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Evo 2017
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2017 Evolution Championship Series
Tournament information
LocationLas Vegas, Nevada, United States
DatesJuly 14–16, 2017
Tournament
format
Double elimination
VenueMandalay Bay
Final positions
Champions
Tournament statistics
Attendance~10,000
← 2016
2018 →

The 2017 Evolution Championship Series (commonly referred to as Evo 2017) was a fighting game event held in Las Vegas on July 14–16 that was part of the long-running Evolution Championship Series. The event offered tournaments for various fighting games, such as Street Fighter V, Tekken 7, and Injustice 2. Over 10,000 people registered for the event with Tekken 7 receiving double the number of players from the previous year.

Venue

[edit]

Contrast to the previous year's event which took place in two venues, Evo 2017 took place in the Mandalay Bay resort for all three days of the event. The first two days of the event were held in the Mandalay Bay Convention Center, while the final day was held in the Mandalay Bay Events Center like it had in 2016.[1]

Games

[edit]

The nine games played at Evo 2017 were announced in January 2017 during a special announcement stream on Twitch, with event co-founder Joey Cuellar discussing the inclusion of each game. The games set to be contested consisted of new releases, FGC contemporaries, and updated releases. New additions included BlazBlue: Central Fiction, The King of Fighters XIV, and Injustice 2 while Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 would replace Guilty Gear Xrd -REVELATOR-.[2][3] A major change among the Smash community was that Super Smash Bros. Melee's finals would be moved to the prime time spot on Saturday, contrast to its Sunday spot in the previous years.[4] A ninth game, a Player's Choice title, was later won by Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, after having donated the most money for Make-A-Wish International via Generosity.com.[5] The other three games were Street Fighter V, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and Tekken 7.[2]

In an interview with PVP Live's Amanda Stevens, veteran Super Street Fighter II Turbo player and commentator, James Chen had mixed opinions regarding the lineup praising Guilty Gear and BlazBlue's simultaneous inclusion while criticizing the Player's Choice game.[6] Although Pokkén Tournament lost the Make-A-Wish Foundation poll, in recognition of the Pokkén scenes passion for their game as shown by being the second most funded fighting game; Joey Cuellar offered $10,000 for pot bonuses towards various tournaments surrounding the game.[7]

Side events

[edit]

As with the previous two years, the AnimEVO series of side tournaments, which is dedicated to airdasher fighting games was at the event with more than sixteen fighting games that were competed in including Catherine, Gundam Versus, Puyo Puyo Tetris, Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R and Under Night In-Birth EXE: Late as well as former EVO titles Persona 4 Arena Ultimax and Pokkén Tournament.[8][9] The side tournament is notable for the large amount of support it received from Bandai Namco, Sega, and other developers. Voice actress Kana Ueda was also in attendance and placed 5th in the Gundam Versus tournament. Other side events for games like Super Street Fighter II Turbo,[9] Project M,[10] Dissidia Final Fantasy NT[11] and the upcoming Dragon Ball FighterZ also occurred during the event.[12]

Participants

[edit]

The Evolution Championship Series has historically been the largest fighting game tournament in the world, allowing free registration for anyone who wants to compete. Registration for the event closed on July 1, which Joey "Mr. Wizard" Cuellar had announced the final registration numbers. The three largest games from last year: Street Fighter V, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and Super Smash Bros. Melee have all seen decreases in numbers with the games going from 5107 to 2622, 2662 to 1515, and 2372 to 1435 respectively.[13][14] In contrast, Tekken 7 doubled in entrant numbers receiving over 1,200 entrants which was commonly associated with the release of the title's console version.[15]

Evo 2017 has received over 10,000 attendees in competition.[14]

Broadcasting

[edit]

It was announced that ESPN2 would once again broadcast the finals of the Street Fighter V tournament on July 16 with Kevin Lopes stating "This final will provide no shortage of compelling competition, and we look forward to delivering this event to fans.".[16] The Super Smash Bros. for Wii U finals in addition to the aforementioned Street Fighter V finals were also broadcast on Disney XD, as part of the launch of the network's new video game-focused D|XP block.[17][18]

As every year, the entire tournament was streamed through the Twitch streaming service. The tournament was broadcast across nine different streams: six Evo-run streams provided coverage of all games throughout the weekend, while Capcom ran its own stream that features additional coverage of Street Fighter V on Friday and Saturday, Namco provided a stream with additional coverage of Tekken 7 on Friday, while NetherRealm Studios provided a stream with additional coverage of Injustice 2.[19][9]

During the Street Fighter V finals, ESPN2 pulled the match between Ryota "Kazunoko" Inoue and Du "NuckleDu" Dang and forced the former to change his costume for Cammy as the company felt that the character's default costume was "too sexy" for broadcasting.[20][21]

Reveals

[edit]

A day before Evo 2017 began, SNK announced PlayStation 4 and PlayStation Vita ports of Samurai Shodown V Special, with a beta build being playable during the event at the SNK booth.[22][23]

On the first day of the event, Capcom revealed three nostalgic costumes (one for Alex, Ibuki, and Juri) and Ryu's classic Street Fighter II stage, Suzaku Castle, for Street Fighter V.[24] They also announced a new stage called Ring of Pride as well as a new costume for Guile designed by Capcom Cup 2016 champion, Du "NuckleDu" Dang.[25]

Shortly after the Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 finals, Capcom's Peter "Combofiend" Rosas revealed Jedah for Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite during a match against Street Fighter V finalist, Ryan "Filipino Champ" Ramirez.[26][27][28] Following the BlazBlue: Central Fiction finals, Toshimichi Mori of Arc System Works went on the Mandalay Bay stage to reveal Jubei as a DLC character for BlazBlue: Central Fiction. Additionally, Mori announced BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, a crossover fighter featuring characters from BlazBlue, Persona 4 Arena, Under Night In-Birth, and RWBY.[29][30] Another trailer prior to the Tekken 7 finals showcased Arika's upcoming fighting game, also revealing Street Fighter EX characters Skullomania and Darun Mister would be joining the roster.[31][32] Between the Tekken 7 finals and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U finals, Bandai Namco Entertainment showed the first gameplay footage of Trunks in the upcoming Dragon Ball FighterZ, as well as announcing a nine character beta for later in the year;[33] this was instantly followed by Katsuhiro Harada and Michael Murray revealing Geese Howard as a DLC guest character for Tekken 7.[34] Before the Street Fighter V finals began, Yoshinori Ono went on-stage to announce Abigail from Final Fight as the next DLC character in Street Fighter V's second season.[35][36]

Prior to the Street Fighter V finals, the EVO tournament organizers announced the EVO Japan 2018 dates as January 26–28.[37]

Tournament summary

[edit]

Street Fighter V

[edit]
The Mandalay Bay Events Center shortly before the Street Fighter V grand finals, with Tokido featured on the video board.

