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Community Effort Orlando
Community Effort Orlando
Community Effort Orlando
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Community Effort Orlando (CEO)
Tournament information
Sportvarious fighting games
Location2010-2017 in Orlando, Florida
2018-2024 Daytona Beach, Florida
2025- Orlando, Florida
Month playedJune
Established2010
Number of
tournaments
1 annually
AdministratorAlex Jebailey
Current champion
SFV:AE: Japan Bonchan
SSBU: United States Dabuz
MK11: United States SonicFox
Tekken 8: Pakistan Atif Butt
　SSBM: United States Plup
Guilty Gear Xrd Revelator: United States LostSoul
DBFZ: Japan GO1
SCVI: United States Bluegod
UNIST: United States RedBlade
BlazBlue: Central Fiction: Japan Fenritti
BBTag: United States TempestRomeo
DoA6: United States XCaliburBlades
Final champion
Injustice 2: Semiij
MvCI: Knives
MKX: SonicFox
Killer Instinct: Thompxson
Pokkén: Suicune Master
SSB4: MkLeo
UMVC3: KaneBlueRiver
USF4: Wolfkrone

Community Effort Orlando (often shortened to CEO) is an annual fighting game event held in Orlando, Florida. Introduced in 2010 and organized by Alex Jebailey, the event is known for its strong ties to the fighting game community. Fighting game players compete in a wrestling ring during the event's tournaments, and CEO has been a mainstay of the Capcom Pro Tour since its establishment in 2014. An annual side-event titled CEOtaku was initiated in 2015. From 2018 to 2024, CEO was held in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Background

[edit]

"I have no reason to ever leave Orlando. I went to school here, I grew up here, and I’ve always worked in Orlando. Now, because of CEO and all the other events I get to do, I get to travel, but I always come back to Orlando. It’s a great place."

–Alex Jebailey[1]

Described in 2016 as one of the biggest fighting game community events in the United States by Red Bull, CEO has been running annually since 2010 and has grown exponentially every year. Organized by Alex Jebailey, the event is known primarily for emphasizing community spirit. Jebailey's goal as CEO is to ensure the entertainment of all its attendees. The event has an "infamous" wrestling ring in which tournament players compete and those who reach the finals make professional wrestling style entrances.[1]

Jebailey himself has been interested in video game competition since 1993, when he won a local Street Fighter II Turbo tournament on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. He has competed in various tournaments during the 1990s and 2000s, including Mortal Kombat and Killer Instinct competitions, as well as professional trading card game contests. Here, he got the inspiration and experience to become a tournament organizer.[2] Jebailey joined Iron Galaxy in 2014.[3]

History

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2010–2013

[edit]

In 2010, there was a fighting game event that was "supposed to" happen in Orlando, but things did not come together until Alex Jebailey was assigned as Tournament Organizer three weeks prior to when the event was planned. He named the event Community Effort Orlando, managed the tournament brackets on his own, and ran the stream with one colleague. Florida was not known for having an active fighting game community, though the 2010 open tournament totaled 300 players.[1]

CEO was held on June 10–12 in 2011.[4] Orlando Business Journal reported in 2012 that CEO was growing steadily, having reached 1,600 attendees and 30,000 online viewers. Jebailey stated that his presence on social media such as Twitter and Facebook has allowed the event to grow in size.[5] At this point, CEO was part of the "Road to Evo" series of major ranking events.[4]

CEO 2013 had over 1,800 attendees. The day after winning a CEO tournament, Marvel vs. Capcom 3 player Noel Brown was arrested for "domestic violence battery" after allegedly attacking his ex-girlfriend and a fellow tournament player.[6]

2014

[edit]

CEO was held on June 27–29 in 2014 and was one of the ten Premier Events of the first annual Capcom Pro Tour, meaning that high-ranking players of the Ultra Street Fighter IV tournament at CEO could qualify for the 2014 Capcom Cup.[7][8] CEO 2014 was also sponsored by One Frame Link, and Jebailey sold CEO-themed T-shirts based on the various games played during the event in order to crowdfund the prize pool of each tournament.[3]

2015

[edit]

CEO, taking place on June 26–28, was one of the sixteen Capcom Pro Tour events of the 2015 season, and the winner of its Ultra Street Fighter IV tournament automatically qualified for the 2015 Capcom Cup. Capcom revealed the first playable demo of Street Fighter V at CEO 2015.[9][10] Held at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, CEO 2015 brought in over 3,000 attendees.[11]

At the CEO 2015 Ultra Street Fighter IV tournament, well-known players such as Infiltration, Tokido, Yusuke Momochi, and Daigo Umehara were all eliminated before reaching the finals. The tournament was won by Kazunoko, who beat 801 Strider in the winner's bracket semi-final and defeated Fuudo in the Grand Final.[12] As a response to the consistent success of Super Smash Bros.-player ZeRo throughout the 2015 season, Jebailey gave out a prize to whoever could knock him out of the CEO 2015 tournament. As a response, Smashboards owner Chris "AlphaZealot" Brown added more money to the "bounty".[13][14] Regardless, ZeRo won the tournament, defeating Nairo in the Grand Final.[15]

2016

[edit]

"I did what it took, and it costed a couple thousand dollars for the extra security, but if it helps people feel safer and have a better time it's more than worth it to me."

