The world's largest fighting game tournament, EVO 2024, was held from Saturday, July 20 to Monday, July 22, 2024 (Japan time).
The winner of the THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV (hereafter, KOF XV) division, one of the main tournament titles, was Xiaohai.
We're delivering plenty of on-site photos!
Participation of Vice and Mature Decided for Fighting Game "THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV"! Simultaneous Release of Two Characters in December 2024!
The First Main Tournament Title at EVO 2024 Was KOF XV
NOTE: The KOF XV division starts around 29:50
KOF XV is the latest installment in The King of Fighters series developed by SNK.
Released in February 2022, the series' characteristic team system makes the battles deep and complex.
The players who remained until the Top 6 of the Final Round were the following:
- VSPO xiaohai (hereafter, Xiaohai)
- AMTRS SCORE (hereafter, SCORE)
- TMG Tamago (hereafter, Tamago)
- TxC ViolentKain (hereafter, ViolentKain)
- CDM KoferoHonesto (hereafter, KoferoHonesto)
- XGear Brook Joy E.T. (hereafter, ET)
These six players were the final competitors (names are based on start.gg).
From Japan, AMTRS SCORE advanced through the winners' bracket.
XGear Brook Joy E.T., who won "EVO Japan 2024," and VSPO xiaohai, who was the runner-up, also advanced smoothly.
Their consistency in the tournament was almost frightening, though perhaps expected.
Japanese commentators were also on-site for EVO 2024.
The play-by-play was handled by Yukinojo (@yukinojoooo), and the commentary was by BON (@bon_kof).
An Instant Big Match
An immediate clash between Japan's SCORE and the strongest KOF player, Xiaohai.
While SCORE is a veteran who continues to maintain top-level skills in Japan, Xiaohai is also the strongest, having won EVO Japan 2023 and EVO 2023.
Once again demonstrating flawless consistency in this tournament, Xiaohai took the victory 2-0.
#EVO2024 決勝トーナメントがついに開幕！
いきなり日本勢のスコア選手(@score33333) vs EVO2023チャンピオンのXiaohai選手(@Xiaohai_)というビッグマッチ‼️
結果は0-2でXiaohai選手の勝利です💪#KOF15 #KOFXV pic.twitter.com/9JnFaSLjAF— Saiga NAK (@saiganak) July 20, 2024
The Mexican Support Was Intense
The KOF XV division of EVO 2024 started in the morning, and the venue was filled with an intense group of supporters from Mexico.
Player calls erupted repeatedly, especially during the matches of strong Mexican players Tamago and ViolentKain.
Saiga NAKThe Huevo call, which means egg in Spanish, was particularly exciting.
事あるごとにHuevoコールの会場‼️
メキシコ勢がアツい🇲🇽#EVO2024 #KOF15 #KOFXV pic.twitter.com/R2UTQOgbPe— Saiga NAK (@saiganak) July 20, 2024
Las Vegas Was Hot and Cold
By the way, Las Vegas in July typically sees temperatures around 104 degrees Fahrenheit, but the air conditioning indoors is quite strong, to the point where it can feel cold.
While the excitement of the crowd and adrenaline can keep you warm, if you are sensitive to the cold, it's wise to bring a light jacket.
ET Was Cute
ViolentKain and ET clashed in the Losers Semifinals.
The match came down to the final team member battle (1-1), but ET won the extremely close contest.
Then, ET, who won, collapsed.
Saiga NAKET also defeated Tamago in the subsequent Losers Final, setting up a final match between Xiaohai and ET!
The "EVO Japan 2024" Matchup Was Repeated!
The Grand Final saw Xiaohai from the winners' side and ET from the losers' side.
This same matchup as "EVO 2023" and "EVO Japan 2024" felt like destiny.
These two are truly the strongest active players.
Saiga NAKThe match content was truly stunning.
The crowd was wildly excited by the perfection of Benimaru shown by Xiaohai and the 3-stock victory with Geese. Ultimately, Xiaohai secured a straight victory by winning 3 rounds.
Xiaohai's Victory
Saiga NAK- 1st Place: Xiaohai
- 2nd Place: ET
- 3rd Place: Tamago
- 4th Place: ViolentKain
- 5th Place: SCORE
- 5th Place: KoferoHonesto
Xiaohai has reclaimed the title he missed at EVO Japan 2024.
His record in KOF XV is particularly tremendous, and it would be safe to say he is the strongest active player.
What is even more surprising is that he possesses world-class skills even in Street Fighter 6.
The genius's winning streak seems set to continue.
This photo also gives a glimpse of ET's good nature.
Extra Snap
While SCORE finished 5th in the KOF XV division, he brilliantly won the Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves exhibition tournament.
It seems we can expect more great performances from this veteran, a source of pride for Japan.
A crowning victory.
Congratulations to @score33333 for winning the FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves exhibition here at #Evo2024. pic.twitter.com/YskP9QvMt2
— Evo (@Evo) July 20, 2024