Evo 2017 was the second year that Street Fighter V was featured on the big stage with the event once again being the closing game.[4][19] Ryota "Kazunoko" Inoue would notably place 3rd in the tournament, making his appearance in the Street Fighter V finals his second Top 8 finish during the event. Hiromiki "Itabashi Zangief" Kumada would place 4th in the event; both Kazunoko and Itabashi Zangief were sent to the Loser's Bracket by the event's eventual runner-up Victor "Punk" Woodley.[38] The finals had a diverse number of characters including Karin, Nash, Cammy, Zangief, and Akuma.[39]

The Grand Finals was a showdown between Japan's Hajime "Tokido" Taniguchi and the United States's Victor "Punk" Woodley. Tokido took the first two games with the first match notably having Tokido using Akuma's taunt to defeat Punk's Karin.[40][41] Tokido's relentless pressure, okizeme, and fireball game would lead to him resetting the bracket 3-1 and then follow it up with a clean 3–0 upset over Punk in order to become the Evo 2017 Street Fighter V champion.[42] Tokido received $35,000 for winning the finals and at the time moved up to second place in the Capcom Pro Tour 2017 standings.[38] This victory would also give Tokido his third EVO trophy, with his first two being for Capcom vs. SNK 2 (2002) and Super Street Fighter II Turbo (2007).[41]

PC Gamer described the grand finals between Tokido and Punk as a match between a veteran and a newcomer as the players at the time of the event were 32 and 18 respectively.[43] One of the Twitch commentators at the end of the finals, James Chen, notably bursted in tears and gave a message saying "Evo is love. L-O-V-E. When you hold that L and run it back: EVO.”; the message is a response to all of the passion and support that the fighting game community has done towards the events and fighting games.[44]

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

[edit]

Taking the spot of Melee on Sunday, Wii U nevertheless saw a drop in attendance from 2016, but still had the second highest attendance of any game at Evo 2017 with the exception of Street Fighter V. Wii U featured many notable upsets; the game's 2016 winner Elliot "Ally" Carroza-Oyarce and runner-up Takuto "Kameme" Ono were both eliminated before the semi-final round. Ultimately, despite seven of the final thirty-two players using the controversial top tier Bayonetta, only one secured a place in the finals, and each of the top eight players mained a different character. Evo 2015 champion Gonzalo "ZeRo" Barrios of Chile defeated veteran player Larry "Larry Lurr" Holland in winners' finals 3-2 after being down 2–0. Saleem "Salem" Young, after being sent to the losers' bracket by Larry Lurr, defeated Kengo "KEN" Suzuki in losers' quarters, Gavin "Tweek" Dempsey in losers' semifinals, and won a rematch with Larry Lurr 3–1 in losers' finals. Salem would then go on to win the tournament, resetting the bracket against ZeRo 3-2 and then winning 3–2 in the second set of grand finals.[45]

Tekken 7

[edit]

The third year at the Evolution Championship Series and its first since its console release,[46] Tekken 7 had over 1,200 entrants competing for a qualification to the Tekken World Tour finals. South Korea was the most dominant region represented in the finals with half of the Top 8 being Korean players. Sang-hyeon "JEOnnding" Jeon was the lowest finishing of the four in 5th place, with the top three being established EVO champions; Jae-min "Knee" Bae, Jin-woo "Saint" Choi, and Hyun-jin "JDCR" Kim placing 3rd, 2nd, and 1st respectively. JDCR's victory in an Echo Fox team kill Grand Finals lead to him receiving his second EVO championship, his previous title was in 2014 for Tekken Tag Tournament 2.[47][48]

BlazBlue: Central Fiction

[edit]

Although BlazBlue: Central Fiction didn't have more entrants than its sibling, Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2, the finals did not disappoint. The title is considered to be among the most popular fighting games in Japan, in which all of the Top 8 finalists hailed from. In the grand finals, it came down to Shoji “Fenrich” Sho and Ryusei Ito using Jin and Carl respectively. Both have played each other frequently in tournaments and are well acquainted friends. Fenrich was able to reset the bracket, sending Ryusei Ito to the loser's bracket; however in the final game of the event, Ryusei came out as the victor 3–2.[49][50]

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

[edit]

The finals of Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 at Evo 2017 was considered by many as the game's swan song. The defending champion, Christopher "NYChrisG" Gonzalez would fall second place to fellow Morrigan player, Rene "RyanLV" Romero. RyanLV benefited in the grand finals with his unique synergy of Chun-Li, Morrigan, and Phoenix; a style which emphasized very heavily on offensive play, in contrast to NYChrisG's defensive play.[51][52] The third-place finisher, Canada's Jose "Quackbot" Aldape (who entered as PC Marvel God), was a surprise by many as he upset many fan favorites along the way including Ichihara Takumi, Kenneth "K-Brad" Bradley, Vineeth "ApologyMan" Meka, Justin Wong, Raynel "RayRay" Hidalgo among others.[28]

Super Smash Bros. Melee

[edit]

Although the finals took place on Saturday, the Super Smash Bros. Melee event had as much excitement as the previous years. One notable upset was where fan favorite, William "Leffen" Hjelte was notably eliminated by Ryan "The Moon" Coker-Welch in a match to advance in Top 8 in Loser's Bracket. Adam "Armada" Lindgren would face off against Joseph "Mango" Marquez in the Winner's Finals with Armada sending Mango to Loser's Finals, 3–0. Mango then eliminated the defending champion, Juan "Hungrybox" Debiedma over the course of five close games. In Grand Finals, Armada won the first set 3-1 and took the title of EVO champion for the second time.[53][54][55]

Injustice 2

[edit]

In its debut year at the Evolution Championship Series, Injustice 2 had one of the most unexpected victories at the event. While Echo Fox's Dominique "SonicFox" McLean was the favorite to win the event, he fell victim to Tim "HoneyBee" Commandeur's Flash in Winner's and Andrew "Semiij" Fontanez' Catwoman and netted himself a fifth-place finish. The grand finals would see HoneyBee face off against Ryan "Dragon" Walker in a runback from Winner's Finals. Dragon would come out on top with his Aquaman secondary 3–2 against HoneyBee's Flash. The event saw plenty of character diversity with characters such as Atrocitus, Catwoman, Poison Ivy, Batman, Black Adam, Brainiac and the aforementioned Flash and Aquaman receiving exposure.[56][57] Many of the mistakes in the finals made[57] were attributed to the title's status as a recently released title as Injustice 2 was released two months prior to the event itself.[58]

The King of Fighters XIV

[edit]

As with the previous years that the King of Fighters franchise was represented, which was with the thirteenth installment; the Evo 2017 King of Fighters XIV tournament had global talent represented in its Top 8 with six countries represented. The finals saw some upsets as the Evo 2013 champion and KOF XIV World Champion, Reynald Tacsuan and Murakami "M'" Masanobu respectively, were notably eliminated by Chia-Chen "ZJZ" Tseng and Ruber "Pako" Partida respectively. Ultimately, Taiwanese player and Evo 2014 3rd placer Chia-Hung Lin "E.T." Lin would become the champion after defeating the Evo 2014 champion, Zhuojun "Xiao Hai" Zeng of China with a 3-2 finish, having earned 60% of the $14,000 pot bonus.[59][60] His victory was attributed to a surprise character pick in which Goro Daimon was used.[61]

Prize pool

[edit]

The Street Fighter V event has received a $50,000 pot bonus as part of the 2017 Capcom Pro Tour Season.[1] The King of Fighters XIV received a $14,000 bonus pot courtesy of SNK and Atlus.[62] Injustice 2 received a pot bonus of $50,000 as part of the Injustice 2 Pro Series by ESL Gaming.[63] Arc System Works and Aksys Games provided a $10,000 pot bonus each for Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2 and BlazBlue: Central Fiction.[64] Bandai Namco Entertainment also provided a $15,000 pot bonus towards the Tekken 7 finals as part of the 2017 Tekken World Tour Season.[65]

