Video games and sports have always had a close relationship, with many gaming characters borrowing traits from real-life athletes. Whether it's their physical appearance, playing style, or personality, these characters serve as digital tributes to some of the greatest sports figures of all time. Let’s take a look at seven video game characters that were clearly inspired by famous athletes.
1. Zack (Dead or Alive) – Dennis Rodman
Video games and sports have always had a close relationship, with many gaming characters borrowing traits from real-life athletes. Whether it's their physical appearance, playing style, or personality, these characters serve as digital tributes to some of the greatest sports figures of all time. Let’s take a look at seven video game characters that were clearly inspired by famous athletes.
Zack, the flashy, high-energy fighter from Dead or Alive, is directly inspired by NBA legend Dennis Rodman. His over-the-top personality, love of showmanship, and habit of dyeing his hair in wild colors all mirror Rodman’s real-life antics.
In fact, Rodman himself provided the voice for Zack in Dead or Alive Xtreme Beach Volleyball, further cementing the connection. From his unpredictable nature to his attention-grabbing fashion, Zack embodies everything that made "The Worm" such a unique figure in basketball.
2. Lucky Glauber (King Of Figthers 94) – Kareem Abdul-Jabbar
Lucky Glauber, the basketball-themed fighter from The King of Fighters, is a clear nod to Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Standing tall with a lanky frame, Lucky’s design and skills reflect the legendary L.A. Lakers center. His default color scheme even matches the Lakers' iconic purple and gold, a direct reference to the team Kareem led to multiple championships.
Beyond basketball, Abdul-Jabbar was also a martial artist who trained under Bruce Lee, famously fighting him in Game of Death. Lucky Glauber’s unique mix of martial arts and basketball trick shots serves as a tribute to Kareem’s dual passions.
3. Stretch (NBA Street) – Julius "Dr. J" Erving
Stretch from NBA Street is a loving homage to Julius Erving, better known as Dr. J. The afro, the effortless dunking ability, and the streetball swagger all scream vintage Dr. J. As one of the NBA’s most influential dunkers, Erving brought finesse and style to the game, much like how Stretch dominates in NBA Street.
His high-flying moves and flashy plays capture the essence of Dr. J's impact on basketball, making him one of the most recognizable tributes in sports gaming.
4. Kid (Mario Golf) – Tiger Woods
Kid from Mario Golf seems to be inspired by the early years of real-life golf legend Eldrick "Tiger" Woods. Like Tiger, Kid is depicted as a young prodigy with a natural talent for the sport.
Tiger Woods was a golf sensation from an early age, dominating youth tournaments before turning pro. Similarly, Kid is portrayed as a rising star in Mario Golf, mirroring Tiger’s meteoric rise in the real world.
5. Mr. Sandman (Punch-Out!!) – Joe Frazier
Mr. Sandman, the powerhouse boxer from Punch-Out!!, shares a striking resemblance to boxing legend Joe Frazier. Both are hard-hitting, relentless fighters hailing from Philadelphia, known for their devastating power punches.
Frazier’s aggressive style and famous left hook made him one of the toughest heavyweight champions in history, and Mr. Sandman embodies that same raw strength in the game.
The resemblance is more than just physical—both fighters rely on overwhelming pressure and brute force to break down their opponents. Mr. Sandman is essentially Punch-Out!!’s version of “Smokin’ Joe” in digital form.
6. Craig Marduk (Tekken) – Bob Sapp & Bill Goldberg
Craig Marduk, the monstrous grappler from Tekken, is a blend of two real-life fighters: Bob Sapp and Bill Goldberg. His massive, muscular frame and intense presence resemble Sapp, a former football player turned kickboxer and MMA fighter. Meanwhile, Marduk’s pro wrestling roots and explosive, high-impact moves also pay homage to Bill Goldberg, the WCW and WWE legend.
Both Sapp and Goldberg were known for their dominance in combat sports, and Marduk’s brutal fighting style reflects their influence. Whether he’s tossing opponents around like a ragdoll or overpowering them with sheer force, Marduk embodies the spirit of these two powerhouse athletes.
7. Dudley (Street Fighter) – Chris Eubank
Dudley, the refined British boxer from Street Fighter, is heavily inspired by Chris Eubank. Known for his gentlemanly demeanor, immaculate fashion sense, and elite boxing skills, Dudley is a digital reflection of Eubank’s real-life persona.
In the earlier Street Fighter III games, Dudley displayed a cockier attitude, much like Eubank in his prime. Eubank was famous for his in-ring swagger, theatrical entrances, and confident trash talk, and this was mirrored in Dudley’s more boastful nature. Over time, Dudley’s personality evolved to be more composed and gentlemanly, just as Eubank became more refined in later years.