Evo 2024: New Venue, New (and old) Games
The largest fighting game tournament in the world, Evo, just got even bigger according to their announcement of 2024's iteration of the event which kicks off July 19th-21st. Evo will remain in Las Vegas, but it's sliding a few miles north to the Las Vegas Convention Center. Also returning to the main stage is one of the most beloved fighting games of all time Street Fighter III: Third Strike. According to Evo General Manager Rick Thiher, the move will bring "an even bigger experience" to the new venue. A tall order considering Evo 2023 smashed attendance and participation records.
What Games Are On The Main Stage At Evo 2024?
Many of the usual suspects return to Championship Sunday. But since EVO 2023, there's a number of new releases in the genre that could boost attendance even more. Here are all the games that will have grand finals over the weekend.
The top 8
Evo
● Street Fighter 6 (Capcom)
● TEKKEN 8 (Bandai Namco Entertainment)
● Mortal Kombat 1 (Warner Bros. Games)
● Guilty Gear -Strive- - (Arc System Works)
● THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV (SNK)
● Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising (Cygames)
● Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes (Arc System Works)
● Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike (Capcom)
The inclusion of 3rd Strike is a direct result of how popular the throwback tournament for Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 was last year. Hopefully, this marks a new tradition for Evo and we get to see more old school games played on the main stage *cough*Capcom vs. SNK 2 please*cough*
Evo plans to have an even larger arcade for 2024.
Evo/Stephanie Lindgren
What Else Is New At Evo 2024?
Along with the brand new venue, Evo is planning a big change for attendees in 2024. The show floor and arcade areas will be open all three days instead of shutting down on Championship Sunday. There will be a new special ticket tier for fighting game fans that grants access to all the grand finals and the show floor.
Speaking of the floor, Eco states that the new venue allows them to have the "largest arcade in Evo's history. The classic and rhythm game arcade at Evo is often a major draw as it's a spiritual recreation of the genesis of the FGC which started in arcades across the world. In addition to the classic arcade, Evo says there are plans to expand the casual gaming and "bring your own controller" setups as well. Wrapping it all up, you can expect all of your favorite tournament/convention favorites to return as well with a well-attended Artist Alley, controller repair shops, vendor booths and more.
What's Returning For Evo 2024?
Even though it was met with backlash, Evo's Top 6 format is returning for 2024. While it was much maligned online, Thiher told Esports Illustrated that running top 8 is simply too long to provide the balance of tournament and ceremony Evo spectators expect.
"We also saw situations where one of the hardest, most important sets in the history of Guilty Gear had to be played well after midnight with two people who were traveling across the world to have that set, quite frankly, deserved to play that match earlier in the day." Said Thiher. "Top 6 last year let us avoid that situation occurring."
And lastly in another big win for Evo, Chipotle is returning as a presenting partner for the second year in a row. The presenting partner was an ironic hit, especially during Championship Sunday, where chants of the burrito brand rang out every time their ads hit the big screen.
Tickets for Evo 2024 are now on sale at evo.gg
