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- Evo 2024 broke records with over 10,000 participants, making it the largest esports event ever in terms of unique competitors.
- Punk finally won at Evo, Arslan Ash won his fifth Evo title, and SonicFox won another Mortal Kombat title.
- The event featured unexpected announcements like Lucy from Edgerunners joining Guilty Gear Strive and Heihachi’s return in Tekken 8.
Evo 2024 is now over, but it gave us many moments and memories to cherish. The event took place at the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center from July 19-21. For me, it’s one of the most memorable editions of the Evolution Championship Series (Evo).
The event broke records and had many thrilling moments and game announcements. The vibe at Evo 2024 was electric, with fans, players, and commentators all adding to a truly memorable experience.
Why it matters: The combination of historic victories, exciting new reveals, and a diverse game lineup made this year’s Evo a standout event that will be remembered for years to come.
Punk’s Redemption Arc & Arslan Ash’s Dominance
It finally happened. Punk finally won an Evo championship, a major trophy he’s been searching for since 2017. He has faced many challenges along the way, but his determination paid off this year.
The Street Fighter 6 finale was absolutely electrifying as the crowd continued to root for Punk. He was playing out of his mind the whole tournament and really popped off against Big Bird in the grand finals.
The Evo 2024 win not only reaffirmed Punk’s position as a top-tier player but also added a heartwarming comeback story to his career, and everybody loved that. On the other hand, Arslan Ash showed us once again that he’s the true King of Tekken.
He proved again that you can’t write him off at the biggest stage. Arslan Ash won his fifth Evo title. This victory was extra special as it was his first championship in Tekken 8. Arslan’s journey from Pakistani arcades to the global stage has been truly inspiring.
His ability to adapt to Tekken 8’s new mechanics, especially the aggressive Heat System, is actually bonkers. This win really cements Arslan Ash’s position as the greatest Tekken player of all time.
Previously, he was part of the Gamers8 Nations Cup, where team Pakistan secured the top spot. I also have to appreciate Sonicfox for winning his 7th Evo title. It’s ridiculous how the guy has won an Evo title in every Mortal Kombat game in the last decade.
Moreover, his wins in Dragon Ball FighterZ and Skullgirls cement his legacy as one of the FGC’s greatest.
Record-Breaking Participation
Evo 2024 made history with the highest number of competitors ever seen in an esports event, pulling in over 10,000 players.
This turnout represents the rise of esports and the FGC, in particular. Thousands of participants and spectators from around the world gathered in Las Vegas. The venue was bustling with passionate fans, creating a powerful atmosphere.
This year’s tournament included 16,231 entries across various games, marking the first time such an event crossed the 10,000 competitors milestone. Street Fighter 6 alone attracted a whopping 7,083 participants, highlighting its huge popularity and competitive appeal. The highly popular Tekken 8 wasn’t too far behind either.
This year’s Evo raised the bar for attendee experiences. It took place in a bigger venue over three days, offering a free-play arcade, cosplay contests, a vibrant art gallery, and the largest Artist Alley in Evo’s history.
The new Arena Finals Experience made it easier for fans to enjoy all main-stage finals with just one badge, making the event more accessible and enjoyable overall.
Exciting Announcements
Evo 2024 wasn’t only about the competition—it also featured exciting game announcements. One unexpected reveal was Lucy from Cyberpunk Edgerunners joining Guilty Gear Strive as a guest character.
This is a crossover I was certainly not expecting, but it’s a welcome surprise, and I don’t mind it all. It’ll be interesting to see what moves Lucy gets in the game. Furthermore, the news of Heihachi’s comeback in Tekken 8 this August was a bit confusing, but I suppose this is Bandai Namco’s attempt to bring the veteran players back.
Besides the game announcements, it was refreshing to see a wide variety of fighting games at Evo 2024. This year’s tournament featured titles such as Tekken 8, Mortal Kombat 1, and Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising.
Street Fighter 3 was the major throwback game, which came back on the main stage after a 15-year break.
Evo 2024 went beyond games and competitions to showcase its vibrant community and culture. The Legends Lounge provided opportunities for fans to meet iconic players, join Beat-a-Pro challenges, and watch exhibition matches.
In-person watch parties and community showcases brought fans together. Food guides and events throughout Las Vegas were an awesome experience, ensuring Evo 2024 was a well-rounded and unforgettable event for everyone who attended.
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Passionate gamer and content creator with vast knowledge of video games, and I enjoy writing content about them. My creativity and ability to think outside the box allow me to approach gaming uniquely. With my dedication to gaming and content creation, I’m constantly exploring new ways to share my passion with others.
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