The fighting game community, a notoriously discerning audience, has a new contender vying for its affection: Riot Games` 2v2 brawler, 2XKO. For months, anticipation simmered, occasionally boiling over into a potent mix of hype and, admittedly, a dash of frustration from eager players. Riot, clearly keen to make an impactful entrance, launched its “First Impact” series of tournaments, kicking off with a grand debut at Evo France 2025 in Nice – Europe`s largest fighting game gathering to date. And what an impact it was, particularly for one Marwan ‘Wawa’ Berthe, who, with characteristic prowess, etched his name into the annals as 2XKO`s inaugural champion.
Wawa, a name already synonymous with competitive excellence in the fighting game world, arrived in Nice not just as a participant, but as a seasoned veteran with a pedigree in Dragon Ball FighterZ, including an Evo title and a 2022 World Championship. While 2XKO presents a fresh canvas, its 2v2 League of Legends champion-inspired combat promised a tactical depth that would surely test even the most adaptable players. The question wasn`t if a legend would emerge, but who would adapt fastest to define the early meta. A new game often resets the playing field, making prior accolades a mere suggestion, rather than a guarantee, of future success.
The participant list at Evo France read like a who`s who of the Fighting Game Community (FGC). The bracket, featuring 256 hopefuls, was a veritable gauntlet. Among them were luminaries like Dominique ‘SonicFox’ McLean, the multi-game Evo champion known for their unparalleled versatility, and William ‘Leffen’ Hjelte, a Super Smash Bros. Melee titan also proving his mettle across various fighting titles. Not to be overlooked were Jo’siah ‘Hikari’ Miller, a Dragon Ball FighterZ world and Evo champion, and Steve ‘Supernoon’ Carbajal, another formidable American icon. The stage was set for an epic clash of titans, each vying for the prestigious title of 2XKO`s first major champion, and implicitly, an early claim to dominance.
Wawa`s Unstoppable March to Victory
Yet, despite the formidable opposition, Wawa’s journey through the Winners Bracket was less a struggle and more a masterclass in controlled aggression and strategic execution. He navigated the early rounds with apparent ease, demonstrating an intuitive grasp of 2XKO`s unique team-based dynamics. His first significant test came in the Winners Semi-Finals against none other than SonicFox, a match that many predicted could go either way. Wawa, however, emerged victorious with a tight 2-1 scoreline, a testament to his composure under pressure and superior adaptation to the game`s nascent mechanics.
His momentum carried him through to the Grand Finals after a decisive win against Supernoon, securing his spot from the Winners side. Supernoon, after dropping to the Losers Bracket, fought a heroic battle, clawing his way back by eliminating SonicFox in a thrilling Losers Finals encounter, thus earning a rematch against Wawa. The Grand Finals presented a chance for redemption, a double-elimination bracket reset perhaps? Not this time. Wawa, seemingly unfazed by Supernoon`s resurgence, delivered a dominant 3-1 performance, securing the championship and solidifying his position as the undisputed victor of the inaugural 2XKO tournament.
His triumph wasn`t just a personal victory; it was a clear statement. SonicFox finished in a respectable third place, while Leffen landed in the 7-8th range, highlighting the sheer competitive depth and the unforgiving nature of a new game`s early meta. Wawa’s dominant display, particularly against such established talent, marked him as the player to beat in 2XKO’s nascent esports scene – a title he claimed with convincing finality, proving that true skill transcends specific game engines.
“Just won 2XKO at Evo France! Congrats to my GOATs, it was so fun playing them again. Merci la famille pour le support c’était aussi incroyable… Can’t wait to play and learn more about the game!” – Wawa
A humble declaration from a champion who, remarkably, is currently a free agent. This status adds another layer of intrigue to his win – a star player shining brightly without the backing of a major organization, at least for now. Such a high-profile win early in a game`s life cycle often catalyzes significant offers, and it will be interesting to see where Wawa lands next.
The “First Impact” tournament at Evo France 2025 was more than just a competition; it was a proving ground. It demonstrated 2XKO`s potential as a compelling esports title and showcased the incredible talent eager to master its intricacies. As the game officially launches and Riot continues its ambitious initiatives, all eyes will undoubtedly remain on Marwan ‘Wawa’ Berthe, the player who, with a mixture of skill, adaptation, and perhaps a touch of Gallic flair, became the first champion in a brand new era of fighting games. The gauntlet has been thrown, and Wawa stands ready for the challenges ahead, having already set an incredibly high bar.