Due to being the most donated fighting game for the Make-A-Wish Foundation crowdfunding, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 received a $10,000 pot bonus.[66]

Controversies

[edit]

In a Super Smash Bros. Melee match between Juan "Hungrybox" Debiedma and Zac "SFAT" Cordoni in Winner's Quarter-Finals, both players were issued a yellow card after Debiedma called his coach, Luis “Captain Crunch” Rosias over for advice; Gordon "G$" Connell mocked Debiedma by miming a coaching session with Cordoni. As both players violated the "No Coaching After Pools" rule, lead EVO tournament organizer Joey "Mr. Wizard" Cuellar let the match stand.[67][54] Had Connell not teased Debiedma with the coaching session, Debiedma would have most likely been disqualified. This upset many fans, as they believed that Cordoni was not being coached and didn't deserve to get carded. Furthermore, the official EVO ruleset stated that, if the incident was not reported at the time it took place, then the incident will be ignored, meaning that both Debiedma and Cordoni shouldn't have been carded in the first place, since the incident was not reported.[68]

Results

[edit]
Street Fighter V
Place Player Alias Character(s)
1st Japan Hajime Taniguchi FOX|Tokido Akuma
2nd United States Victor Woodley PG|Punk Karin, Nash
3rd Japan Ryota Inoue GGP|Kazunoko Cammy
4th Japan Hiromiki Kumada DNG|Itabashi Zangief Zangief
5th Japan Naoki Nakayama Moke Rashid
5th United States Du Dang Liquid|NuckleDu Guile, R. Mika
7th Japan Joe Egami GRPT|MOV Chun-Li
7th United States Ryan Ramirez SPY|Filipino Champ Dhalsim
Super Smash Bros. for Wii U
Place Player Alias Character(s)
1st United States Saleem Young MVG|Salem Bayonetta
2nd Chile Gonzalo Barrios TSM|ZeRo Diddy Kong
3rd United States Larry Holland MSF|Larry Lurr Fox
4th United States Gavin Dempsey P1|Tweek Cloud, Donkey Kong
5th United States Nairoby Quezada NRG|Nairo Zero Suit Samus, Bowser
5th Japan Kengo Suzuki KEN Sonic
7th United States James Makekau-Tyson CLG|VoiD Sheik
7th United States Samuel Buzby RNG|Dabuz Rosalina & Luma
Tekken 7
Place Player Alias Character(s)
1st South Korea Hyun-jin Kim FOX|JDCR Heihachi, Dragunov
2nd South Korea Jin-woo Choi FOX|Saint Jack-7
3rd South Korea Jae-min Bae Knee Bryan, Feng, Dragunov, Steve, Devil Jin
4th Japan Miyabe Taisei Taisei Steve
5th United States Hoa Luu Streamme|Anakin Jack-7
5th South Korea Sang-hyeon Jeon JEOndding Lucky Chloe, Eddy
7th Japan Aoki Takehiko Yamasa|Take Kazumi, Bryan
7th United States Michael Khieu Suiken Eliza
BlazBlue: Central Fiction
Place Player Alias Character(s)
1st Japan Ryusei Ito Ryusei Carl
2nd Japan Shoji Sho Fenrich Jin
3rd Japan Fumihiko Yokobori Fumi Nine
4th Japan Tatsuro Fujiyoshi iGS|Kaibutsukun Izanami, Nine
5th Japan Yuji Sasaki TokyoVe|Souji Arakune
5th Japan Satoshi Kawai Tochigin Azrael
7th Japan Ryuji Utsumi DoraBang Bang, Mu-12
7th Japan Takao Nao Mt. Takao Rachel
Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3
Place Player Alias Character(s)
1st United States Rene Romero SPY|RyanLV Chun-Li/Morrigan/Phoenix
2nd United States Christopher Gonzalez EG|NYChrisG Morrigan/Doctor Doom/Vergil
3rd Canada Jose Aldape PC Marvel God (Quackbot) Magneto/Doctor Doom/Phoenix
4th United States Luis Cervantes Paradigm Haggar/Dormammu/Doctor Doom, Arthur/Rocket Raccoon/Haggar, Haggar/Rocket Raccoon/Doctor Doom
5th United States Joey D'alessandro JoeyD Zero/Doctor Doom/Vergil
5th United States Hasson Stimphil KPB|Prodigy Magneto/Doctor Doom/Phoenix
7th United States Eddie Mu GB|NotEnoughDamage Zero/Doctor Doom/Vergil
7th United States David Santiago NoLife Zero/Dante/Vergil
Super Smash Bros. Melee
Place Player Alias Character(s)
1st Sweden Adam Lindgren [A]|Armada Peach
2nd United States Joseph Marquez C9|Mango Fox, Falco
3rd United States Juan Debiedma Liquid|Hungrybox Jigglypuff
4th United States Jason Zimmerman FOX.MVG|Mew2King Marth, Fox, Sheik, Peach
5th United States Joey Aldama Lucky Fox
5th United States Justin McGrath PG|Plup Sheik, Fox
7th United States Ryan Coker-Welch MSF|The Moon Marth
7th United States Zac Cordoni CLG|SFAT Fox
Injustice 2
Place Player Alias Character(s)
1st United States Ryan Walker Noble|Dragon Aquaman, Poison Ivy
2nd Canada Tim Commandeur cR|HoneyBee Flash, Aquaman
3rd United States Jivan Karapetian FOX|Theo Superman
4th United States Andrew Fontanez Noble|Semiij Catwoman
5th United States Dominique McLean FOX|SonicFox Red Hood, Black Adam
5th Canada Alexandre Dubé-Bilodeau PG|Hayatei Robin, Batman
7th Bahrain Sayed Hashim Ahmed NASR|Tekken Master Atrocitus, Brainiac
7th United States Daris Daniel T7G|DR Gross Green Lantern, Black Adam
Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2
Place Player Alias Character(s)
1st Japan Omito Hashimoto KSB|Omito Johnny
2nd Japan /r/Kappa|T5M7 Leo
3rd Japan Tezuka Kazuyoshi Summit Chipp
4th Japan Nage Faust
5th Japan Ryota Inoue GGP|Kazunoko Raven
5th Japan Kazumitsu Ippongi PurePure Jack-O'
7th Japan Hikaru Sato 310 Venom
7th Japan Fukuda Norihiro Teresa Jam
The King of Fighters XIV
Place Player Alias Character(s)
1st Taiwan Chia-Hung Lin HuomaoTV|E.T. Leona/Daimon/Benimaru, Clark/Benimaru/Daimon, Billy/Leona/Benimaru, Meitenkun/Benimaru/Leona
2nd ChinaZhuojun Zeng DouyuTV|Xiao Hai Kula/Benimaru/Iori, Robert/Kula/Iori
3rd Mexico Luis Martinez KCO|Luis Cha Andy/Mai/Muimui
4th Taiwan Chia-Chen Tseng HuomaoTV|ZJZ Benimaru/Mature/Athena, Meitenkun/Yuri/Mature, Yuri/Mature/Leona, Athena/Yuri/Mature
5th United Arab Emirates Waqas Ali GCCM|WhiteAshX Nakoruru/Yuri/Athena, Mian/Yuri/Athena
5th Mexico Ruber Partida TC|Pako Meitenkun/Luong/Muimui, Meitenkun/Luong/Mai
7th United States Reynald Tacsuan AS|Reynald Gang-il/Geese/Meitenkun, Mian/Benimaru/Robert
7th Japan Murakami Masanobu Sanwa|M' Kula/Benimaru/Iori

