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, claiming victory in the Street Fighter 6 tournament. This win marks a significant milestone, breaking a two-decade drought for American champions in the main Street Fighter EVO competition.

A Thrilling Grand Finals Showdown

The EVO 2024, a three-day spectacle held July 21st, featured top-tier competition across multiple fighting game titles, including Tekken 8, Guilty Gear -Strive-, and Mortal Kombat 1. The Street Fighter 6 finals pitted Woodley against Anouche, a formidable opponent who battled his way through the loser's bracket. Anouche's initial 3-0 victory forced a reset, setting the stage for an unforgettable best-of-five rematch. The final match was a nail-biter, culminating in a dramatic final game victory for Woodley, secured by a decisive Cammy super move.

Punk's Path to Glory

Woodley's competitive fighting game career began during the Street Fighter V era, where he amassed an impressive list of wins at major tournaments before reaching his 18th birthday. While he's consistently performed at a high level, EVO and Capcom Cup titles had remained elusive until this year's triumph. His previous EVO performance saw him securing a third-place finish in 2023. The EVO 2024 finals are already being celebrated as one of the greatest in EVO history.

A Global Stage for Fighting Game Talent

EVO 2024 showcased the exceptional talent of competitors from around the world. The diverse roster of champions reflects the truly global nature of 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 is a testament to his skill and dedication, and a momentous occasion for American fighting game enthusiasts.