–Alex Jebailey[1]

CEO 2016 took place two weeks after the Orlando nightclub shooting. Jebailey quickly responded to people's worries regarding personal safety on social media that he would redouble the event's security. In an interview with Red Bull, Jebailey stated that "We understand bad things happen in the world, but if I can spend a weekend with my community and get away from it... I can’t imagine anything better."[1]

CEO 2016, again a Capcom Pro Tour Premier Event, featured ten major fighting game tournaments, including Ultra Street Fighter IV side-to-side with Street Fighter V. Jebailey stated in an interview that there was a large amount of interest in the older game within the Florida fighting game community.[16] Orlando Business Journal reported that the event had over 4,000 attendees from 46 states and more than 25 countries. Besides major tournaments of new games such as Pokkén Tournament, The King of Fighters XIV, and Guilty Gear Xrd, the event included a "free-to-play" video game arcade and a guest appearance of professional wrestlers Xavier Woods and Kenny Omega.[17][18]

2017

[edit]

Jebailey announced in July 2016 that CEO 2017 would move away from its traditional late-June date in order for the event to be held in a new venue. The event may even move to a different city.[19] Later, CEO 2017 was announced to be held again in the Wyndham Resort in Orlando from June 16 to 18. The event featured tournaments for Street Fighter V, Tekken 7, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Injustice 2, Pokkén Tournament, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Killer Instinct, The King of Fighters XIV, Guilty Gear Xrd, and BlazBlue: Central Fiction.[20][21] Microsoft Studios announced at CEO 2017 that the 2013 version of Killer Instinct would be released on the Steam platform.[22]

2020–present

[edit]

CEO 2020 was postponed from June until December due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Later, on October 1, 2020, the official CEO website announced that CEO 2020 would be canceled, and that its return was scheduled to be on June 25–27, 2021.[23][24] CEO 2022 was held from June 24–26.[25]

Other events

[edit]

Wrestling events

[edit]

In 2018, it was announced that New Japan Pro-Wrestling would host an event at the tournament, which was held Saturday night following the end of the day's matches. The event was named CEO×NJPW: When Worlds Collide. Jebailey made his wrestling debut at the event and defeated Michael Nakazawa.[26]

In 2019, new promotion All Elite Wrestling partnered with CEO to produce Fyter Fest. Jebailey once again wrestled Nakazawa, this time under hardcore stipulations, but failed to win the match.[27][28]

CEOtaku

[edit]

Jebailey set up a side event called CEOtaku in October 2015. A portmanteau of CEO and otaku, the event focused specifically on Japanese 2D fighting games, often referred to as "anime fighters". Such games have historically not gotten as much attention among the fighting game community. Jebailey got the idea of starting CEOtaku when he noticed that Florida features many anime conventions throughout any given year, and was inspired when he saw a side-event at Evo 2015 dubbed "ANIMEvo".[29] CEOtaku has since become an annual event as well.

Dreamland

[edit]

In April 2017, Jebailey hosted CEO Dreamland, a Super Smash Bros.-focused event featuring tournaments for each game in the series. The event attracted nearly 1,100 attendees, but failed to return its production cost. Jebailey blamed the lack of attendees in comparison to his annual CEO events on poor scheduling, as Dreamland took place on Easter weekend and coincided with the annual Star Wars Celebration at Walt Disney World. Following its near $20,000 USD loss, Dreamland was originally thought to be unlikely to return,[30] however on April 18, 2019, Jebailey confirmed that CEO Dreamland would return. CEO Dreamland 2020 was held at the Wyndham Hotel in Orlando. The tournament was won by Samsora, who donated a fraction of his earnings back to CEO after winning.[31]

DDR Storm

[edit]

Since 2016, CEO has also been the home of the Florida-based Dance Dance Revolution tournament, DDR STORM. Once a small side event to the larger fighting game tournaments, STORM has grown alongside the competitive DDR scene with each passing year, and is now regarded as one of the most prestigious DDR tournaments in the world. 2018's tournament was notable for having (at the time) the most entries for an in-person DDR tournament in history.[32] STORM tournaments have also been held for related rhythm games Pump It Up and In the Groove.

