EVO champion MenaRD receives the Pride of Dominican Culture Award at the Premios Dominicanísimo 2025, recognizing his global esports impact and dedication to the Dominican community.
EVO champion and FGC legend Saul Leonardo "MenaRD" Mena II has been awarded the Pride of Dominican Culture Award for his services to his home nation, the Dominican Republic in the Caribbean.
MenaRD receives Pride of Dominican Culture Award
MenaRD received the award at the Premios Dominicanísimo 2025, which celebrates the achievements and influence of Dominicans abroad. It aims to spotlight individuals who uplift the Dominican community across fields such as culture, business and public service.
"It's really crazy to think that I would be in this path of gaming, i didn't think I could be this successful," said MenaRD in an interview with El Nuevo Diario. "This is the result of a lot of hard work and love from the community."
"All my life came to this moment, all my family is here with me, my mom, it is such an important moment for me," he added.
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Recognised by Dominicans but respected worldwide
MenaRD’s influence extends far beyond the Dominican Republic, having earned global recognition as one of the premier figures in the FGC.
The 26-year-old has stapled himself as one of the FGC greats with 1st place finishes in multiple Street Fighter titles, most recently winning the highly prestigious EVO 2025 in Las Vegas.
MenaRD remains one of only two players to ever win two Capcom Cups (2017 and 2023), and is the #6 highest earning FGC player of all time with $550,000 in prize winnings.
Outside of an exceptional competitive record, MenaRD is also a forward-facing community figure, much loved by the Dominican and FGC community he represents. One of the most popular and influential FGC players in the world, and a role model for players representing smaller or underrepresented regions.
When asked about his advice for future champions, the EVO 2025 champion shared an inspirational message to the younger generation.
"First of all, I want to thank everyone for the support and I want to leave an inspirational message. Follow your dreams, do what you want to do with determination and faith. If you were inspired by me in someway, I hope you can achieve what you want to be, and even better."
MenaRD shared a photo of his award on social media, featuring a bust of Juan Pablo Duarte, one of the Founding Fathers of the Dominican Republic.
In the space of a month MenaRD has been crowned EVO champion and received the Pride of Dominican Culture Award, cementing his reputation as a champion and a beacon for aspiring players.
