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 mainline Street Fighter EVO competition.
A Thrilling Grand Finals Showdown
EVO 2024, a three-day spectacle showcasing the best in fighting game competition, concluded on July 21st. Woodley's path to victory was far from easy. He faced a formidable opponent in Adel "Big Bird" Anouche, who battled his way back from 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 nail-biter, with both players tied at 2-2 before Woodley's masterful Cammy super move secured the championship.
Punk's Journey to the Top
Woodley's competitive career is a testament to dedication and skill. His rise to prominence began during the Street Fighter V era, where he consistently triumphed at major tournaments like West Coast Warzone 6, NorCal Regionals, DreamHack Austin, and ELEAGUE, all before reaching his 18th birthday. While he achieved incredible success early on, the EVO and Capcom Cup titles remained elusive. His third-place finish at EVO 2023, falling just short against top competitors, only fueled his determination. His EVO 2024 performance is already being lauded as one of the greatest in EVO history.
A Global Showcase of Talent
EVO 2024 showcased exceptional talent from around the globe. The diverse roster of champions reflects the international nature of the competitive fighting game 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 stands as a testament to his skill and perseverance, adding a new chapter to the rich history of EVO and the Street Fighter series.
