything of that. Also i didn't know about that racism incident i can't find any info of that.. can you provide a source.

[@realparisian8765]

Pasicho Its obvious you are used to the new “pussified” version of fighting game tournaments. The FGC is historically the most ratchet scene in Esports and thats what draws so many people to it. Mena and the whole DR scene is old school, maybe thats what draws me to them. The pride and celebration in winning is what its all about, it’s nothing personal, if your offended its because you choose to be. Its not about showing class, its about putting yourself and your brothers as close to the top as you can, by any means possible.

[@liampitout5483]

@@realparisian8765 ok boomer

[@buzzroyale]

This man is an absolute show of character. Mad respect

[@jairoflores85]

Wow this video made tears come out of my eyes 😭 this is great proud to be dominican 🇩🇴💪🏽

[@alexpho1528]

I am a CS fan but i appreciate how passionate everyone is in the fgc

[@castroz1999]

Proud Dominican right here! What mena says is true, kids in those “dojos” put hours and hours into fighting games and develop amazing skills because of it, but they mostly won’t have the chance to even get out of the city they live in to play in another one, but it’s good to see mena carrying and supporting the scene! Duro Saúl!

[@Blessedup69]

When everyone is telling you will lose. It only makes winning that much greater!!!

[@nesfan8]

Never played the game nor really cared about it, but this still gave me chills. This is what esports is all about !

[@xxstrider3188]

That set was phenomenal. Glad i was able to watch it live.

[@AlleyCatGhost]

I kinda hated on Mena RD at first but I respect tf out him for this

[@ptahtao1950]

Alot of ppl did cuz he had that toxic bad boi persona (kinda saw a bit of it when he teabagged tf outta diago in that tourney set 🤣🤣) but when u look past that u see that the kid is a fucking legend.

[@hido...]

Ptah Tao how does tea bagging make someone a toxic bad boy.

[@dawdce]

@@hido... it was kind of a toxic move in general, and brought to another level because he's doing it to Daigo

[@hido...]

Nox and so what? Tea bagging is just whatever. Daigo said he doesn't care about it. I see how it is toxic but I didn't understand how it gives him a bad boy persona.

[@dawdce]

@@hido... i dont consider him having a bad boy persona tho, probably the teabag was him feeling himself overcoming daigo, but some people glorify daigo too much and stick that "nickname" to him i guess

[@pllaje]

De los mio personal. Glad to see someone giving back to DR. I remember when I was growing up all me and my friends used to do is play fighting games. Fighting games have been huge in DR since the 90s glad to see us joining the major scene all thanks to one of our very own.

[@altioramaar3264]

Gonna admit; Had no idea about his prize amount and usage there of. Viewed him and Caba as conceited folks. I'll put more repect on his name. Actions do speak louder, after all.

[@cvlturestudio3534]

So proud there are Dominican players in the esports scene representing our country. I grew up there and know what it is like, a lot of kids don’t even have access to internet or a console to play on, I am sure he has made his community proud and happy by giving back to them with his hard earned money.

[@StrongestCreatureOnEarth]

THIS GUY HAS A WINNER MINDSET IN BOTH BUSINESS AND PLAY.

[@duchi882]

*That initial **_"The Dojo"_* is more relatable than I expected

[@BernStewShow]

This kid was playing in surviver mode and he prove everyone how grinding can always best talents. Love your bro #NoHomo

[@stevoman16]

The perfect story to hear on Thanksgiving.

[@Kusanagikaiser999]

As a Dominican I can say all its super true, Mena have change everything on DR, now we have major events with actual good prizes, 2 teams of Esports and a League, all of that was unheard before, an we all have to thanks Mena for make it, become a Capcom Cup champion, the first in L.A. and the first from Dominican Republic, Mena is a Dominican legend now, happy to see he get the recognition back now, thanks for make this video.

[@isabelaleroux2307]

This makes me so proud of my country

[@TheLegendaryPizza]

This story gives me chills. Big man with a big heart for the community. Respect.

[@ThePROFESSIONALhooligan]

Huge facts I had chilled the whole time. Huge respect to him

[@LucyTheLamia]

Who's here after Mena won Capcom Cup again in 2023?

[@brunoelbaxter5236]

Like Mena, I am also proud to be Dominican and to be part of the gamer generation of my country, we are all very grateful for Mena rd's glorious triumph and to be able to give us all the possibilities to achieve our dreams by knowing that if He could, we can also do it, I hope that from now on in our country and in all the others that are needed to discover all the other young people who have a great and talented ability, I am from Santiago Dominican Republic, and i had the honor to play against Mena a super Smash bros ultimate tournament in which he won me tree stock both times I will try to follow my dreams and be another of the greats, from Santiago, I thanked you saul

[@wesleypatterson2989]

Hey, man, this was great to read. Keep it up and you'll find a way. Much love and support from the US, brother.

[@brunoelbaxter5236]

@@wesleypatterson2989 ty man

[@pipoloi1999]

Bro, how did I come into this video knowing what it was about and still after seeing him win, I wanted to tear up

[@JKpez23]

they make these videos way too well, man.

