Arslan Ash, a champion at Tekken 8, has warned about the changes made to Evo, the premier fighting event. He said that in the past, the event was a one-of-a-kind event. The greatest of the greatest from all over the world would come to one place for one day. With 3 Evos under its belt and a fourth on the way, the event is slowly losing its charm, says Arslan Ash. As per his statement, the days dominated by a single champion and an unforgettable moment that defined the year are slowly long gone due to the expansion.
The Special Place of Evo in the FGC
Evo has been called the most important event of the year among the fighting game community (FGC).
Fighting video games don’t have the same level of popularity as League of Legends or VALORANT but they do have a dedicated audience of gamers. Going to Evo in Las Vegas is a rare chance for many to compete against the best players in the world on one stage. Taking home the evo medal was the ultimate achievement in the scene. But not just for the winner; the feel-good moment extended to their community too. Arslan Ash has achieved five Evo Tekken titles, among them two in Las Vegas and three in Japan. He has experienced these highs first-hand and understand how important they are.
Expansion and Community Reactions
Evo’s expansion around the world is growing rapidly with the launch of new events in France and Singapore. However, this growth has stirred debate. Some people within the FGC believe that having more tournaments will allow new players to play globally. However, some people share the sentiments of Arslan Ash, who believes that having multiple main events will diminish the value of winning Evo.
Several members of the community have suggested that Evo Las Vegas should remain the highest tier event of the year in a similar manner to how VALORANT treats its Champions series and Masters Regional events. By doing so, the essence and prestige of Evo may be preserved while growing and being inclusive.
The Future of Evo 2025 and the FGC
As the dates of Evo 2025 comes closer, we can expect tournaments in Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Marvel vs. Capcom 3. However, the overall attendance might not be as high as anticipated, perhaps due to rising entry costs and spreading out of events. Nevertheless, the pro player lineup looks strong.
Everyone is preparing to fight regardless of whether they are fans or fighters. But the talk is Evo’s changing structure and what does this mean for the future of the FGC?