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 victory in the Street Fighter 6 tournament. This win marks a significant milestone, breaking a two-decade drought for American champions in the main Street Fighter EVO competition.
A Thrilling Grand Final
The EVO 2024 championship, a three-day spectacle featuring multiple fighting games, culminated in a nail-biting Street Fighter 6 final. Woodley faced Adel "Big Bird" Anouche, a formidable opponent who had battled his way through the loser's bracket. Anouche's impressive 3-0 victory forced a reset, setting the stage for an unforgettable best-of-five rematch. The final match was a back-and-forth battle, culminating in a tie at 2-2 before Woodley secured the championship with a decisive Cammy super move.
Punk's Journey to the Top
Woodley's competitive fighting game career began during the Street Fighter V era, where he achieved remarkable success before his 18th birthday, winning numerous major tournaments. Despite a previous setback in the EVO 2017 grand finals, Woodley persevered, consistently performing at a high level. His third-place finish at EVO 2023 foreshadowed his eventual triumph. The EVO 2024 final is already considered legendary, showcasing Woodley's skill and determination.
A Global Showcase of Talent
EVO 2024 showcased exceptional talent from around the globe. The diverse winners included:
- 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 underscores the intense competition and global reach of the EVO Championship Series.