[69]

References

[edit]
[edit]
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Evo 2017

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The 2017 (Evo 2017) was the sixteenth annual edition of the premier series, held from July 14 to 16, 2017, at the Convention Center and Events Center in , . It featured competitive brackets for nine prominent s, attracting approximately 10,000 entrants across all events and establishing it as the largest competition of the year with a combined prize pool of $253,420. The main tournament lineup consisted of (2,625 entrants, $76,250 prize pool), (880 entrants, $58,800 prize pool), (1,286 entrants, $27,860 prize pool, a for most entrants in a single tournament), Guilty Gear Xrd -REV 2- (817 entrants, $18,170 prize pool), BlazBlue: Central Fiction (500 entrants, $15,000 prize pool), (375 entrants, $17,740 prize pool), (652 entrants, $6,520 prize pool), (1,435 entrants, $14,280 prize pool), and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U (1,515 entrants, $15,080 prize pool). Standout champions included Japan's (using Akuma) in Street Fighter V, Korea's JDCR in Tekken 7, American in Injustice 2, Japan's Ogawa (using Leo Whitefang) in Guilty Gear Xrd -REV 2-, Japan's Ryusei (using Carl Clover) in BlazBlue: Central Fiction, China's Xiaohai in The King of Fighters XIV, American RyanLV (using /Morrigan/Phoenix) in Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Sweden's Armada in Super Smash Bros. Melee, and American Salem in Super Smash Bros. for Wii U. Evo 2017 marked the first time the entire event took place over three days at the Resort, enhancing logistics for the growing community, and it was broadcast live on Twitch with finals airing on for wider mainstream exposure. The tournament also served as a key platform for industry announcements, including the reveal of and , as well as the confirmation of Evo Japan 2018 as the series' first international expansion. These elements underscored Evo 2017's role in advancing the genre, fostering global competition, and bridging with traditional media.

Event Details

Venue and Dates

The Evolution Championship Series 2017, commonly known as Evo 2017, was held at the Mandalay Bay Convention Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, USA. This venue, part of the larger Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino complex, provided a centralized location for the event, marking a shift from the previous year's split-site format to consolidate all activities under one roof for improved accessibility. The resort's integration with the convention center allowed attendees to easily access hotel accommodations, dining, and tournament areas without needing additional transportation, enhancing overall convenience during the summer heat of Las Vegas. The tournament spanned three days, from July 14 to 16, 2017. Friday, July 14, focused on preliminaries and qualifiers, where initial pool matches for all competing games took place to narrow down participants. On Saturday, July 15, the main brackets commenced, advancing top players through elimination rounds across multiple games simultaneously. Finals concluded the event on Sunday, July 16, with grand finals held in the adjacent arena for a more polished, spectator-friendly atmosphere. The convention center's expansive indoor space was configured with multiple arenas and stations to support simultaneous tournaments for nine main games, enabling efficient progression of matches while accommodating thousands of spectators and players. This setup, including dedicated areas for qualifiers on and brackets on within the convention hall, contrasted with the finals' arena environment, balancing grassroots community vibes with professional production.

Attendance

Evo 2017 attracted over 10,000 attendees to its venue, marking a significant scale for the community's premier event at the time. This included more than 10,000 registrations for across the featured titles, highlighting the tournament's as a central hub for enthusiasts. The event's attendance reflected ongoing growth in the series compared to prior years, fueled by surging interest in and the debut of major releases like , which doubled its entrant count from the previous Evo iteration. While overall registrations dipped slightly from 2016's peak due to fluctuations in flagship games like , the inclusion of fresh, popular titles sustained high engagement and underscored the expanding global appeal of competitive . Demographically, the crowd consisted mainly of dedicated international fighting game fans, with robust participation from North America as the host region, Japan—particularly evident in strong showings for titles like Tekken 7—and Europe, creating a vibrant, worldwide atmosphere.

Competing Games

Main Tournament Games

The main tournament games at Evo 2017 consisted of nine core titles, selected by event organizers based on factors including community polls, developer partnerships, and overall popularity within the fighting game community. This selection process aimed to balance established staples with emerging releases, ensuring representation across various subgenres of fighting games. Among these, Tekken 7 marked its North American console debut as a launch title, having released on June 2, 2017, and serving as the first major competitive outing for the 3D fighter shortly after its availability on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The lineup featured a mix of 2D versus fighters, 3D arena battlers, and s, highlighting the diversity of the scene. , a 2D one-on-one fighter developed by , anchored the event as the premier title in the genre, bolstered by ongoing updates and its status as a community mainstay. , Nintendo's 2D emphasizing stage hazards and item-based chaos, represented the modern iteration of the Smash series with strong grassroots support. Complementing it was , the 2001 classic and a renowned for its technical depth and speed, included due to its legacy status and persistent fan campaigns advocating for its continued presence in major tournaments. , from Bandai Namco, brought 3D sidestepping and combo-heavy mechanics to the roster, selected for its anticipation as the series' latest evolution and developer-backed push into competitive play. , an 2D fighter with intricate anime-inspired visuals and drive-based systems, was chosen for its dedicated niche following and narrative-driven appeal. , another title and a 2D anime-style fighter featuring complex mechanics like Roman Cancels and a diverse roster of rock-themed characters, was included for its technical depth and strong competitive scene. , Capcom's high-speed 2D tag-team crossover featuring Marvel and characters, earned its spot through a charity-driven community vote that raised over $71,000 for Make-A-Wish, underscoring fan enthusiasm for its assist-heavy, aerial-rushdown style. Rounding out the games, debuted as ' 2D brawler set in the DC Comics universe, integrated with gear customization and super moves, selected for its tie-in media hype and growing esports viability. Finally, , SNK's 3D-rendered 2D team fighter with 3v3 battles and diverse character archetypes, was included to honor the series' and revitalized player base post-reboot.

Side Events

In addition to the main tournaments, Evo 2017 featured a variety of side events designed to engage the broader , including casual and exhibition-style competitions for classic and niche titles. These events provided opportunities for players to compete in games not included in the primary lineup, such as , which drew 53 entrants in a double-elimination format held over July 14-16 at the . Similarly, the side tournament attracted 26 participants, emphasizing nostalgic matchups in a pool-based structure on July 15. Other exhibitions included : 3rd Strike and , fostering play for legacy games with entrant pools typically under 100 to accommodate dedicated fans without the intensity of main brackets. Community activities further enhanced inclusivity for casual attendees, with events held in dedicated side rooms to promote social interaction. A cosplay contest showcased attendee creativity, featuring costumes inspired by fighting game characters and streamed for wider visibility. Panel discussions covered topics like fighting game history and development, including sessions on netcode advancements by GGPO creators and insights from content creator Maximilian Dood on community growth. Developer Q&A panels, such as Square Enix's presentation on Dissidia Final Fantasy NT, allowed direct engagement with industry figures, highlighting upcoming titles and gameplay mechanics. These side events, often organized by community groups like AnimEVO for anime-style fighters, emphasized variety and accessibility, drawing smaller crowds to encourage participation from newcomers and veterans alike.

