During this year's EVO Japan 2020, Saiga NAK made a trip to take a look at the competition making an appearance at this year's event.
In particular, Samurai Shodown, which hadn't been released at the time of EVO Japan 2019, made its way to a nationwide competition. The game had a great reputation once released, drawing in great players and a crowd with great energy to this year's competition.
Samurai Shodown Results
Fans of Samurai Shodown are probably already aware, but below are the results of EVO Japan 2020.
- 1st: gamera(@Gamera47)
- 2nd: Emujima
- 3rd AMTRS | SCORE(@score33333)
- 4th 7144 Hishou(@hishou10)
- 5th Bethel
- 5th KRone | Abao(@abao014)
- 7th Teru
- 7th Katsuji(@redkillmaxima)
In the final match, we saw a great battle that had gamera using Shiki and Emujima using Shizumaru Hisame. For those that couldn't make it to the match, it's available on YouTube for everyone to see!
Tournament Report: Finals
gamera with his trophy.
Along with a nice little trophy, gamera also receives 500,000 JPY (~$5,000 USD) as a cash prize!
Saiga NAK Best Match Selection
The finals gave us a great battle, but there were more matches to be enjoyed throughout the whole day! We especially enjoyed the preliminary match between GEWP｜K2(@K2_KOF) and †Shadow Knight†Lone(@lone_shi)!
In a best two out of three, both fighters used Ukyo and were an amazing match for each other. Both players took one win each and in the final seconds of the last match, both players had only a small bit of their health bars left and there were only seconds on the clock...
... when K2 strikes with Ukyo's Tsubame Gaeshi, taking down Lone in a crazy unexpected turn! Take a look below!
Final Game, Final Round, FINAL HIT
A heartbreaking drop by 🇯🇵Shadow Knight allows 🇯🇵K2 to advance onward at #EVOJapan!https://t.co/pRm0CRLp4y #EmbraceDeath pic.twitter.com/dAXw1DZMww
— Evo (@Evo) January 24, 2020
All matched have been archived on YouTube.
Epilogue: Cosplaying Pro Player K2
We also had the chance to interview K2 at the Yubiwaza Cup, but we can tell he's more in touch with the spirit of Ukyo this time around.
Report of the 2nd YUBIWAZA CUP,Esports tournament held in Osaka!
Although unable to make it to the finals, K2 definitely stood out in the audience.
When we asked him why he was dressed up as Ukyo, he said
So does that mean he'll dress up as another character if he changes his main? I wonder what would happen if SNK weakens Ukyo and strengthens Mina and Iroha...
After asking, K2 was pleased to let us take some pictures of him, so we all leave you with K2 as Ukyo!
