Victor "Punk" Woodley's Triumphant Victory at EVO 2024: A 20-Year Drought Ends
An American Champion Emerges
The Evolution Championship Series (EVO) 2024 concluded on July 21st, marking a momentous occasion for American Street Fighter fans. Victor "Punk" Woodley secured a historic win in the Street Fighter 6 tournament, ending a two-decade-long drought without an American champion at EVO. This three-day spectacle showcased a diverse range of fighting games, including Tekken 8, Guilty Gear -Strive-, and Mortal Kombat 1, but the Street Fighter 6 victory holds particular significance.
The grand finals delivered an edge-of-your-seat showdown between Woodley and Anouche, who battled back from the loser's bracket. Anouche's impressive 3-0 victory forced a reset, setting the stage for a thrilling best-of-five rematch. The final match was a nail-biter, culminating in a tiebreaker where Woodley's masterful Cammy super move sealed the victory and etched his name in EVO history.
Woodley's Journey to Victory
Woodley's competitive gaming career is marked by impressive achievements. He rose to prominence during the Street Fighter V era, winning major tournaments like West Coast Warzone 6 and DreamHack Austin before even turning 18. While he previously faced setbacks, including a loss in the EVO 2017 grand finals, his consistent strong performance culminated in his EVO 2024 triumph. His third-place finish at EVO 2023 further demonstrated his skill and dedication.
A Global Showcase of Talent
EVO 2024 showcased exceptional talent from around the globe. The diverse roster of champions reflects the international appeal of competitive fighting games:
- 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 EVO history but also serves as a testament to the enduring appeal and global reach of the Street Fighter series.