List of Events

[edit]

CEO Fighting Game Championships

[edit]
Event Dates Venue Location Games Ref
CEO 2010 June 5-6, 2010 Central Florida Fairgrounds Orlando, Florida Capcom vs SNK
Marvel vs Capcom 2
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix
Super Street Fighter IV
Tekken 6
CEO 2011 June 10-12, 2011 Central Florida Fairgrounds Orlando, Florida Marvel vs. Capcom 3
Mortal Kombat
Soulcalibur IV
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Super Smash Bros. Brawl
Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition
Tekken 6
CEO 2012 June 15-17, 2012 Wyndham Orlando International Drive Resort Orlando, Florida BlazBlue: Continuum Shift
Mortal Kombat
Skullgirls
Soulcalibur V
Super Street Fighter II Turbo
Super Street Fighter IV
Street Fighter x Tekken
Tekken 6
The King of Fighters XIII
CEO 2013 June 15-17, 2013 Wyndham Orlando International Drive Resort Orlando, Florida Divekick
Injustice: Gods Among Us
Mortal Kombat
Persona 4 Arena
Skullgirls
Soulcalibur V
Super Street Fighter IV
Street Fighter x Tekken
Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3
Tekken Tag Tournament 2
The King of Fighters XIII
CEO 2014 June 27-29, 2014 Wyndham Orlando International Drive Resort Orlando, Florida BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma
Capcom vs. SNK 2
Divekick
Injustice: Gods Among Us
Persona 4 Arena
Tekken Tag Tournament 2
The King of Fighters XIII
Killer Instinct
CEO 2015 June 26-28, 2015 Wyndham Orlando International Drive Resort Orlando, Florida
CEO 2016 June 24-26, 2016 Wyndham Orlando International Drive Resort Orlando, Florida
CEO 2017 June 16-18, 2017 Wyndham Orlando International Drive Resort Orlando, Florida
CEO 2018 June 29-July 1, 2018 Ocean Center Daytona Beach, Florida
CEO 2019 June 28-30, 2019 Ocean Center Daytona Beach, Florida
CEO Online June 27-28, 2020
Online
CEO 2021 December 3-5, 2021 Wyndham Orlando International Drive Resort Orlando, Florida
CEO 2022 June 24-26, 2022 Ocean Center Daytona Beach, Florida
CEO 2023 June 23—25, 2023 Ocean Center Daytona Beach, Florida
CEO 2024 June 28-30, 2024 Ocean Center Daytona Beach, Florida
CEO 2025 June 13-15, 2025 Rosen Shingle Creek Orlando, Florida

CEO Winterfest

[edit]
Event Dates Venue Location Games Ref
CEO Winterfest 2014 January 31, 2014 - February 1, 2014 Wydnham Orlando International Drive Resort Orlando, Florida
CEO Winterfest 2018 March 3, 2018 I-Drive NASCAR Orlando, Florida

CEOtaku

[edit]
Event Dates Venue Location Games Ref
CEOtaku 2015 October 17-18, 2015 Wyndham Orlando International Drive Resort Orlando, Florida
CEOtaku 2016 October 1-2, 2016 Wyndham Orlando International Drive Resort Orlando, Florida
CEOtaku 2017 September 23-24, 2017 Wyndham Orlando International Drive Resort Orlando, Florida
CEOtaku 2018 September 21-23, 2018 Wyndham Orlando International Drive Resort Orlando, Florida
CEOtaku 2019 September 27-29, 2019 Wyndham Orlando International Drive Resort Orlando, Florida
CEOtaku 2022 September 23-25, 2022 Wyndham Orlando International Drive Resort Orlando, Florida
CEOtaku 2023 September 22-24, 2023 Wyndham Orlando International Drive Resort Orlando, Florida
CEOtaku 2024 December 20-22, 2024 Orange County Convention Center Orlando, Florida

CEO Dreamland

[edit]
Event Dates Venue Location Games Ref
CEO Dreamland 2017 April 14-16, 2017 Wyndham Orlando International Drive Resort Orlando, Florida
CEO Dreamland 2020 March 13-15, 2020 Wyndham Orlando International Drive Resort Orlando, Florida

