Street Fighter 6 EVO 2024's \"Punk\" First American to Win in 20 Years

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

American Victor "Punk" Woodley etched his name into fighting game history at EVO 2024, securing the Street Fighter 6 championship and ending a two-decade drought for American wins in the main Street Fighter EVO tournament. This monumental victory at one of the world's most prestigious fighting game events is a significant milestone for the American fighting game community.

A Thrilling Grand Finals Showdown

The EVO 2024, a three-day spectacle held July 21st, featured top players battling across multiple fighting game titles. Woodley's path to victory wasn't easy. He faced Adel "Big Bird" Anouche, a formidable opponent who clawed his way back from the losers' bracket, resetting the bracket with a decisive 3-0 victory. The final best-of-five set was a nail-biter, culminating in a tense final game with both players tied at 2-2. Woodley ultimately secured the championship with a masterful Cammy super move.

Punk's Journey to the Top

Woodley's competitive fighting game career began during the Street Fighter V era, where he quickly gained recognition, winning numerous major tournaments before his 18th birthday. While he achieved impressive results, including strong showings at EVO and the Capcom Cup, the ultimate EVO championship remained elusive until this year. His third-place finish at EVO 2023 fueled his determination, setting the stage for his triumphant run in 2024.

Global Excellence at EVO 2024

EVO 2024 showcased exceptional talent from around the globe. The diverse range of winners underscores the international appeal and skill level within the competitive fighting game scene:

• 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 serves as a testament to his skill, dedication, and the enduring appeal of competitive fighting games. His win marks a new chapter in American Street Fighter history.