Participants

Entrant Numbers

The Evo 2017 tournaments saw a total of over 10,000 registered competitors across all games, highlighting the event's scale in the fighting game community.
GameEntrants
2,625
Super Smash Bros. for 1,508
1,428
1,286
880
Guilty Gear Xrd -REV 2-817
BlazBlue: Central Fiction500
374
652
These figures represent the final participant counts after pooling, illustrating varying levels of popularity among the titles. Tekken 7 achieved a record-breaking turnout for a Tekken tournament, surpassing previous entries nearly twofold from 637 in 2016 and setting a Guinness World Record for the most entrants in such an event at 1,286. This surge underscored the rising appeal of 3D fighters following the game's console release. Meanwhile, Super Smash Bros. Melee, despite being over 15 years old, maintained robust participation with 1,428 entrants, demonstrating the enduring loyalty of its competitive scene. Registration for Evo 2017 occurred primarily through online pre-registration via the official platform, which closed on July 1, 2017, capping initial sign-ups to manage logistics. Additional entrants were accommodated through on-site registration at the , contributing to the final totals and allowing broader participation.

Notable Competitors

Evo 2017 attracted a roster of prominent competitors representing the global , blending established professionals with emerging talents across various titles. Among the standout participants was Hajime "Tokido" Taniguchi, a Japanese specialist in who competed under the organization and was recognized for his aggressive Akuma playstyle that had yielded strong showings in prior Capcom Pro Tour events. In the Super Smash Bros. Melee bracket, Adam "Armada" Lindgren from stood out as a veteran legend affiliated with , entering as the world number one after dominating major tournaments like Genesis 4 and Spring earlier that year, where his and mains solidified his status as a pre-event favorite. His longstanding rivalries, particularly with Juan "" DeBiedma following the 2016 Evo finals, heightened anticipation for his performance. Hyun-jin "JDCR" Kim, a South Korean Tekken professional also sponsored by Echo Fox, brought his renowned Heihachi expertise to the event, drawing attention through his consistent international success in the lead-up to Evo, including multiple top placements that positioned him as a key contender in the largest Tekken tournament to date. For Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, Saleem "Salem" Young of Most Valuable Gaming represented a rising American star, noted for his innovative usage and potential to challenge the field's top seeds amid a diverse entrant pool that included strong international representation from and . The competitor lineup exemplified the event's international diversity, featuring players from Japan, Sweden, South Korea, the United States, Mexico, and beyond, with sponsorships from teams like Echo Fox, Alliance, and Team SoloMid underscoring the growing professionalism in esports. Pre-event excitement was amplified by these players' recent tournament victories and simmering rivalries, such as those in Melee's "gods" circuit and Smash Wii U's contender battles, setting the stage for high-stakes matchups.

Media Coverage

Broadcasting

The finals of the Street Fighter V tournament at Evo 2017 were broadcast live on on July 16 at 10 p.m. ET, providing dedicated television coverage of the top eight matches. This marked the second consecutive year of airing the Street Fighter V finals, highlighting the event's growing integration into mainstream sports programming. In parallel, the finals received simulcast coverage on and starting at 6 p.m. ET on the same day, expanding the tournament's reach to a broader cable audience. These broadcasts underscored Evo 2017's push toward greater visibility beyond online platforms, with Disney's involvement signaling appeal to younger demographics. Production for the televised segments involved a team of experienced commentators, including James Chen and Sajam for , who provided play-by-play analysis and strategic insights during the matches. For , Aris Balmain and Markman handled commentary, delivering energetic narration tailored to the game's fast-paced action. Mike Ross, a prominent FGC personality, contributed to overall event coverage through his hosting and analytical segments. The arena setup featured multi-camera production, with wireless transmitters like Teradek Bolt systems enabling seamless feeds from various angles to the broadcast station, ensuring high-quality visuals for both TV and supplementary online streams. Live coverage of top brackets commenced afternoon, building anticipation ahead of the finals.

Reveals and Announcements

During the 2017, held from July 14 to 16 in , several significant reveals and announcements for were made, primarily during intermissions between finals matches and post-event segments broadcast live on Twitch and . These unveilings highlighted upcoming DLC characters, stages, and new titles, generating excitement among attendees and viewers for future content in the genre. Capcom revealed Abigail, a massive character from the classic beat 'em up Final Fight, as the next DLC fighter for Street Fighter V, set for release on July 25, 2017. The announcement included a new stage, the Metro City Bar Area, inspired by Final Fight's urban setting, along with the Nostalgia Mix Pack featuring retro costumes for characters like , Juri, and Ibuki. This addition marked a return to crossover elements from 's arcade history, emphasizing Abigail's brute strength and vehicle-based attacks in gameplay trailers shown during the Street Fighter V finals intermission. For , Bandai Namco announced from SNK's series as a guest DLC character, scheduled for winter 2017, expanding the roster with iconic moves like the Reppuken and Deadly Rave. The reveal, presented during the finals, underscored ongoing collaborations between developers to refresh the game's competitive scene. Marvel vs. Capcom: Infinite received a teaser for Jedah, the demonic lord from the series, as a playable character in the base roster, launching with the game on September 19, 2017. A trailer depicted Jedah overpowering opponents like and , highlighting his summon-based abilities and gothic aesthetic to build hype ahead of the title's full release. Following the BlazBlue: Central Fiction finals, Arc System Works announced BlazBlue: Cross Tag Battle, a new 2v2 tag-team fighting game featuring crossover characters from BlazBlue, Persona 4 Arena, Under Night In-Birth Exe:Late, and RWBY. The reveal trailer showcased the tag system and diverse roster, positioning it as a fresh entry to blend multiple franchises in the genre. Arika, developers of the Street Fighter EX series, showcased their untitled new fighting game (later titled Fighting EX Layer) at Evo 2017, making it playable for attendees. The demo featured returning characters like Skullomania and Darun Mister, incorporating 3D mechanics reminiscent of the EX series, with a planned PS4 release. Event organizers confirmed EVO Japan 2018, the series' first international edition, for January 26–28 in Tokyo, with an initial lineup including Tekken 7, Street Fighter V, Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2, The King of Fighters XIV, BlazBlue: Central Fiction, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and ARMS. The announcement trailer aired during the closing ceremony, signaling the event's focus on blending Western and Japanese fighting game communities.

Competition Overview

Tournament Format

The tournaments at Evo 2017 primarily utilized a double-elimination bracket across the main games, allowing competitors two losses before elimination, with a loser's bracket culminating in potential grand finals against the winner's bracket finalist. This structure ensured a high level of by giving underdogs additional opportunities to advance, while the pool stage on and filtered players into the main bracket on Sunday. Match lengths followed a tiered system to balance pace and depth: early rounds and pools were contested in best-of-three sets, while later stages, including top 8 and finals, extended to best-of-five for greater emphasis on adaptability and endurance. Stage selection incorporated rules like striking (banning) and counterpicking to promote fairness, though specifics varied by title—random selection or bans were common in 2D fighters like , while Smash Bros. games emphasized detailed counterpick processes. To uphold integrity, a allowed external advice during matches after the pool stage, but with restrictions: coaches must remain off-stage and were limited to 30 seconds between games, with violations potentially resulting in disqualification. Game-specific tweaks were implemented for balance, such as disabling items and enforcing stock-based rules in to focus on player skill over randomness. These elements collectively maintained a standardized yet adaptable framework for competitive play.