[@danugore8493]

Thats what Im saying. It was too touching

[@vinicinfodexota5083]

THIS IS FGC BABYYYYYYYYY, THE OGsssssss I miss mena. this year he went kinda missing, hope we can see him in the spotlight next year

[@princesssleepyhead8043]

Man it was tough this year! He beat Bonchan and Tokido at Combo Breaker and didn't make top 8. These pools are getting really really hard lol

[@liampitout5483]

He couldn't win anything lol

[@ShadyLizack]

Electricity go out, oh man as a Dominican I can relate to this lol

[@atomicjacob6413]

As a Nigerian I relate to it so much

[@coohippo]

Se fue la luz! Se fue la luz! ::Everyone grabs a presidente and goes to chill outside:: lol

[@m_xvi]

He's putting on heavy for the island and I deadass appreciate it, thank you

[@Agustin-OWA]

Them Latino fans...well let's just say they can be really passionate when they see their boi playing. 😅

[@dpedreno]

Still respectful, doesn't matter how you look at it. I get it, it's videogames and competition and people get hyped and root for their home team. But there has to be a way to do that without disrespecting or handicapping the opponent. Also, being a team now, they should behave professionally. Didn't know about MenaRD 's story. Much respect to him.

[@alanr7215]

this made me tear up, feelsgoodman

[@kodemasterx]

4 years later he’s the only two times champion and still dominating the scene… Planato Power 💪🏻

[@grindfornrg7408]

This dude is a god

[@nani8308]

No, he just believe in God that is why he is able to go lengths.

[@grindfornrg7408]

Ohhhhhh ok :)

[@ryuukichi2531]

He fought god teabag'ed him and then won against him lmao

[@K8LOYT]

@@nani8308 triggered lol

[@poorslip4754]

I teared up when he beat tokido, i love to see stories like this no i dont watch fighter esports

[@Japzel]

This shit made me cry from being inspired by what MenaRD did to his price and for his country.

[@jamescabrie7952]

Thank you for this video, it's one of the best you have created. Good feelings, good vibes. What a legend.

[@DoctorSteak]

He just won EVO 2024 👍👍👍💯

[@theleviathan451]

Love this story, a true testament to family and loyalty. Selfless act that benefits everyone in his country, true patriot

[@mreeveoh]

live in the cayman islands, their esports scene has been growing with sponsored tourneys. might be a kid from here on this one day.

[@spitfyre8688]

Get it man, let's see one of them in the next one of these videos.

[@donkeykong4983]

mreeveoh You can do it brooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@mreeveoh]

@@donkeykong4983 appreciate the support kong, you were my main in smash 64

[@donkeykong4983]

mreeveoh I appreciate da loyalty.

[@geraldsaved]

I’m Dominican and this makes me so happy.

[@gamermk2]

Gerald Castro Dominican power ;)

[@stkblack2126]

As a gamer from the Dominican Republic I approve everything that was said in this video specially the support part 🤣🤣🤣. Also i didnt even know about this menard😂😂😂

[@guitarwierdo12345]

As a Dominican this hit home man

[@necromax13]

Yeah, the travel visa woes aren't limited to the DR, it's pretty much to all of latin America. Also, there are several hour scheduled power outages per week in the DR, often daily.

[@chupasaurus]

And just travel visas for competing in tournaments aren't viable in some countries (Japan for an example).

[@necromax13]

@@chupasaurus and tourism visas are a fucking pain in the ass to get for a lot of people.

[@NikolayNikoloff]

A true legend! That's what MenaRD is, a bloody legend!

[@Andrew-qq8fb]

This host is the king of the new age combover.

[@gamerx807]

It’s great to see my people from my country do amazing things

[@manuelmatos3037]

DOMINICANS WHERE U AT

[@ItsNylrak]

This is the kind of things that makes me proud of being Dominican

[@ShookOnesTO]

He plays with a contoller as well?? Its rare to see a controller at that level. Huge props to mena. Regardless of video games, this guy is going places.

[@FWoI37]

No it ain't lol 💀💀

[@3XP3NDABL3]

Not for fighting games

[@chakchak9510]

Punk,Smug, NuckleDu etc. A lot of pros use a controller

[@kyahboii]

Mena RD now my favorite SFV player. First time hearing about him, really really happy there's someone like him in the FGC. GJ! love from PH!

[@Fr0gSplashh]

Guys do teh Luffy story. It was just as crrazy at the time that a dude from France using a C tier character actually won EVO by beating like 25 japanese gods on the way to the title.

[@IvanRevi]

they already did

[@yasserfx1691]

Wow!!! Amazing story. This video brought me into tears!!!! Well played Mena RD, not only for demonstrating we Dominicans can stand out at any scenario but also for what you did to the community who made you (The boy at the "Dojo"). A self- superation and inspirational story worth to watch!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@xbay84262]

"The opportunities for people living there are limited" You don't know the half of it.

[@spacejamgoliath]

Get good I guess

[@smeipalmu5970]

Breh?

[@adhi1150203]

Can you please explain it?

