Evo 2023, the prestigious fighting game tournament, is poised to make history as the largest open bracket video game tournament ever. Rick Thiher, the general manager of Evo, announced that an astonishing 7,061 unique competitors have registered to participate in August’s event in Las Vegas, driven by the highly anticipated release of Street Fighter 6. In total, there are 9,182 competitors who have registered for 14,975 spots across the tournament’s eight headline games. Thiher describes this figure as both daunting and exciting, highlighting its record-breaking nature for both Evo and the Street Fighter series.
Thiher explains that while other open bracket competitions, such as in Poker, have drawn large numbers, Evo 2023 is confidently positioned as the largest video game tournament of all time. Evo has always held a special place in the fighting game genre, attracting top players and prominent developers to compete and showcase their talents. From its humble beginnings as the grassroots event known as ‘Battle by the Bay’ in 1996, Evo has grown into an industry powerhouse, partnering with Sony and talent management company RTS. The event relies on its partners, dedicated team, and volunteers to handle the logistical challenge of managing the influx of players. Thiher acknowledges the magnitude of this undertaking, likening it to mobilizing an army.
Despite its competitive nature, Evo has become an annual gathering for fans of the fighting game genre, even for those without aspirations of competing. This year, the event is partnered with anime distributor Crunchyroll and will feature early setups of Tekken 8, offering attendees a preview of the highly anticipated game. As in previous years, major game developers and industry leaders are expected to make significant announcements during Evo, with Riot Games using the platform to directly engage with the community as they develop Project L. Thiher emphasizes the cultural significance of Evo, stating that it should be more than just a tournament but also a celebration of fighting games as a competitive focus, a cultural focus, and a pivotal moment for the industry.
Street Fighter 6 is anticipated to be the star of the show, backed by its successful launch and impressive sales of 2 million copies in early July. Thiher attributes the game’s popularity to its ability to attract both existing fans of the franchise and newcomers to the fighting game genre. He praises Street Fighter 6 for catering to its established fanbase while also attracting and engaging a wider audience. The game’s inclusive design has fostered non-traditional experiences, including streamer Majin Obama’s avatar battle streams, and has even brought a sense of community through in-game arcade machine lunch sessions. Thiher considers Street Fighter 6 a perfect storm, combining a well-crafted gameplay experience with captivating visuals, ultimately propelling the fighting game genre forward.
With Evo’s three pillars of competition, industry, and culture, Street Fighter 6 has paved the way for a wave of players to participate in the tournament. Thiher believes the game has the potential to revolutionize the genre in unprecedented ways, serving as a portal that propels the fighting game community to new heights. He points to various examples, such as the CR cup in Japan and record-breaking viewership from Vtubers, as indicators of the game’s impact and the market’s readiness for such experiences. Thiher admits that the future remains uncertain, but he expresses excitement about embarking on this journey together with the community.
In conclusion, Evo 2023 is set to become the biggest video game tournament in history, fueled by the highly anticipated release of Street Fighter 6. The event’s growth from its grassroots origins to a cultural phenomenon is a testament to its significance in the fighting game genre. With partnerships, dedicated teams, and volunteers, Evo ensures a seamless experience for participants. Street Fighter 6’s success lies in its ability to appeal to both existing fans and new players, creating a vibrant community and setting the stage for the future of the genre. Evo serves as a platform for major announcements and industry engagement, cementing its status as a cultural and industry milestone.
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