EVO 2024: "Punk" Makes History as First American Street Fighter Champion in Two Decades

Victor "Punk" Woodley's Triumphant Victory at EVO 2024: A 20-Year Drought Ends

The Evolution Championship Series (EVO) 2024 concluded on July 21st with a historic win for American player Victor "Punk" Woodley in the Street Fighter 6 tournament. This victory marks the first time in over two decades that an American competitor has claimed the top prize in a mainline Street Fighter EVO event.

A Hard-Fought Victory

EVO 2024, a three-day spectacle showcasing the best in fighting game competition, featured titles including Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and more. The Street Fighter 6 grand finals pitted Woodley against Anouche, who fought his way back from the loser's bracket. Anouche reset the bracket with a decisive 3-0 victory, forcing a thrilling second best-of-five set. The final match was a nail-biter, ending in a 3-2 victory for Woodley, secured by a masterful Cammy super move.

Punk's Journey to the Top

Woodley's competitive fighting game career began during the Street Fighter V era, where he dominated the scene before his 18th birthday, winning numerous major tournaments. While he's consistently performed at a high level, EVO and Capcom Cup titles remained elusive until this year. His third-place finish at EVO 2023 fueled his determination, leading to his triumphant victory at EVO 2024. The final match against Anouche is already considered legendary among EVO viewers.

Global Excellence on Display

EVO 2024 showcased exceptional talent from around the globe. The winners of the main events demonstrate the international reach and competitiveness of the fighting game community:

• 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 is a significant moment for American fighting game players and a testament to his skill and dedication. The tournament as a whole highlighted the global talent and intense competition within the fighting game community.