References

[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Community Effort Orlando

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
Community Effort Orlando (CEO) is an annual tournament and community convention held in , renowned as one of the premier events in the global (FGC). Founded in 2010 by esports organizer Alex Jebailey, CEO attracts top players, content creators, developers, and spectators from around the world for competitive tournaments, arcade experiences, and social gatherings. The event originated at the Central Florida Fairgrounds, later relocating to the Wyndham Orlando Resort as it grew in scale and popularity. From 2018 to 2024, CEO was hosted at the Daytona Beach Ocean Center to accommodate increasing attendance, before returning to its namesake city in 2025 at the expansive Rosen Shingle Creek resort for its 15th edition on June 13–15. This milestone event featured over 30 tournaments across multiple titles, more than 100 arcade machines, vendor booths, artist alleys, gaming areas, and late-night entertainment like , solidifying CEO's role as a cornerstone of FGC culture. Beyond competition, CEO emphasizes and , with features like the 24-hour Jebaileyland Arcade and educational panels that foster connections among participants. Held at a venue with over 1,000 rooms and 200,000 square feet of space, the 2025 iteration marked Orlando's resurgence as a hub for , contributing to the local and inspiring youth through hands-on learning opportunities in game development and streaming. Looking ahead, CEO 2026 is scheduled for August 14–16 at the same Orlando location, continuing its tradition of high-stakes play and inclusive festivities.

Background

Founding and Organizer

Alex Jebailey, the founder and primary organizer of Community Effort Orlando (CEO), developed his passion for fighting games during his youth in , where frequent arcade visits in Daytona Beach introduced him to the genre. In the mid-1990s, during his early teens, Jebailey spent significant time in arcades playing fighting games, and by 1999, he was participating in local tournaments at university, marking the beginning of his deep involvement in the (FGC). Over the following years, Jebailey honed his skills as a player, competing in various events and building connections within the FGC, which laid the groundwork for his transition into event organization. By the early 2000s, Jebailey had begun organizing smaller-scale tournaments at colleges and arcades, gaining experience in logistics and that would define his later work. In 2010, he established Community Effort Orlando as a community-driven tournament in , initially held at a local fairgrounds to bring together players from the region after a larger event was canceled. This founding event emphasized collaboration among the Orlando FGC and surrounding areas, reflecting Jebailey's vision of fostering connections rather than solely focusing on high-stakes competition. As the primary organizer, Jebailey handled key aspects such as venue coordination and promotion, personally investing financially to launch the tournament. Jebailey's approach to CEO from its prioritized inclusivity and enjoyment, creating an environment where participants of all skill levels could engage without the pressure of elite-only competition. He aimed to build a welcoming space that celebrated the social aspects of gaming, incorporating diverse activities to enhance the overall experience for attendees. This philosophy, rooted in his own background as a longtime FGC member, positioned CEO as a community-centric event rather than a purely competitive one, setting it apart in the esports landscape.

Initial Vision and Community Focus

Community Effort Orlando (CEO) was founded with a vision to unite the local fighting game community through collaborative events that emphasized inclusivity and shared passion for gaming. Alex Jebailey, drawing from his involvement in local monthly gatherings following the release of , aimed to create a fun, spectator-friendly tournament series that prioritized over pure competition. The event's name itself reflects this ethos, highlighting the collective effort of volunteers and participants in making the tournament a success from its inception in 2010. Central to CEO's principles is fostering a welcoming atmosphere accessible to players of all skill levels, achieved through affordable entry fees and free or low-cost access for spectators in its early years, allowing broad participation without financial barriers. This approach extended to non-competitive elements designed to enhance camaraderie, such as vendor halls offering gaming merchandise, social gatherings in dedicated casual zones, and contests that encouraged creative expression. These features transformed CEO into a holistic gathering point, where attendees could engage beyond brackets, promoting a sense of belonging within the (FGC). Jebailey's initial concept also sought to blend fighting games with broader pop culture influences, incorporating nods to through theatrical tournament entrances and stage setups inspired by WWE-style spectacles, which debuted in early iterations to add entertainment value. Similarly, elements were woven in via and later expanded into dedicated segments, reflecting the overlapping fandoms in the FGC and creating a multifaceted event that appealed to diverse interests. This interdisciplinary vision underscored CEO's role as a cultural hub, where gaming intersected with entertainment traditions to build lasting community ties.

History

Early Years (2010–2013)

The inaugural Community Effort Orlando (CEO) event was held on June 5–6, 2010, at the Fairgrounds in , marking the beginning of a initiative to bolster the local . Organized by Alex Jebailey, the tournament drew approximately 300 attendees, primarily from , and centered on as its flagship competition, alongside other titles like Marvel vs. Capcom 2 and . This modest gathering emphasized community collaboration, with participants contributing setups and resources to make the event viable despite limited funding and infrastructure. Over the next three years, CEO experienced steady growth, transitioning from a regional affair to a more established tournament series that attracted competitors from across the . By , the event had relocated to the larger Wyndham Orlando Resort venue to accommodate expanding participation, ultimately hosting over 1,800 attendees between players and spectators. The 2013 edition expanded its scope to include a broader lineup of games, such as Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Injustice: Gods Among Us, and , reflecting the community's growing diversity and the tournament's role in nurturing talent. Prize pools remained community-driven, with entry fees supporting modest payouts that underscored the event's emphasis on over . A significant challenge during this period emerged at CEO 2013, when professional player Noel Brown, fresh off a victory in Marvel vs. Capcom 3, was arrested on for domestic violence battery after allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend and striking another competitor at the event. The incident, which occurred amid the tournament's post-event activities, exposed vulnerabilities in on-site security and conflict resolution, prompting organizers to reflect on the need for enhanced protocols to maintain a safe environment as attendance scaled up. Despite such hurdles, these early years laid the groundwork for CEO's reputation as a player-focused gathering, fostering personal connections and skill development within the scene.