Prize Pool

The prize pool for Evo 2017 totaled $253,420, marking a significant increase in professional stakes for the compared to prior years. This amount was funded through a combination of $10 entry fees per participant across the main tournaments and substantial pot bonuses provided by game publishers, totaling over $144,000 in developer contributions. These bonuses were allocated specifically to elevate the rewards for flagship titles, underscoring the event's role in professional circuits like the Pro Tour and World Tour. The distribution of prizes varied slightly by game but followed a winner-takes-most structure, awarding the majority to the top finishers in each bracket—typically 60% to the first-place winner, 20% to second, 10% to third, 4% to fourth, 2% each to fifth and sixth, and 1% each to seventh and eighth. This format incentivized high performance while ensuring payouts reached the top eight competitors in the double-elimination finals. Side events featured smaller prize pools, often under $5,000 per , funded primarily through entry fees with minimal or no developer bonuses.
GamePrize PoolDeveloper Bonus
$76,250$50,000 (Capcom Pro Tour)
$58,800$50,000 (Injustice 2 Pro Series)
$27,860$15,000 (Tekken World Tour)
Guilty Gear Xrd REV 2$18,170$10,000 ()
$17,740$14,000 (SNK and )
Super Smash Bros. for $15,080None
BlazBlue: Central Fiction$15,000$10,000 ()
$14,280None
$6,520None
$3,320None
This structure highlighted the event's growing , with publisher-backed bonuses comprising the bulk of the high-value pools and enabling career-sustaining payouts for elite players.

Game Results

Street Fighter V

The tournament at Evo 2017 attracted a record-breaking 2,625 entrants, making it the largest bracket in the game's competitive history at the time and showcasing the growing popularity of the title within the . The event utilized a double-elimination format with initial pool stages to seed the main bracket, leading to intense matchups among international talent, including prominent players like Punk (primarily using Karin and Nash), (switching to Akuma for key sets), Fuudo (Karin), and Kazunoko (Cammy). Early pools saw upsets such as NuckleDu's elimination in the winners bracket by Kazunoko, forcing the American Guile specialist into the losers side where he ultimately placed 7th after a loss to Moke. Bracket progression highlighted dramatic shifts, with Punk dominating the winners bracket by defeating Itabashi Zangief 3-1 in the semifinals and Kazunoko 3-0 in the final to secure his spot in grand finals. Meanwhile, Tokido powered through the losers bracket, notably upsetting Fuudo 3-1 in the top 8 with aggressive Akuma play that included signature taunt combos to assert psychological dominance. Other key top 8 moments included Xian's Ibuki run ending against Tokido and Moke's Rashid upsetting higher seeds to reach 5th place ties alongside Fuudo. The lower bracket final saw Tokido edge out challengers to face Punk, setting up a highly anticipated international showdown. In the grand finals, defeated Punk 3-0 in the first set and 3-1 in the bracket reset, winning overall 6-1 with precise Akuma pressure and anti-airs that neutralized Punk's Karin mix-ups, marking 's third Evo title across different iterations. This win earned $35,750 from the $76,250 prize pool, which included entrant fees and a $50,000 bonus, while Punk took $15,250 as runner-up. Post-match, highlighted Akuma as the strongest character in the game and emphasized the unifying power of fighting games, stating they are "something so great" in an emotional that resonated with the community.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

The Super Smash Bros. for tournament at Evo 2017 attracted 1,508 entrants, marking a significant increase from previous years and underscoring the game's growing competitive presence. The event utilized a double-elimination bracket with initial pool play, setting the stage for intense matchups among top players. Salem, representing MVG and mains , emerged as a standout by advancing through winners side early on, though he faced a setback in winners semifinals against Larry Lurr's , sending him to the losers bracket. From there, Salem's precise play propelled him forward, defeating notable opponents like KEN and Tweek to reach grand finals, highlighting 's strong performance throughout the pools and early bracket stages where the character often dominated sets due to its combo potential and edgeguarding. The grand finals pitted Salem against the heavily favored Gonzalo "ZeRo" Barrios of Team SoloMid, who mains Diddy Kong and entered as the top-ranked player with multiple prior major victories. initially took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five set, capitalizing on Diddy Kong's mobility and banana-based zoning. However, Salem mounted a comeback, winning the next two games through aggressive combos and Witch Time counters, forcing a decider. In the fifth game, despite building a substantial lead and pushing Salem to near-elimination multiple times, Salem secured the victory with a final stock comeback, clinching the set 3-2. This matchup exemplified the high-stakes tension of the bracket, with 's mechanics proving decisive in key moments. Salem claimed first place and the $9,048 winner's share from the $15,080 prize pool, funded primarily by entry fees. His upset victory over not only ended the latter's dominant streak but also amplified ongoing discussions about character balance, particularly 's influence on the meta. Post-event, the result prompted shifts in competitive strategies, with more players adapting counterplay to while reinforcing her status as a top-tier pick in subsequent tournaments.

Tekken 7

Tekken 7 made its debut at Evo 2017, drawing a record-breaking 1,286 entrants and setting the for the most participants in a Tekken tournament. The massive turnout reflected the heightened excitement following the game's console launch in and just a month earlier in June , marking a significant moment for the series' competitive scene. The top 8 featured strong representation from , including standout players like Hyun-jin "JDCR" Kim using Dragunov and Heihachi, and Jae-min "Knee" Bae with Feng, alongside American Anakin on Jack-7 and Japanese Taisei on . The bracket showcased intense 3D fighter matchups emphasizing sidestepping, movement, and combo execution, with JDCR advancing through the winners bracket by defeating 3-1 in the winners final using precise Heihachi pressure and baits. Meanwhile, teammate Jin-woo "Saint" Choi powered through the losers bracket with consistent Jack-7 damage output, eliminating Suiken, Jeondding, and in the losers final to reach grand finals. A key highlight came in the top 8, where Anakin's aggressive Jack-7 play clashed with 's versatile Feng combos, underscoring the diversity of strategies in the field's debut. In grand finals, initially dominated JDCR 3-0 with Jack-7's overwhelming mix-ups, forcing a reset due to Evo's double-elimination rules favoring the winners bracket representative. JDCR staged a dramatic comeback in the reset set by switching to Dragunov, leveraging superior neutral control, movement, and punishing to win 3-1 and claim the title. This victory earned JDCR $10,000 from the $27,860 prize pool and solidified 7's launch as a high-stakes Evo highlight, boosting the game's global momentum.

Guilty Gear Xrd -REV 2-

Guilty Gear Xrd -REV 2- tournament at Evo 2017 attracted 817 entrants, featuring the anime-style 2D fighter's complex mechanics and Roman cancellation system. The double-elimination bracket with pools led to a top 8 dominated by Japanese players. Ogawa, using Leo Whitefang, advanced undefeated through winners bracket, defeating UMISHO 3-1 in winners final. From losers, Machaboo (Millia Rage) reached grand finals after beating Ogawa 3-2 in losers final. In grand finals, Ogawa won 3-2 over Machaboo, securing the title with Leo's command grab pressure and mobility. Ogawa earned $10,902 from the $18,170 prize pool. Other top finishers included UMISHO (3rd, Ky Kiske) and Momo (4th, ).

