Punk Wins Street Fighter 6 EVO 2024

Victor "Punk" Woodley's Historic Street Fighter 6 Victory at EVO 2024

Victor "Punk" Woodley etched his name into fighting game history at EVO 2024, claiming victory in Street Fighter 6 and ending a two-decade drought for American champions in the mainline Street Fighter EVO tournament. This win, at one of the world's most prestigious fighting game competitions, is a significant moment for the American fighting game community.

The EVO 2024 tournament, a three-day spectacle held July 21st, featured a diverse range of fighting games including Tekken 8, Guilty Gear -Strive-, and Mortal Kombat 1. However, the Street Fighter 6 finals stole the show. Woodley faced a formidable opponent in Anouche, who fought his way back from the loser's bracket. Anouche's 3-0 victory reset the bracket, forcing a thrilling best-of-five rematch. The final match was a nail-biter, culminating in a 2-2 tie before Woodley's decisive super move secured the championship title.

Woodley's journey to EVO 2024 glory is a testament to his skill and perseverance. He first gained recognition during the Street Fighter V era, achieving notable wins at West Coast Warzone 6, NorCal Regionals, and DreamHack Austin before his 18th birthday. Despite a previous setback in the EVO 2017 grand finals, he consistently performed at a high level, achieving a third-place finish at EVO 2023. His EVO 2024 victory is considered by many to be one of the greatest EVO matches in history.

EVO 2024 showcased exceptional talent from around the globe. While Woodley's win dominated headlines, the tournament highlighted the international nature of competitive fighting games. Other notable winners included Arslan Ash (Pakistan) in Tekken 8, and Dominique "SonicFox" McLean (USA) in Mortal Kombat 1. This diverse range of victors underscores the global appeal and intense competition within the fighting game community. The event solidified EVO 2024 as a landmark competition, showcasing incredible skill and unforgettable moments.