MOV Wins the Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike Division, Japanese Players' Success Stands Out #Evo2024

The winner of the "Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike (hereinafter, SFIII 3rd)" division, one of the main tournament titles at the world's largest fighting game tournament EVO 2024, which was held from Saturday, July 20 to Monday, July 22, 2024, Japan time, has been decided as MOV!

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The 25-Year-Old Game "SFIII 3rd" Is Back at EVO

"SFIII 3rd," which began operation in 1999, celebrates its 25th anniversary this year! The legendary last-ditch comeback, often covered on TV, was also born at EVO 2004.

【EVO Japan 2024】「ストIII 3rd」優勝はGS SHO選手！プレイ歴23年「落ち着いたらスト6を始めようかな」

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Taihei (@taihei666) and Tokura (@DG3tokura), who are at the venue as Japanese live commentators, were also present.

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The venue was full before "SFIII 3rd," which was the last main tournament event of Day 2! We watched the battles of those who advanced to the "SFIII 3rd" division Top 6, as follows:

• Issei
• Chi-Rithy
• PGW HAYAO
• MOV
• FrankieBFG
• ACCo. Resolve

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Issei, one of the Japanese players who remained in the Top 6. The "SFIII 3rd"-like matchup of Yun vs. Chun-Li was drawn out to a full set and full round, but Issei showed great resolve and somehow won!

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The second Winners Semifinal match became an all-Japanese showdown between Hayao and MOV.

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The way players use arcade controllers varies: some place them on a desk, on their lap, or across their crossed legs... but Hayao's style is to kneel on the floor and place the controller on the chair.

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Since "SFIII 3rd" is a 25-year-old game, there are some aspects where the character balance is skewed. However, the venue was greatly excited by MOV using Elena and Hayao using Hugo! Hayao, in particular, shone with his natural brightness and dance skills.

The match result was a victory for MOV, who showed what could be called a perfect counter-strategy against Hugo!

踊れる格ゲーマー！？PGWはやお選手とチームマヨナカみしぇるさんがストIII 3rdの名BGM"Jazzy NYC '99"で踊ってみた動画を公開！

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Hayao, who instantly captured the atmosphere of the venue, faced off against FrankieBFG's Ken in the Losers Quarterfinal.

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Hayao showed his clutch ability in a do-or-die situation. He even performed a split after his victory.

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Here, the biggest excitement of the day was seen! Hugo, with 1 pixel of health remaining, blocked all 4 hits of an air-to-air Tatsumaki Senpukyaku (Hurricane Kick) and retaliated with an EX Monster Lariat! He dodged the Shippu Jinraikyaku and finished him with one last EX Monster Lariat!!

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The excitement was so great that the audience rushed forward to the front of the stage! The excitement can also be confirmed from around 11:14:19 in the archived footage.

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During the match interval, there was also a plan for audience members to challenge the legendary player Justin Wong. Although it was a challenge, since the opponent is a legendary player of "SFIII 3rd," the way they fought was... rock-paper-scissors!

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Justin Wong sweeped all three challengers. He truly is a legend.

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This was a generous plan where you could win a PS5 even if you lost.

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Hayao faced Chi-Rithy in the Losers Semifinal, but unfortunately lost 1-3! However, he completely energized the venue.

MOV Wins the Championship!

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• 1st Place: MOV
• 2nd Place: Issei
• 3rd Place: Chi-Rithy
• 4th Place: Hayao
• 5th Place: FrankieBFG
• 5th Place: ACCo. Resolve

The final results are as you see! After a fierce battle that included a Grand Finals reset, MOV claimed the EVO championship title!

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The success of the Japanese players was remarkable on American soil, captivating the hearts of the locals with "SFIII 3rd," a game whose charm includes its over-the-top elements.

Congratulations, MOV!