Rise to Prominence (2014–2017)

The rise of Community Effort Orlando (CEO) as a premier event accelerated in 2014 when it was designated as the inaugural Capcom Pro Tour Premier Event. Held from June 27 to 29 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort in , the centered on Ultra Street Fighter IV competitions, with top performers qualifying for the season-ending . This partnership with elevated CEO's profile, drawing professional players and establishing it as a key stop on the global circuit. In 2015, CEO continued its momentum from June 26 to 28, introducing the first public playable demo of to attendees, a milestone that generated significant buzz ahead of the game's full release. The Ultra Street Fighter IV main event saw Japanese player Kazunoko secure his first major premier tournament victory, defeating competitors like 801 Strider in the grand finals and solidifying his path to the title later that year. This edition further entrenched CEO's reputation for high-stakes play and innovative showcases. CEO 2016, occurring June 24 to 26 just weeks after the tragic in Orlando, proceeded with enhanced security measures implemented by organizer Alex Jebailey to ensure participant safety amid heightened community concerns. The event expanded its game roster to include titles like and , attracting approximately 3,100 attendees from numerous U.S. states and , reflecting its growing international appeal despite the somber context. The 2017 edition, held June 16 to 18 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, marked CEO's final year in its original hometown before an impending relocation. Featuring multiple titles such as , , and , the tournament highlighted upsets like Florida native Punk's win and drew strong international fields, including top players from and Korea. This event underscored CEO's transformation into a globally recognized staple of the fighting game scene.

Relocation to Daytona Beach (2018–2021)

In 2018, Community Effort Orlando (CEO) relocated from its traditional Orlando base to the Daytona Beach Ocean Center due to limited venue availability in Orlando that could accommodate the event's growing scale and requirements. The inaugural Daytona edition, held from June 29 to July 1, attracted thousands of attendees from numerous states and countries, marking a significant expansion in space with the 200,000-square-foot facility. This move facilitated innovative crossovers, including the debut CEO×NJPW "When Worlds Collide" wrestling event on June 29, which bridged the and communities through matches featuring stars like and The . The 2019 event solidified the Daytona venue, returning to the Ocean Center from June 28 to 30 and drawing nearly 10,000 participants and spectators, reflecting sustained growth despite initial logistical challenges in the new location. A key highlight was the Fyter Fest collaboration with (AEW), held as a preshow on , which integrated wrestling into the CEO framework and featured event founder Alex Jebailey in a hardcore match against AEW's , incorporating gaming-themed props like controllers for added spectacle. The disrupted the series in 2020, leading to the full cancellation of CEO after an initial postponement from June to December; organizer Alex Jebailey cited health risks and logistical impossibilities as the primary factors, with no in-person or alternative event held that year. CEO resumed in 2021 from December 3 to 5, but shifted back to the Wyndham Orlando Resort in Orlando amid ongoing recovery efforts, operating on a smaller scale with enhanced safety protocols to prioritize attendee health. This hybrid approach included robust online streaming for broader accessibility while limiting in-person capacity, signaling a transitional phase as the event adapted to post- realities before future expansions.

Return to Orlando and Recent Developments (2022–present)

Following the challenges of the , Community Effort Orlando (CEO) continued its events in Daytona Beach from to 2024, demonstrating steady recovery and growth in the . The edition, held June 24–26 at the Ocean Center, attracted approximately 2,968 attendees, marking a return to in-person gatherings after cancellations. Attendance increased to around 3,183 participants in 2023 (June 23–25) and reached 3,232 in 2024 (June 28–30), reflecting heightened interest in the event's diverse lineup. Throughout this period, CEO maintained its status as a premier stop on the Pro Tour (CPT), fully integrating tournaments as official qualifiers that awarded points toward the annual , thereby elevating its role in global competition. In 2025, CEO marked a significant by returning to its original home base in Orlando for the 15th annual event, held June 13–15 at the Rosen Shingle Creek resort. This relocation symbolized a post-pandemic revival and reconnection with Central Florida's roots, drawing a record 6,000 spectators and competitors from around the world across a 200,000-square-foot venue. The event featured multiple qualifiers, including for the Pro Tour and other major circuits, underscoring its expanded influence in professional . Looking ahead, organizers announced CEO 2026 for August 14–16 at a venue in Orlando, shifting from the traditional mid-June timing to accommodate broader programming and summer scheduling alignments. This change aims to enhance attendee experience with additional community activities and vendor opportunities. Amid these developments, CEO has invested in ongoing adaptations to bolster Central Florida's ecosystem, including upgraded streaming partnerships for global broadcasts and collaborations to improve local , such as dedicated facilities and youth outreach programs in Orlando. These efforts position the event as a for regional growth in competitive gaming.

