The winner of GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- (hereafter GGST) at the fighting game festival EVO Japan 2024, which was held from Friday, April 27 to Monday, April 29, 2024, was FLY TempestNYC!
Finals Featuring Overwhelming Match Control
The following six players (names based on start.gg) advanced to the GGST finals:
- JOZ MOCCHI
- FLY TempestNYC (hereafter TempestNYC)
- MigumiguDokkoisho
- EGO sanakan (hereafter sanakan)
- Gobou
- IBUSHIGIN Tyurara (hereafter Tyurara)
TempestNYC, who had won his way up with overwhelming strength, faced sanakan, who had climbed back from the Losers Bracket. They met once again in the Grand Final.
TempestNYC, who does not let up on his heavy and powerful offense even when cornered, took the first set!
The offensive opportunities he pries open through careful maneuvering, followed by his merciless combos, proved he is truly the strongest.
Only eight minutes had passed. sanakan showed great tenacity but could not finish the job, and TempestNYC brilliantly secured the victory!
Before anyone realized it, TempestNYC won the finals in a straight victory without dropping a single match. Even the commentator, Kamizono, could only laugh and say, "He's too strong... (laughs)."
In addition to 1 million yen in prize money, TempestNYC was presented with a logo-branded arcade controller, a backpack, and other items. Congratulations!
Damn… I actually won an EVO huh 🤔 didn’t really hit me until now where I’m actually thinking about it. One of my goals as a competitor was to win EVO, and I did it!
I’ll try to win in Vegas as well someday,but I’m still crossing this off as a major milestone in my FGC career.
— TempestNYC (@Tempest_NYC) April 29, 2024
(The following blockquotes are translated from Japanese.)
Q. Please tell us how you feel right now.
TempestNYC: To be honest, I am very happy. This is the second time I have traveled overseas for an international tournament, and I am glad I could win this time as well.
Q. You finished in 3rd place at the ARC WORLD TOUR 2023 FINALS. What kind of preparations did you make for EVO Japan 2024?
TempestNYC: I haven't particularly changed my practice itself. However, since I tend to sweat easily and sometimes can't perform at my best, I was careful about my physical condition, such as drinking plenty of water and getting enough sleep. I was confident that if I could challenge it in perfect condition, I would be able to play at a high level.
Q. You used Leo in almost every match and had a straight victory in the finals. What was the key to your victory?
TempestNYC: One factor was that I was in good form. Another is that compared to America, Leo is not used as much in the Asian region, so although I have other characters I am confident in, I used Leo frequently.
Q. Now that you have become the champion, do you have a next goal?
TempestNYC: I can't think about that yet (laughs). I will just keep winning!