[@xXedgelord226Xx]

adhi1150203 the DR is just a place where not many opportunities are given to you. You have to work twice as hard as people who were privileged enough to be born in America for example. It’s just not an easy place to live let alone become fgc champ.

[@miltonzarzuela5778]

adhi1150203 kids work from the time they turn 10 and education is not prioritized. If you’re not playing baseball, you’re probably working everyday to help provide for the household. Gaming is really a privilege that not many people get to have if their parents don’t approve of it or think it’s a waste of time. But Menard has really made major strides to change the narrative around there.

[@mugenmarshal01]

That grand finals was lit! Much success for MenaRD and the Dominican Republic!!

[@peepeepoopoolious7937]

Coming back to say congrats Mena on winning capcom cup 2023 as well! Bro gets bags

[@georgealmanz3536]

And now CeO, he is in his way to be the goat

[@Iqballotelli]

I cried when watching live MenaRD won Capcom cup 2 years ago. Now I cried again, harder, literally, when I saw this documentary video. Thank you thescore esport.

[@vaillant_500]

I like it when when every FGC has their own "super underdog came outta nowhere" arc

[@deekay1306]

Tanto Dhaneswara amen

[@eonhite]

It's the only merit-based esports.

[@luisangeltremolrivas1771]

This was moving. Thank you for the video, it touched me as I am Dominican and I know first hand how dficult it is from here to achive anything in life and this just shows that love for what you do and passion is greater than circunstances. Thank you. Love and respect.

[@double2254]

MenaRD is a true inspiration of what it means to be a good person, he is a saint

[@shaunbang]

Bro what this kid did is truly kind hearted and just a good man. Many say things like they’d do such things for others but when the money is in their hands things change quickly. Things like this should be on the news praising this guy more

[@r0n_gg942]

when Mena RD is on fire, watching him play Birdie is one of the best things in eSports

[@AbraxasCombatSquirrel]

TheScore eSport... Just admit it you guys always have special place and storytelling for FGC scene....love it

[@moonu2336]

Dominicano representando ❣️💯🔥

[@Drkhan345]

This guy was raised right, he’s soo humble, a visionary and I wish him more and more success

[@Linosek279]

Did this guy just teabag **DAIGO** ? Edit: ok, this guy’s actually great

[@itsit248]

Absolute love. What an amazing video and even more fantastic story. Serious respect.

[@kingezey5891]

Not gonna lie, the Dominican republic isn't "nowhere" its the most popular vacation destination lol.

[@BidoTech]

Our champions, as you said the kid from Nowhere😁

[@alexandroutsos5990]

The best vid you've done in a while. Ty

[@frankellyveras428]

This is just amazing, I'm from dominican republic , and it's just great to see one of us putting us in the top and showing the world what dominicans are made of

[@theindianneek7225]

First Arsalan From Pakistan Now This Monster. It Feels Like These Monsters Coming From Shadows Gonna Devour Us Petty Creature Who Thought We Are Top Of It All

[@grantm.5975]

such an amazing story for such a great guy. For him to pave a road for other players trying to make it is awesome.

[@NoelNolNull]

I dont play SF but I saw the thumbnail & saw it was menaRD, so I had to click

[@MarchiTado]

I cannot express how much respect I have for this guy, a true gentleman with a big heart.

[@fappening-j6c]

7:14 you could tell how nervous Tokido was, doing some random overhead smh lol

[@chakchak9510]

It would’ve killed and it was just outside the hit box. It was a good move just outsmarted lol

[@alejandrogomez1698]

DOMINICANOS SIIIIIIII! No sabía que alguien de maestro país había ganado algo asi que felicidad.

[@willn8664]

I actually thought Nemo was going to come back and take the tournament because he came all the way from last chance qualifier.

[@KamFX]

This video needs to go viral. More pro players need to take note and give to charity instead of flexing what they have bought with their prize money

[@m0ulayman258]

One day morocco will show their faces to the fgc and then they will see who are the kings

[@tbr9990]

our time is coming we will show them the khabib way !

[@quekZo95]

Nice joke

[@duckjab1117]

to do that at his age is surprising. no dumb reckless purchases, brought the money back home and put it down in the places and people he loved.

[@case3]

I think we should give more attention to the Somalian scene. Like if agree

[@thecaptainplus]

Fighting game esports have the best storylines god damn, good stuff theScore.

[@Slimbenzene139]

Y’all gotta get rid of this “from nowhere” narrative. 🤦🏾‍♂️ #platanopower

[@darlingj.canela]

This had me crying like a baby. PLÁTANO POWER COÑO🔥🔥🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴🇩🇴

[@byXxRavenxX]

In the interview at the first minutes you can see him wearing a cuban gold necklace with brilliants and one earing looking the same. That's not cheap bro.

[@aR0ttenBANANA]

I mean, 10k off 250k is not a lot.

[@MyNameJefff]

Major props to Mena RD. Love stories like this because it just strengthens the bond between everyone within the FGC.

[@0scarl238]

he THICC

[@dominicruz]

I'm From Dominican Republic and I'm proud of him! I see a lot of Dominican player now with the flag. It makes feel happy. Please Capcom add voice and chat the the games. At least with Capcom ID