BlazBlue: Central Fiction

BlazBlue: Central Fiction, an anime-style 2D developed by , featured a mid-tier bracket at Evo 2017 with 499 entrants, reflecting its dedicated but smaller community compared to mainstream titles like . The tournament showcased the game's fast-paced combos and intricate mechanics, drawing players passionate about its narrative-driven universe and high execution demands. The bracket progressed through pools and double-elimination stages, culminating in a top 8 dominated by Japanese players, with Ryusei Ito emerging as the standout performer using Carl Clover, a puppet-master character known for zoning and mix-ups. Ryusei advanced undefeated through winners side, securing a 2-0 victory over iGS|Kaibutsukun (Nine the Phantom) in the top 8 and a 3-0 sweep over Fenritti (Jin Kisaragi) in winners finals. Fenritti, the runner-up, forced a grand finals reset after dropping to losers but fell again 0-3 to Ryusei's precise pressure and combo execution. Ryusei claimed the championship, earning $9,000 from the $15,000 prize pool, underscoring the event's significance for the scene despite its niche status. Other notable top 8 finishers included third-place fumi (Nine the Phantom) and fourth-place iGS|, highlighting the metagame's emphasis on characters with strong defensive tools and burst damage potential. The reinforced : Central Fiction's appeal to a core audience valuing technical depth over broad accessibility.

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3

The Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 tournament at Evo 2017 attracted a robust field of 652 entrants, underscoring the game's sustained popularity six years after its 2011 release. The event featured a double-elimination format, with pools advancing to top 64 and top 8 stages, highlighting the technical depth of team-based 3v3 combat in this crossover fighter. Veteran players dominated the discourse, including legends like , who competed in pools but did not advance far, and the reigning champion NYChrisG, whose presence emphasized the community's dedication to high-execution assists, hypers, and mix-ups. The top 8 showcased intense rivalries, with Splyce's RyanLV emerging as a standout using his Phoenix/Chun-Li/Morrigan team, known for aggressive zoning and infinite combo potential. Other notables included and Prodigy, but the bracket converged on a highly anticipated grand finals matchup between RyanLV and NYChrisG, the latter piloting a Vergil/Morrigan/ squad focused on defensive mobility and tempo control. Key moments included RyanLV's early dominance with meter-building runaways and stylish infinites in the first two games, followed by NYChrisG's comeback via momentum-shifting plays to force a 2-2 tie. In the decisive fifth game, RyanLV's Phoenix chipped away in a last-character scenario to secure the 3-2 victory, capping a thriller that exemplified UMVC3's chaotic, high-stakes neutral game. RyanLV's win earned him $2,608 from the $6,520 prize pool generated primarily from entry fees, marking a career highlight and affirming the title's enduring appeal amid calls for a sequel. Despite its age, the tournament's massive turnout reflected UMVC3's role as a staple in the circuit, where strategic team synergies and veteran skill ceilings continued to draw crowds and foster rivalries.

Super Smash Bros. Melee

The tournament at Evo 2017 drew a record-breaking field of 1,435 entrants, underscoring the game's persistent popularity in the nearly 16 years after its initial release in 2001. Held from to 16 at the Events Center in , the double-elimination bracket showcased intense matchups among top players, with the event marking the sixth consecutive year appeared at Evo. The tournament emphasized the depth of Melee's meta, which has evolved through community-driven strategies, character balance discoveries, and high-level play over more than 15 years, allowing veterans to refine techniques like advanced tech such as wavedashing and L-canceling. A highlight was the longstanding rivalry between Swedish player Adam "Armada" Lindgren, a Fox main known for his precise spacing and edgeguarding, and American Joseph "Mango" Marquez, who favors Fox and Falco with aggressive, unpredictable approaches. In winner's finals, Armada dominated 3-0, sending the latter to losers' bracket. The grand finals rematch proved more competitive, with Armada securing a 3-1 victory after mounted a comeback in game four, but Armada's adaptability clinched the set and his second Evo title. Other notable top-eight performers included Juan "" Debiedma (3rd, ) and Jason "" Zimmerman (4th, Marth), who advanced through grueling losers' bracket runs. Armada claimed the top prize of $8,568 from the $14,280 pool, funded primarily by $10 entry fees, solidifying his status as a dominant force in 's mature ecosystem. The event's scale and high-stakes brackets reinforced 's legacy as a cornerstone of Evo, attracting global talent and highlighting the game's technical evolution without relying on developer updates.

Injustice 2 made its competitive debut at Evo 2017 as the successor to the original Injustice, bringing ' signature blend of combo-heavy gameplay and DC Comics-inspired storytelling to the main stage. The drew 880 entrants, marking it as one of the event's larger side brackets and highlighting the anticipation for the newly released title's gear-driven customization mechanics. The double-elimination format proceeded over July 14-16, with all matches played in mode, where gear loadouts provided visual customization but disabled stat modifications to ensure balanced focused on player rather than progression-based advantages. The top 8 featured a mix of established pros and rising talents, showcasing diverse character selections amid the game's expanded roster of over 30 fighters. Notable upsets included , the defending champion from the first and a multi-game Evo staple, falling 5th-6th after a loser's bracket loss to Hayatei. , representing Noble, advanced undefeated in winners' side with his , leveraging the character's strong tools and environmental interactions to secure key victories.
PlacementPlayerTeamCharacter(s)Prize
1stNoble$35,280
2ndHoneyBeeCritical ReactionThe Flash$11,760
3rd$5,880
4thSemiijNoble$2,352
5th-6thHayatei-$1,176 each
5th-6th-$1,176 each
7th-8thDR Gross-$588 each
7th-8thTekken Master-$588 each
In the grand finals, claimed the title with a 3-2 victory over HoneyBee, whose adaptive Flash playstyle forced multiple resets but couldn't overcome Aquaman's pressure in the decider . This win netted Dragon the largest share of the $58,800 prize pool, boosted by a $50,000 bonus from the Pro Series, and established him as the inaugural Evo champion for the game. The event underscored Injustice 2's potential in the FGC, with gear allowing players to showcase personalized aesthetics without compromising fairness, though some community discussions noted minor passive ability variations as areas for future refinement.

The King of Fighters XIV

The King of Fighters XIV tournament at Evo 2017 featured 374 entrants, marking a significant turnout for the newly released team-based and demonstrating strong international interest despite initial skepticism about its inclusion in the lineup. The event utilized a double-elimination bracket format, beginning with pool stages to seed top competitors before advancing to elimination rounds, which highlighted the game's emphasis on 3v3 team synergies and strategic character selection. Throughout the bracket, notable performances included Mexico's Luis Cha reaching third place with a versatile team composition, while China's Xiaohai advanced to grand finals after a strong runback victory in losers bracket finals against Luis Cha. The grand finals pitted Taiwan's E.T. against Xiaohai in a best-of-five series, where E.T. employed a team of Leona, , and Benimaru, leveraging Daimon's grappling pressure to secure early leads before Xiaohai mounted a comeback to tie the score at 2-2. E.T. ultimately clinched the victory 3-2 in the decider, showcasing adaptive team switches and precise execution under pressure. E.T. emerged as the champion, earning $10,644 from the $17,740 prize pool, which included a $14,000 bonus sponsored by and . This result validated the game's addition to Evo 2017's main stage, as the robust attendance and competitive depth resolved earlier debates over its popularity compared to .

