Punk Wins EVO 2024: First US Street Fighter 6 Champion in Two Decades

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

Victor "Punk" Woodley etched his name into fighting game history at EVO 2024, claiming victory in Street Fighter 6 and ending a two-decade drought for American champions in the prestigious tournament. This win marks a significant milestone for the American fighting game community.

The EVO 2024 Championship Showdown

The Evolution Championship Series (EVO) 2024, a three-day spectacle held July 21st, featured intense competition across multiple fighting games, including Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Mortal Kombat 1. Woodley's triumph in Street Fighter 6 was particularly momentous, breaking a 20-year winning streak held by international players.

The Street Fighter 6 finals saw a nail-biting match between Woodley and Anouche, who battled back from the loser's bracket. Anouche's 3-0 victory forced a reset, resulting in a thrilling best-of-five rematch. The final set was a back-and-forth affair, tied 2-2, before Woodley's masterful use of Cammy secured the championship.

Woodley's Competitive Journey

Woodley's success is the culmination of years of dedication and skill. He first gained recognition during the Street Fighter V era, dominating events like West Coast Warzone 6 and DreamHack Austin before his 18th birthday. While he faced setbacks, including a loss to Tokido at EVO 2017, he consistently remained a top contender. His third-place finish at EVO 2023 paved the way for his ultimate triumph in 2024.

A Global Stage, Diverse Talent

EVO 2024 showcased a remarkable display of global talent. The tournament highlighted the international nature of competitive fighting games, with champions hailing from various countries, including Japan, Pakistan, and the USA. The diverse range of winners underscores the skill and dedication present across the global competitive fighting game scene. Notable wins included:

• 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 inspires a new generation of American players. His journey exemplifies the dedication, perseverance, and skill required to reach the pinnacle of competitive gaming.