EVO (also known as Evolution Championship Series) is the premier tournament of the Fighting Game Community(FGC). This serves as the culmination of all majors within the FGC scene. Additionally, many developer studios use the platform to announce new projects or updates coming to their titles. This year brought fiery competition across multiple titles along with surprising news. Here is the breakdown of EVO 2023.
Mortal Kombat 11
Read More: GCX 2023: Martial Arts Tycoon: Brazil
Mortal Kombat 11 provided a strong showcase of competition. Subsequently, this could be the last EVO for the title before it is succeeded by Mortal Kombat 1. EVO changed the format to a top-six arena series instead of a top-eight. Here are the results.
Additionally, NetherRealm Studios provided a new trailer for fans to enjoy. The “Banished” trailer features Astra and Reptile. The latter’s design is reimagined. This new continuity of Reptile equates him to his struggle to contain the beast from within. Furthermore, Havik makes a return to the series. His gameplay proves to be more grotesque as dismemberment is front and center for him.
Tekken 7
Tekken 7 benefitted from a resurgence of the general player base. Many are anticipating the release of Tekken 8. Furthermore, Bandai Namco brought fans two new character trailers to EVO 2023 featuring the return of Raven and the debut of an all-new fighter, Azucena. Congratulations to Arslan Ash for conquering top six as the new Tekken 7 EVO Champion.
Guilty Gear Strive
Guilty Gear Strive hit the FGC scene in 2020. It earned the fighting game of the year award and continues to wow its audience. Subsequently, this EVO’s top six saw the return of greats like Leffen and the last EVO winner UMISHO. Players also anticipated news surrounding the game’s next character and accompanying season three. Arc System Works delivered a new trailer showcasing the return of Johnny and a roadmap for Season 3. Additionally, the top six competitions culminated in a face-off between Leffen’s Happy Chaos and NBNHMR’s Nagoryuki. Here are the results.
Street Fighter 6
Street Fighter 6 was the premiere event of EVO 2023. Capcom received high praise for the game’s stellar launch in June. Furthermore, the grand finals for Street Fighter 6 truly delivered a satisfying conclusion to EVO 2023. Everything came down to the friendly rivalry between Menard and AngryBird after the staggering lineup of 7,000 competitors. However, only one could walk away with the trophy.
Additionally, Capcom delivered surprising updates on the heels of Rashid’s release. A new Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle collaboration is coming to World Tour mode. However, an even more surprising reveal was the first look at AKi. Aki is the next fighter slated to come to the game and not much is known about her. She bears an unsettling visage and has an obsession with poison.
EVO 2023 and Beyond
EVO continues to grow under the management of Sony. August 6th has officially been recognized as EVO Day and cements itself as a holiday for all members of the FGC. This was the largest and most exciting EVO to date. You can find the rest of the exciting news and results from other titles (like Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising) here. For all things FGC, remember to bend the knee in the realm of Lords of Gaming.
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