Controversies and Impact

Coaching and Rule Violations

At the 2017 Evolution Championship Series (Evo), the implemented strict rules prohibiting coaching—defined as external advice from non-players—during any beyond the initial pool stages, aiming to ensure fair competition without interruptions. Tournament staff were authorized to monitor for violations and impose penalties, including yellow cards, forfeits, or full disqualifications, with immediate intervention required upon observation of rule breaks. A prominent incident unfolded in the Super Smash Bros. Melee bracket during the winner's quarterfinals match between Juan "Hungrybox" Debiedma and Zachary "SFAT" Cordoni. After the first game, Hungrybox's coach, referred to as Crunch, entered the stage area to offer mid-set guidance, directly contravening the no-coaching policy. In response, SFAT's coach, Gordon "G$" Connell, also approached the stage in a provocative manner, leading to accusations that both players had violated the rules. Evo lead organizer Joey "Mr. Wizard" Cuellar reviewed the situation and issued a yellow card to Hungrybox but allowed the match to stand, citing mutual infractions as the reason for avoiding a disqualification or forfeit. The decision ignited widespread community backlash, particularly on social media platforms like and , where fans and players decried the perceived inconsistency in rule enforcement and the ambiguity surrounding what constituted a violation. Many highlighted the need for more explicit guidelines and timely staff reporting to prevent such disputes, with some arguing that the incident undermined the tournament's integrity. This outcry prompted Evo organizers to revise their policies shortly after , eliminating the blanket no-coaching ban in favor of regulated allowances to better accommodate the community's norms.

Character Balance and Game Inclusion Debates

One of the most prominent debates surrounding Evo 2017 centered on 's dominance in , where her advanced combo strings, including Witch Twist follow-ups and Witch Time setups, were criticized for creating inescapable pressure and zero-to-death potential against many matchups. This discussion intensified after the tournament, as eleven users advanced to the top 32—a disproportionate representation given the roster size—but only one, winner Salem using , reached the grand finals by upsetting top seed . The outcome fueled calls for a temporary ban, with community figures arguing that her mechanics disrupted fair competition, though ultimately rejected such measures to preserve game integrity. The inclusion of The King of Fighters XIV on the Evo 2017 lineup also sparked controversy prior to the event, pitting the game's relative lack of mainstream popularity against the series' longstanding tradition in the . Critics questioned whether it deserved a main-stage slot alongside established titles like and , fearing low turnout could undermine the tournament's prestige. However, these concerns were alleviated by strong participation, with 374 entrants demonstrating robust interest and leading to a highly competitive won by E.T. These debates had lasting repercussions for the Evo ecosystem. The success of validated its selection and contributed to its continued presence in subsequent lineups, including with 375 participants, reinforcing Evo's commitment to diverse representation based on attendance metrics. Meanwhile, the Bayonetta controversy amplified ongoing scrutiny of Super Smash Bros. for Wii U's balance, echoing prior patch adjustments like the 1.1.6 update that nerfed her landing lag and combo extensions, and shaping community advocacy for developer interventions in competitive metas.

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  48. https://www.digitaltrends.com/gaming/evo-2017-news-roundup/
  49. https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/16/15979398/geese-howard-tekken-7
  50. https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/16/15978742/jedah-marvel-vs-capcom-infinite-roster
  51. https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/16/15979114/blazblue-cross-tag-battle-rwby-evo-2017/
  52. https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/16/15979080/arika-fighting-game-street-fighter-ex-evo-2017/
  53. https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2017/jul/17/evo-japan-2018-official-trailer-and-game-lineup/
  54. https://www.polygon.com/2017/7/16/15979838/evo-japan-2018-dates-games-trailer
  55. https://liquipedia.net/smash/EVO/2017/Wii_U
  56. https://kotaku.com/evo-ruleset-now-allows-coaching-with-a-catch-1797516547
  57. https://liquipedia.net/smash/EVO/2017/Melee
  58. https://www.redbull.com/us-en/evo-2017-top-8-highights
  59. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IMfq2r3XT84
  60. https://www.esportsearnings.com/tournaments/23913-evo-2017-sfv
  61. https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2017/jul/23/evo-win-and-endorsement-tokido-akuma-strongest-character-street-fighter-5/
  62. https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/20083810/evo-2017-salem-upsets-zero-first-smash-wii-u-evo-title
  63. https://www.ssbwiki.com/Smasher:Salem
  64. https://www.esportsearnings.com/tournaments/23912-evo-2017-ssb4
  65. https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/19952577/evolution-championship-series-tekken-7
  66. https://www.esportsearnings.com/tournaments/23905-evo-2017-tekken-7
  67. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HIVxDe9udrM
  68. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ejuNW7sYa0w
  69. https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/evo-2017-results-and-highlights
  70. https://liquipedia.net/fighters/Evolution_Championship_Series/2017/GGXrdR2
  71. https://www.esportsearnings.com/tournaments/23911-evo-2017-ggxrd
  72. https://liquipedia.net/fighters/Evolution_Championship_Series/2017/BBCF
  73. https://archive.supercombo.gg/t/evo-historical-entrants-and-information/150014
  74. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=93lnP8ZXrGM
  75. https://www.start.gg/tournament/evo-2017/event/blazblue-central-fiction/brackets/140149/395560/
  76. https://www.shacknews.com/article/100631/reliving-and-recapping-the-final-day-of-evo-2017
  77. https://www.esportsearnings.com/players/39895-ryusei-
  78. https://www.start.gg/tournament/evo-2017/event/blazblue-central-fiction/overview/
  79. https://www.turtlebeach.com/blog/evo-2017-recap
  80. https://www.esportsearnings.com/tournaments/23910-evo-2017-umvc3
  81. https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/20077379/evo-2017-armada-cements-melee-legacy-second-evo-title
  82. https://www.start.gg/tournament/evo-2017/event/super-smash-bros-melee/standings
  83. https://www.esportsearnings.com/tournaments/23909-evo-2017-ssbm
  84. https://liquipedia.net/fighters/Evolution_Championship_Series/2017/I2
  85. https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/20047904/the-evo-2017-injustice-2-crash-course
  86. https://www.inverse.com/article/31670-injustice-2-gear-system-esports-balance-netherrealm-interview
  87. https://gamingbolt.com/injustice-2-gear-system-explained-wont-affect-tournaments
  88. https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/20076205/evo-2017-sonicfox-upset-top-8-dragon-wins-injustice-2-evo-debut
  89. https://www.esportsearnings.com/tournaments/23908-evo-2017-injustice-2
  90. https://liquipedia.net/fighters/Evolution_Championship_Series/2017/KoFXIV
  91. https://www.start.gg/tournament/evo-2017/event/the-king-of-fighters-xiv/overview
  92. https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2017/jul/15/xiao-hai-suffers-difficult-loss-grand-finals-king-fighters-14-evo-2017-after-boasting-beforehand/
  93. https://www.eventhubs.com/news/2017/aug/02/evo-removes-no-coaching-rule-adds-stage-trespassing-regulation-hungry-boxs-reaction-captured-stream/
  94. https://dotesports.com/fgc/news/hungrybox-evo-coaching-contoversy-15916
  95. https://kotaku.com/yellow-card-ruling-on-melee-coaching-stirs-controversy-1796956065
  96. https://aminoapps.com/c/smash/page/blog/ym25s-thoughts-the-bayonetta-controversies/e4f3_uEPbq8oBME5PMqMj6q5zYlQJZ
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