Don Gimperoso poses onstage after winning the Red Bull Kumite Philippine qualifiers. Patrick Quintos, ABS-CBN News

MANILA—A 31-year-old Cebuano will fly to Paris in November to represent the Philippines in an international Street Fighter V tournament after winning on Saturday the first ever qualifier in this gaming-crazed country.

Donald "Don" Gimperoso topped 48 other gamers who tried their luck at the Red Bull Kumite qualifiers held at the City of Dreams resort casino in Manila, defeating young rising Street Fighter star James Prado in a down-to-the-wire match.

"This win means a lot to me. Kasi first, I haven't been to France pa . . . I'm really happy and honored to represent the country in France," said Gimperoso, who said he is a "proud Bisaya."

Gimperoso said he will have to train hard as he will be competing as an underdog in France, where he will have to compete against 256 players from other countries for the last spot in the world championship match.

The 5-year Street Fighter veteran said training will be difficult because he has to balance gaming with his regular work as a BPO employee and as father to a 3-year-old child.

"Underdog talaga ako. I'm competing against full-time pro gamers, na 'yan lang ang ginagawa nila. Mahirap kasi I need to catch up with my kid, then full-time job, ta's bahay kasi I'm the head of the family," he said.

"But I would definitely come prepared for this Kumite in France, and I will really practice, try to find time. I know my wife will understand because I will represent the Philippines."

The intense finals match

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Using Akuma as his main character, Gimperoso survived an intense finals match against the 21-year-old Prado, who crawled his way back to the championship round from the loser's bracket using the Kolin character.

Prado, of Bulacan, had the momentum coming off the loser's bracket defeating Gimperoso, 3-2, in their finals. Unfortunately, his opponent had a twice-to-beat advantage.

James Prado was all smiles carrying his 8-button arcade stick onstage before facing off with Don Gimperoso. Patrick Quintos, ABS-CBN News

He lost to Gimperoso in the next match but he got the crowd roaring as he almost defeated the eventual champion with his never-say-die attitude.

"James has potential pa. He just needs more exposure in joining international games," said Gimperoso.

Prado, who has been playing Street Fighter professionally for 2 years, told ABS-CBN News: " 'Kala ko momentum ko na e. Kaso ano din e, umangat ang experience niya sa high pressure situation."

(I thought I was gaining momentum. But he displayed his experience in high-pressure situation during the game.)

Despite the loss, Prado said he will continue training hard for the next tournaments, hoping to represent the country in the international scene one day.

"Parang John Cena. Never give up," the cheerful gamer said, referring to the popular wrestler's tagline. (Just like what John says, 'Never give up.')

Asked for a message for Gimperoso, Prado said: "Don't choke."

Street Fighter V, launched in 2016, had just received new updates earlier this year, which re-introduced the nostalgic arcade modes, much to the delight of the game's long-time followers.

The Capcom classic fighting game, first launched in 1987, reached its popularity in the country during the 90s.