EVO France 2025: A Championship Retrospective from the Heart of the French Riviera

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From October 10th to 12th, 2025, the serene beauty of Nice on the French Riviera transformed into a battleground for digital warriors. EVO France, a pivotal event in the fighting game community (FGC) calendar, brought together top talent from across the globe, culminating in three days of intense competition, unexpected upsets, and the crowning of new legends.

While the city of Nice typically embodies tranquil elegance, for one glorious weekend, it became the crucible where professional players forged their legacies. This year`s EVO France showcased not just raw skill, but also the enduring spirit of competitive gaming, as champions in titles like Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, and Guilty Gear -STRIVE- etched their names into esports history.

Street Fighter 6: A Masterclass in Tactical Engagements

The highly anticipated Street Fighter 6 tournament delivered on all fronts, pitting DRX`s Shin ‘Leshar‘ Moon-sup against 2Game Esports’ Derek ‘Blaz‘ in a Grand Finals that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. Blaz, navigating the challenging lower brackets, demonstrated incredible resilience by forcing a bracket reset with a thrilling 3-2 comeback in the first set. However, Leshar, a picture of calm precision, regrouped effectively. He returned with a dominant 3-1 victory in the decisive second set, securing the Street Fighter 6 championship and a prize of €9,200.

Adding a strategic twist, since Leshar had already secured his spot in Capcom Cup 12, the qualification slot gracefully passed to the runner-up, Blaz, ensuring that his stellar performance did not go unrewarded on the global stage.

Tekken 8: The Iron Fist Legacy Continues

In the unforgiving arena of Tekken 8, a familiar face once again ascended to the summit: Arslan ‘Arslan Ash‘ Siddique of Twisted Minds. The seven-time EVO champion entered the final brackets from the lower echelons, a path that only magnifies the scale of his subsequent triumph. After a grueling run, he faced Team Vitality’s Jeon ‘Jeondding‘ Sang-hyun in the Grand Finals.

In a testament to his legendary clutch factor, Arslan Ash emerged victorious in two hard-fought sets, winning 3-1 and 3-2 respectively. His victory not only added another prestigious EVO title to his already illustrious collection but also earned him 800 valuable Tekken World Tour Points and a prize of €7,400. For many, Arslan Ash`s consistent ability to perform under immense pressure has become less of a surprise and more of an expected masterclass.

Guilty Gear -STRIVE-: The Symphony of Destruction

The visually stunning and frenetic Guilty Gear -STRIVE- tournament saw ‘Tiger_Pop‘, representing ONi Global, claim the championship. Outmaneuvering 95 other elite competitors, Tiger_Pop fought his way through the lower bracket to face VICE’s ‘PataChu‘. His momentum was undeniable, securing the first set with a clean 3-0 sweep, followed by a commanding 3-1 victory in the second to clinch the title.

This triumphant performance not only earned him €6,600 but also a coveted spot in the ARC World Tour 2025/2026 Finals, validating his position as a rising star in the anime fighter scene.

FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves: A Grand Debut

One of the most anticipated titles at EVO France 2025 was the competitive debut of FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves. It was none other than five-time EVO champion, Zeng ‘Xiao Hai‘ Zhuojun of KuaiShou Gaming, who showcased the game’s competitive potential. Similar to his legendary counterparts, Xiao Hai navigated the lower bracket to reach the Grand Finals.

There, he delivered a dominant performance against Team Falcons’ Yosuke ‘Kindevu‘ Ito, winning both sets with an impressive 3-1 scoreline each. While Xiao Hai secured the inaugural title, the SNK World Championship 2025 Finals spot was awarded to the third-place finisher, ‘AbuOmar‘ of Team Falcons, highlighting the depth of talent in this new competitive landscape.

Dragon Ball FighterZ: A Kamehameha of Skill

The high-octane battles of Dragon Ball FighterZ were commanded by Jo’siah ‘Hikari‘ Miller of BMS ESPORTS, widely regarded as one of the best FighterZ players of all time. The two-time EVO champion once again demonstrated his mastery, making his way through the lower brackets to confront Daniel ‘Gropis‘ Gras Llopis in the Grand Finals.

Hikari’s victory added another feather to his cap, alongside a prize of €2,800. Gropis, despite being the runner-up, earned a valuable qualification to the Masters Showdown 2025 event, a fitting reward for his impressive run.

Beyond the Main Stage: A Diverse Showcase of Fighting Games

EVO France 2025 was not solely defined by its headlining acts. The event was a comprehensive celebration of the FGC, hosting several other compelling tournaments:

• Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising: Lucy ‘Usagi‘ Aramburu, representing Freesias of Eden, delivered a flawless performance, defeating Italian FGC player ‘Pixi’ with a decisive 3-0 sweep in the Grand Finals.
• HUNTERxHUNTER NENxIMPACT: The event saw ‘Shinanochan‘, also known as ‘Heiho‘, emerge victorious. After dropping the first set 2-3 against ‘ROW1’ in the Grand Finals, Shinanochan demonstrated incredible composure and skill to bounce back with a one-sided 3-0 victory in the final set, clinching the title.

Additionally, the event featured a variety of spirited side tournaments, including EVO’s first official 2XKO tournament, alongside beloved classics such as Vampire Saviour and Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike. This diverse lineup underscored the FGC`s rich history and exciting future, offering something for every fan.

The Enduring Spirit of the FGC

As the final controllers were put down and the applause faded in Nice, EVO France 2025 left an indelible mark. It was a testament to the dedication of players, the passion of the fans, and the universal appeal of competitive gaming. From the strategic depth of Street Fighter 6 to the raw power of Tekken 8, each game provided moments of human brilliance, demonstrating that esports is as much about character as it is about combos.

The event reinforced the global nature of the fighting game community, a collective bound by shared passion, respect for skill, and the pursuit of competitive excellence. As the FGC looks ahead, the memories forged and the champions crowned at EVO France 2025 will undoubtedly fuel the next chapter in this dynamic world of digital combat.

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