Victor "Punk" Woodley's Historic Street Fighter 6 Victory at EVO 2024
Victor "Punk" Woodley etched his name into fighting game history at EVO 2024, claiming the Street Fighter 6 championship and ending a two-decade drought for American winners in the main Street Fighter EVO tournament. This monumental victory at one of the world's most prestigious fighting game events is a significant moment for the American fighting game community.
A Thrilling Grand Finals Showdown
The EVO 2024, a three-day spectacle held July 21st, featured top players competing across multiple fighting game titles, including Tekken 8, Guilty Gear -Strive-, and Mortal Kombat 1. The Street Fighter 6 grand finals pitted Woodley against Adel "Big Bird" Anouche, a fierce competitor who fought his way back from the loser's bracket. Anouche's 3-0 victory forced a reset, setting the stage for an unforgettable best-of-five rematch. The final match was a nail-biter, culminating in a 2-2 tie before Woodley's masterful Cammy super move secured the championship.
Woodley's Journey to Victory
Woodley's competitive gaming career is marked by impressive achievements. He rose to prominence during the Street Fighter V era, winning major tournaments like West Coast Warzone 6 and DreamHack Austin before his 18th birthday. While he's consistently performed at a high level, EVO and Capcom Cup championships have remained elusive until now. His third-place finish at EVO 2023 paved the way for his triumphant 2024 run. This year's final match is already considered legendary, marking a culmination of years of dedication and skill.
Global Excellence at EVO 2024
EVO 2024 showcased the global talent pool within the fighting game community. The tournament highlighted the international reach of competitive gaming, with champions hailing from diverse regions:
- 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 serves as a powerful testament to his skill and perseverance, adding a significant chapter to the history of Street Fighter and EVO.
