American Wins at EVO First Time in Two Decades

Victor "Punk" Woodley's Historic Street Fighter 6 Victory at EVO 2024

American player Victor "Punk" Woodley etched his name into fighting game history at EVO 2024, claiming the Street Fighter 6 championship. This win marks a significant milestone, breaking a two-decade drought for American victories in the main Street Fighter EVO tournament.

Woodley's Triumph at EVO 2024

The three-day EVO 2024, a premier fighting game tournament, concluded on July 21st. The Street Fighter 6 finals witnessed an intense battle between Woodley and Anouche, who fought his way back from the losers' bracket. Anouche's 3-0 victory forced a reset, setting the stage for an epic best-of-five rematch. The final match was a nail-biter, culminating in a tie-breaker where Woodley's masterful Cammy super move secured the championship.

Woodley's Competitive Journey

Woodley's competitive career began during the Street Fighter V era, where he achieved remarkable success before his 18th birthday, winning numerous major tournaments including West Coast Warzone 6, NorCal Regionals, DreamHack Austin, and ELEAGUE. While he experienced a setback in the EVO 2017 grand finals against Tokido, he consistently remained a top contender. His strong performances continued, leading to a third-place finish at EVO 2023. His EVO 2024 victory is the culmination of years of dedication and skill.

A Global Showcase of Talent

EVO 2024 showcased exceptional talent from around the globe. The tournament featured a diverse range of fighting games, with winners representing various countries:

• Under Night In-Birth II: Senaru (Japan)
• Tekken 8: Arslan Ash (Pakistan)
• Street Fighter 6: Victor "Punk" Woodley (USA)
• Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike: Joe "MOV" Egami (Japan)
• Mortal Kombat 1: Dominique "SonicFox" McLean (USA)
• Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising: Aaron "Aarondamac" Godinez (USA)
• Guilty Gear -Strive-: Shamar "Nitro" Hinds (USA)
• The King of Fighters XV: Xiao Hai (China)

Woodley's victory, alongside the other impressive performances, underscores the global reach and competitive spirit of the fighting game community.