Primary Events

CEO Fighting Game Championships

The CEO Fighting Game Championships serves as the flagship event of Community Effort Orlando, featuring competitive brackets for major fighting game titles such as the Street Fighter, Tekken, and Guilty Gear series. Established in 2010, the tournament has evolved into a premier three-day weekend event, typically spanning Friday to Sunday, with double-elimination formats for its official game championships. Participants compete for custom CEO championship belts awarded to winners, and the event hosts over 20 tournaments across various titles, drawing international talent and awarding significant prize pools that have grown from a few thousand dollars in early years to tens of thousands by the mid-2020s. Since 2014, the Street Fighter main event has been a Premier stop on the Capcom Pro Tour, offering substantial ranking points toward qualification for the Capcom Cup world finals. The format emphasizes high-stakes competition, with pool play on the first day leading into top-64 and top-8 brackets on subsequent days, often streamed live for global audiences. Early iterations focused on a core lineup of games, but by the 2020s, the roster expanded to include newer releases like (introduced in 2023), (debuting in 2024), and Guilty Gear -Strive-, alongside legacy titles. This structure allows for side events and casual play, but the official brackets prioritize professional-level play with rulesets aligned to global standards, such as those from and Namco. Attendance has scaled dramatically, peaking at over 6,000 participants and spectators in 2025, up from around 300 at the inaugural 2010 event. Venue changes have influenced the event's growth, originally held in , from 2010 to 2017 at locations like the Wyndham Orlando Resort, where it attracted over 3,000 attendees by 2015. In , the tournament relocated to the Ocean Center in , under a multi-year , continuing there through 2024 to accommodate larger crowds and infrastructure needs. The series returned to Orlando in 2025 at the Rosen Shingle Creek resort, marking a homecoming that boosted participation to record levels. Notable outcomes highlight the event's prestige, with landmark victories shaping player legacies. In 2015, Kazunoko claimed the Ultra Street Fighter IV title, defeating in the grand finals and earning his first major Capcom Pro Tour Premier win, which propelled him to the championship later that year. More recently, the Street Fighter 6 era has seen dominant performances: iDom won the final event in 2022 with Laura, defeating MenaRD 3-1 in the grand finals; MenaRD took the 2023 crown using Luke and , overcoming Punk in winners finals; Punk secured the 2024 belt with Akuma and , beating DCQ 6-1 after a reset; and in 2025, Leshar emerged victorious with a versatile lineup including Mai, Ed, and , edging out NL 3-2 in a student-mentor grand finals matchup. Tekken brackets have similarly produced iconic results, with 2022's tournament crowning Anakin after a legendary five-game grand finals against using JACK-7. JeonDDing won the 2023 title with Julia and , defeating CBM's Noctis in a close final. The shift to in 2024 saw Atif claim victory with Dragunov, overcoming Keisuke's , while Atif repeated as champion in 2025, navigating a top eight heavy on Pakistani and South Korean talent to defeat with Anna. tournaments have featured rising stars, such as Kshuewhatdamoo's 2025 -Strive- win with , defeating Leffen's Happy Chaos in the grand finals after a strong loser's bracket run. These outcomes underscore CEO's role in elevating careers and fostering rivalries within the .

