The Evolution Championship Series stands as the premier fighting game tournament each year. EVO gathers thousands of spectators and fighters but last year it moved online due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Unfortunately,  the organizers ultimately decided to cancel EVO 2020 altogether. The ongoing global pandemic halted a 14-year long tradition of holding EVO tournaments in Las Vegas. Now, EVO 2021 returns to an online-only capacity. Additionally, EVO moves forward under new management after Sony's recent acquisition.

EVO 2021 BRINGS THE FIGHT ONLINE

Last year's EVO never saw the light of data due to a strong one-two-combo of unfortunate events. The first strike affected all esports events across the world, the COVID-19 pandemic. Subsequently, the organizers cancelled the EVO 2020 online-only tournament after sexual misconduct allegations against EVO CEO Joey Cuellar came to light. Sony's announcement about the EVO acquisition emphasized the event's established history. Additionally, it talked about the massive scale and influence EVO has across the fighting game community.

“This partnership marks a new collaboration, bringing together the resources and expertise that will allow us to elevate the global reach, scale, and fan engagement surrounding this iconic gaming tournament.”

Sony promises that EVO co-founders, Tom and Tony Cannon will remain closely involved with the tournament moving forward. The two co-founders also stressed their condemnation for any act of sexual misconduct.

“We want to reaffirm that harassment or abuse of any kind has no place within EVO or any of our future events, and we’re taking every precaution to make sure members of our community will always be treated with respect, dignity, and decency you deserve.”

EVO 2021 takes place between August 6-8 and 13-15 and will be completely online.

EVO 2021 GAMES

  • Tekken 7
  • Street Fighter V
  • Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate
  • Guilty Gear Strive

Finally, Sony promised that EVO will remain “what it has always been.” Players and loyal viewers shouldn't expect much to change from the fighting game tournament they know and love.