The biggest fighting game event of the year is back, as EVO US 2025 kicks off this weekend, featuring dozens of FGC titles, new and old, in the ultimate tournament. Players from around the world will head to Las Vegas, Nevada to compete in the most action-packed fighting game meet-up of all, the Evolution Championship Series 2025.
Below we’ve broken down everything you need to know about EVO 2025, from all the games, to the biggest stories, and how to watch the FGCs largest happening.
Image source: Evolution Championship Series, Sony Interactive Entertainment
EVO 2025 will run from Friday, Aug. 1 until Sunday Aug. 3, at the Las Vegas Convention Center West Hall in Las Vegas, Nevada. Officially organized by Sony Interactive Entertainment RTS, EVO US is the largest of the four EVO events that will take place in 2025. The event will feature 15 main official tournaments, split into eight main arena games, and seven additional extended lineup titles. On top of this, EVO will also host 20 side tournaments, which are either not directly affiliated with the event, or take place on an impromptu basis.
Image source: Evolution Championship Series, Sony Interactive Entertainment
Main Arena Games
Extended Lineup Games
Side Tournaments
Not all of the above titles will be streamed, especially the side tournaments. Additionally, for in-person attendees you’re sure to find dozens of impromptu matches and competitions – EVO is a celebration of all things FGC after all!
Due to the large number of games, there’s no one standard format, but most games at EVO follow a standard Pools into Bracket system. All entrants are placed into a series of pools, and then must win multiple matches to be seeded into a final bracket.
The size of the pools varies, from a few hundred to several thousand. Overall, EVO 2025 had 8,541 entrants across all events. Street Fighter 6 had the most, with 4,228 entrants, while Mortal Kombat 1 had only 377 signups.
Image source: Stephanie Lindgren / Evolution Championship Series, Sony Interactive Entertainment
The biggest overall story heading into EVO US 2025 has been the decline in signups and number of attendees. There’s many reasons behind this, but some observers have pointed to the unstable situation for travellers to the US at the moment making potential attendees nervous, and the costs associated with the travel.
Another big story has been Tekken player Arslan Ash who has managed to make FGC headlines for several bizarre reasons over the past few months. The strangeness began when IESF announced in June that Ash had tested positive for anabolic steroid use in December 2022, rescinding prize money and banning him from future events. The esports world appeared to unilaterally reject the ban, suggesting that steroid use has no effect on video game performance.
However, Ash’s response also drew attention with his statement that he’d accidentally taken steroids. The next month, he drew more attention during a Twitter response to not knowing who Post Malone was in which he stated he ‘doesn’t listen to music,’ confusing many.
Finally, ahead of EVO 25, Ash seemingly ducked a money match with the statement “I’d gladly put my own money on the line, but gambling is not allowed in my religion.” This came as a surprise, given that fighting game tournaments are in effect a form of gambling, due their entrance fees and prize money. All this has generated buzz around one of the FGC’s most beloved players and his recent strange behavior and comments.
In an action packed schedule, EVO has nine full streams of FGC action. Below we’ve listed each of the streams with links:
EVO Streams
EVO is perhaps the most important fighting game event of the year, and it’s a can’t miss weekend of action.
Stick with Esports.net for more FGC and EVO 25 Coverage.
