EVO Takes on the Globe with New Events Spanning Across Continents
The Evolution Championship Series (EVO), the world-renowned fighting game tournament, is making waves with the announcement of new locations for its upcoming events. Not only is EVO heading back to familiar grounds, but it’s also setting foot on new continents, promising exciting times ahead for fans worldwide.
Expanding Horizons: The New EVO Events
At EVO 2024, it was revealed that the tournament will venture into new territories, much to the delight of the global fighting game community. Rick Thiher, general manager at EVO, announced the new locations during a live stage presentation, outlining the schedule for the next two years.
Here’s a breakdown of the exciting locations and dates:
- Los Angeles, California: February 2025 – The 2025 EVO journey will kick off in Los Angeles, where the recently announced EVO Awards will also take place.
- Tokyo, Japan: May 9-11, 2025 – Following Los Angeles, EVO heads to Tokyo for a thrilling tournament.
- Las Vegas, Nevada: August 1-3, 2025 – Returning to its roots, the iconic EVO Las Vegas event will be hosted in August.
- Nice, France: October 10-12, 2025 – For the first time ever, EVO heads to Europe, with an event set in the beautiful city of Nice.
- Singapore: 2026 – Rounding out the exciting announcements, EVO will be coming to Singapore in 2026, with the specific month yet to be confirmed.
EVO is heading to Nice, France for it's first European competition next year. #EVO #esports #FGC pic.twitter.com/xZK1GVtDjo
— Shacknews (@shacknews) July 22, 2024
From the Americas to Asia and Europe
This marks a significant expansion for EVO, which traditionally held most of its events in the United States. The inclusion of Japan from 2018 and now branching out to Europe and Singapore shows EVO’s commitment to reaching gamers worldwide.
Tokyo will welcome EVO to Japan for a spectacular event in May 2025. However, the exciting news doesn’t stop there. EVO will make its European debut in Nice, France, later in October 2025. This will be the first time European fans won’t have to travel across the Atlantic to witness their favorite tournament live. The historic event is expected to draw a diverse crowd from across the continent.
Returning to Roots and Setting New Paths
The announcement of the 2025 EVO Awards in Los Angeles is particularly special. It’s a nod to EVO’s origins in California, dating back to when it was known as “Battle by the Bay.” Enthusiasts and players will reminisce their early days while celebrating how far the event has come.
Moreover, the new Singapore event in 2026 symbolizes EVO’s global ambitions. It’s a significant step for the tournament, which aims to attract players and audiences from the Southeast Asian region, showcasing the rich diversity within the fighting game community.
Building on Success
Past events have shaped the future course of EVO, as indicated by Rick Thiher’s vision of growing the brand extensively. By expanding to different continents, EVO not only acknowledges its roots but also invests in the future of the fighting game community.
Thiher’s previous statements about growing the event extensively now demonstrate their full fruition. This new move allows a more inclusive event landscape, accommodating fans and participants who’ve been yearning for these competitions on their home turf.
EVO is heading to Nice, France for it's first European competition next year. #EVO #esports #FGC pic.twitter.com/xZK1GVtDjo
— Shacknews (@shacknews) July 22, 2024
Fan Reactions and Community Engagement
The fighting game community has reacted positively to these announcements. Fans from around the world are thrilled about the multi-continental tour ahead. The announcement sparked conversations among fans, debating which events they plan to attend and discussing potential match-ups in these new locations.
Have you always wanted to witness an EVO event but were constrained by distance? This might be your chance! Engage with us and let us know your thoughts on these new locations and where you’d love to see EVO head next.
EVO’s announcement marks a pivotal moment in its history, paving the way for a more diverse and inclusive fighting game community. The future is certainly bright for EVO and its global fans who can now experience the thrill of top-tier competition closer to home.
Divya 
Mehek