Street Fighter 6 EVO 2024's \"Punk\" First American to Win in 20 Years

Victor "Punk" Woodley's Historic Street Fighter 6 Victory at EVO 2024

American Victor "Punk" Woodley etched his name into fighting game history at EVO 2024, claiming the Street Fighter 6 championship. This win marks a significant milestone, breaking a two-decade drought for American dominance in the main Street Fighter EVO tournament.

A Thrilling Grand Final

The EVO 2024 tournament, a three-day spectacle showcasing top-tier competition across multiple fighting games, culminated in a nail-biting Street Fighter 6 final. Woodley faced off against Anouche, a formidable opponent who had battled his way through the losers' bracket. Anouche's 3-0 victory forced a reset, setting the stage for an unforgettable best-of-five rematch. The final match was a back-and-forth affair, culminating in a tiebreaker where Woodley's masterful Cammy execution secured the championship.

Punk's Path to Glory

Woodley's journey to EVO 2024 glory is a testament to his skill and dedication. He first gained recognition during the Street Fighter V era, winning numerous major tournaments before his 18th birthday. While he's consistently been a top contender, EVO and Capcom Cup victories had previously eluded him. His third-place finish at EVO 2023 paved the way for his triumphant return in 2024, where he delivered a performance hailed as one of the greatest in EVO history.

Global Fighting Game Excellence

EVO 2024 showcased the incredible global talent within the fighting game community. The diverse roster of champions underscores the international reach and competitiveness of the scene:

• Under Night In-Birth II: Senaru (Japan)
• Tekken 8: Arslan Ash (Pakistan)
• Street Fighter 6: Victor "Punk" Woodley (USA)
• Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike: Joe "MOV" Egami (Japan)
• Mortal Kombat 1: Dominique "SonicFox" McLean (USA)
• Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising: Aaron "Aarondamac" Godinez (USA)
• Guilty Gear -Strive-: Shamar "Nitro" Hinds (USA)
• The King of Fighters XV: Xiao Hai (China)

Woodley's victory is not just a personal triumph but a significant moment for the American fighting game community, proving that American talent remains a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.