CEOtaku

CEOtaku was launched in October 2015 as a dedicated spin-off event from Community Effort Orlando, focusing exclusively on anime-style fighting games and held separately from the main CEO tournament. The inaugural edition took place on October 17–18 at the Wyndham Orlando Resort in Orlando, Florida, featuring competitive brackets for titles such as BlazBlue: Central Fiction, Guilty Gear Xrd -Sign-, Melty Blood Actress Again Current Code, and Persona 4 Arena Ultimax. This two-day format emphasized high-level play in niche anime fighters, drawing international talent including Japanese players like GO1 and Kazunoko, while fostering a welcoming atmosphere for the anime fighting game community. Over subsequent years, CEOtaku evolved into a multifaceted convention, expanding beyond tournaments to incorporate contests and vendor halls that celebrate culture alongside gaming. events, free to enter and judged on craftsmanship and accuracy, have become a highlight, with dedicated showcases and awards ceremonies drawing hundreds of participants in elaborate -inspired costumes. Vendor areas feature artists, merchants, and exhibitors offering merchandise, artwork, and gaming peripherals, creating a vibrant marketplace that supports the event's community-driven ethos. The format remains a compact two-day affair in the Orlando area, with entry fees typically set at $30 for singles and $60 for team events—lower barriers compared to larger majors—to prioritize accessibility for enthusiasts of anime fighters like and . The 2024 edition, held December 20–22 at the Orange County Convention Center in partnership with Holiday Matsuri, marked a significant expansion with over 20 tournament titles, including ongoing staples like Melty Blood: Type Lumina and new additions tied to anime themes such as Mobile Suit Gundam Extreme Vs. 2X. This collaboration amplified the event's scope to three days across 50,000 square feet, integrating Japanese voice actor guests and anime programming like panels and screenings to deepen cultural engagement. Such features underscore CEOtaku's role as the largest dedicated anime fighting game tournament, blending competitive esports with immersive otaku experiences for thousands of attendees. CEOtaku 2025 was canceled due to rising costs and challenges in securing a suitable venue.

CEO Dreamland

CEO Dreamland is a specialized event organized by Community Effort Orlando (CEO), dedicated exclusively to the series and other platform fighters, emphasizing community engagement within the Nintendo gaming ecosystem. Launched as an extension of CEO's broader fighting game initiatives, it provided a dedicated weekend for Smash enthusiasts, featuring brackets across multiple titles from the franchise. The event's format included competitive singles and doubles tournaments, alongside casual free-play stages to accommodate players of varying skill levels, fostering an inclusive atmosphere that bridged newcomers and professionals. The inaugural CEO Dreamland took place from April 14 to 16, 2017, at the Wyndham Orlando Resort in , marking CEO's first standalone focused solely on It showcased brackets for , , , and , drawing approximately 1,100 attendees despite coinciding with weekend. In the singles bracket, which featured 333 entrants and a $3,330 prize pool, DJ Nintendo's SFAT emerged as champion with his main, defeating Liquid's in the grand finals. The for Wii U singles event saw SoloMid's secure victory as the top seed, solidifying his dominance in the title at the time. Other notable results included Peru's Alvin winning singles and & Salem taking Brawl doubles. Although the event incurred a near-$20,000 financial loss for organizer Alex Jebailey due to lower-than-expected turnout, it highlighted CEO's commitment to the Smash community and expanded the organization's reach beyond traditional 2D fighters. CEO Dreamland returned after a three-year hiatus on March 13 to 15, 2020, again at the Wyndham Orlando Resort, just before widespread disruptions affected in-person events. The tournament adapted pre-event plans amid growing pandemic concerns, with several top players withdrawing, yet it still attracted around 1,000 participants across its Smash-focused , including newcomers like . In Ultimate singles, eUnited's Samsora claimed the title with his , overcoming CLG's Kola in grand finals after a reset, marking a significant win amid a field impacted by absences. The Melee singles was won by Team Liquid's , continuing his strong performance in the scene. Additional events covered Brawl, , and , with side stages offering free access to promote casual play and ecosystem exploration. This edition reinforced CEO Dreamland's role in nurturing Smash's competitive and social aspects, though it was the last in-person iteration to date. Following the event, CEO Dreamland did not occur from 2021 to 2024, as CEO prioritized recovery and relocation efforts for its flagship Fighting Game Championships amid the pandemic's impact on live events. events returned to the main CEO in 2025, with brackets for and , but no separate Dreamland edition occurred. The sporadic scheduling underscores the event's niche positioning within CEO's portfolio, yet its contributions to the Smash community—through high-caliber brackets, accessible formats, and partnerships like those with Astro Gaming for production—have left a lasting impact, encouraging broader participation in platform fighting scenes.

Secondary Events

CEO Winterfest

CEO Winterfest was a limited-run, seasonal extension of the Community Effort Orlando (CEO) event series, designed as a smaller-scale to engage the local (FGC) during the off-season between major summer events. The inaugural edition took place from January 31 to February 1, 2014, at the Allure Resort in , hosted by organizer Alex Jebailey and the University of Central Florida's Gaming Knights club. This winter gathering featured casual brackets across multiple fighting games, including with 97 entrants, and served to bridge the gap until the main CEO event later that year. The event was revived in as a one-day tournament on March 3 at the I-Drive NASCAR venue in Orlando, emphasizing preparation for the upcoming FGC season with brackets for titles such as , , , and . Attendance remained modest, under 1,000 participants, with a focus on local players and emerging games to foster community growth. Unique elements included festive winter theming, giveaways, and a relaxed atmosphere distinct from the high-stakes main CEO championships. No further iterations of CEO Winterfest have occurred since 2018, as resources were redirected toward the core annual CEO event and other expansions. While there has been discussion of potential future seasonal variants, none have been confirmed or held as of 2025.

