Punk Captures EVO 2024

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

American esports player Victor "Punk" Woodley etched his name into fighting game history by winning the Street Fighter 6 tournament at EVO 2024. This monumental win marks the first time in over two decades that an American has claimed the top prize in a mainline Street Fighter EVO competition.

The three-day EVO 2024, a global fighting game spectacle, showcased a variety of titles including Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Mortal Kombat 1. The Street Fighter 6 grand finals were a nail-biting clash between Woodley and Anouche, a thrilling back-and-forth battle that ultimately saw Woodley secure victory with a decisive final move.

Woodley's Journey to Victory

Woodley's competitive fighting game career began during the Street Fighter V era, where he quickly gained recognition for his impressive wins at various major tournaments before even turning 18. While he's consistently been a top contender, EVO and Capcom Cup victories had previously eluded him. His third-place finish at EVO 2023 set the stage for his triumphant run in 2024. The EVO 2024 finals are already being celebrated as one of the greatest in EVO history.

A Global Showcase of Skill

EVO 2024 highlighted the exceptional talent within the global fighting game community. The diverse range of winners underscores the international appeal and competitiveness of the event:

• 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 not only secures his place in fighting game history but also serves as a testament to the enduring appeal and global reach of competitive gaming.