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 monumental victory marks the first time in over two decades that an American has claimed the top prize in a mainline Street Fighter EVO competition.

The EVO 2024 Championship

EVO 2024, a three-day spectacle held from July 19-21, showcased the best fighting game talent globally. The tournament featured a diverse roster of games, including Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Guilty Gear -Strive-, and more. However, the Street Fighter 6 finals stole the show. Woodley faced a formidable opponent in Adel "Big Bird" Anouche, who battled his way back from the losers' bracket. The final match was a nail-biting affair, culminating in a dramatic comeback and victory for Woodley.

Punk's Path to Glory

Woodley's journey to the EVO 2024 championship is a testament to his skill and perseverance. He first gained recognition 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 victories had eluded him until now. His third-place finish at EVO 2023 fueled his determination, leading to his triumphant run in 2024. The final match against Anouche is already considered one of the greatest EVO matches of all time.

A Global Showcase of Skill

EVO 2024 highlighted the global reach of competitive fighting games. The diverse range of winners underscores the international talent pool:

• 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 reignites the American presence in the competitive Street Fighter scene.