Wrestling Collaborations

Community Effort Orlando (CEO) has forged notable partnerships with professional wrestling promotions, blending the fighting game community with live wrestling spectacles to create unique crossover experiences. In 2018, CEO collaborated with New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW) for the event titled CEO×NJPW: When Worlds Collide, held on June 29 at the Ocean Center in Daytona Beach, Florida, during the CEO 2018 tournament weekend. This marked a pioneering integration of pro wrestling matches with esports competitions, featuring a full card of NJPW talent including a main event tag team bout between Kenny Omega and Kota Ibushi against Tetsuya Naito and Hiromu Takahashi. The event drew approximately 2,000 ticket sales and peaked at around 15,000 concurrent viewers on Twitch, highlighting the appeal of merging these entertainment forms. CEO organizer Alex Jebailey made his in-ring debut at the show, defeating Michael Nakazawa in an exhibition match despite a recent Achilles injury, using crutches as a prop to emphasize the theatrical overlap between gaming rivalries and wrestling personas. Building on this momentum, CEO partnered with the newly formed (AEW) in 2019 for Fyter Fest, presented in conjunction with CEO Gaming on June 29 in Daytona Beach. The event served as AEW's inaugural major show, incorporating a preshow hardcore match as a direct rematch from the prior year's NJPW collaboration, where Nakazawa defeated Jebailey in a comedic bout involving , arcade buttons, and other gaming-themed props. This matchup underscored the playful between the FGC and wrestling worlds, with Jebailey's participation symbolizing CEO's commitment to fostering such intersections. Fyter Fest attracted between 2,300 and 4,800 attendees, demonstrating strong market interest in for hybrid events that combined high-profile wrestling with CEO's gaming focus. These collaborations have profoundly shaped CEO's event culture, infusing wrestling aesthetics into its production to heighten excitement and . Since around , CEO has utilized a as a central stage element, particularly at the Daytona Beach venue, for dramatic player introductions and top-eight bracket ceremonies. Signature features include wrestling-style entrances accompanied by custom music and hype videos, with notable examples featuring competitors like KBRAD mimicking WWE legend or Smug entering to themed fanfare alongside guests such as . This approach draws from pro wrestling's emphasis on spectacle, transforming standard tournament announcements into immersive performances that resonate with the FGC's competitive spirit. Celebrity appearances by wrestlers, including Omega—a prominent gamer and NJPW/AEW star—and 's , have further bridged the communities, often involving panels or cameos that attract shared audiences and elevate CEO's production value. The partnerships with NJPW and AEW have established ongoing ties, with Jebailey expressing interest in future joint ventures to expand these crossovers, as discussed in post-Fyter Fest interviews. While specific new wrestling-integrated events post-2019 have been limited, the relationships persist through personal connections like Jebailey's friendship with Omega and AEW executive Tony Khan, influencing CEO's hybrid event model into 2025. These elements continue to distinguish CEO as a leader in blending esports with traditional entertainment forms.

DDR Storm

DDR Storm originated in 2016 as a modest side focused on (DDR) and other rhythm games during the Community Effort Orlando (CEO) event, where participants even supplied their own arcade cabinets to facilitate play. Initially featuring small brackets, it quickly gained traction within the rhythm gaming community, reflecting the grassroots enthusiasm for DDR amid the rise of . By 2018, DDR Storm had expanded significantly, attracting over 100 participants across its divisions, including 111 entrants in the DDR Extreme Pro bracket alone, marking a substantial growth from its early years. That year, it became formally integrated into the main CEO lineup as "CEO featuring Storm," with dedicated stages and the addition of Pump It Up Prime 2 alongside DDR Extreme Pro and In The Groove tournaments. This partnership, blessed by original DDR Storm founder Tyger, solidified its annual presence at CEO events, evolving into a multi-game spectacle that complemented the fighting game focus. The tournament series has continued annually through 2025, rebranded in recent years as Project Storm (also known as DDR Storm), one of North America's longest-running multi-dance game events, featuring titles like DDR A3 vs. 2ndMIX+, ITGmania, , and Pump It Up Phoenix. Held at venues such as the Rosen Shingle Creek in Orlando for CEO 2025, it includes professional streaming highlights on platforms like Twitch, drawing international competitors and showcasing high-level performances. Emphasizing community building, DDR Storm offers beginner clinics and workshops to support skill development, promoting inclusivity for newcomers and non-fighting game enthusiasts within the broader CEO ecosystem. These efforts foster a welcoming environment, enabling diverse participants to engage in rhythm gaming alongside the event's core activities.

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