Punk Triumphs at EVO 2024, Breaks 20-Year American Victory Drought

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 marks the first time in over two decades that an American has claimed victory in a mainline Street Fighter EVO championship, a monumental achievement for the US fighting game community.

The EVO 2024 Championship

EVO 2024, a three-day spectacle held July 21st, featured top players competing across multiple fighting game titles, including Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Mortal Kombat 1. The Street Fighter 6 grand finals pitted Woodley against Anouche, a formidable opponent who battled back from the losers' bracket. The intense, back-and-forth match culminated in a thrilling final set, with Woodley securing the championship with a decisive Cammy super move.

Woodley's Path to Victory

Woodley's journey to EVO 2024 glory is a testament to his skill and perseverance. He rose to prominence during the Street Fighter V era, winning numerous major tournaments before his 18th birthday. While he's consistently performed at a high level, EVO and Capcom Cup titles had remained elusive until this year's triumph. His third-place finish at EVO 2023 served as a springboard, setting the stage for his remarkable victory in 2024.

A Global Stage

EVO 2024 showcased the global talent pool within the fighting game community. The diverse roster of winners 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 win not only secures his place in fighting game history but also highlights the ongoing evolution and global reach of competitive gaming.