EVO Reaffirms Plans to Host Tournament at the End of July

In a sea of canceled events, tournaments, and public gatherings, due to coronavirus, one tournament is (so far) standing firm, EVO 2020. The largest fighting game tournament in the world released a statement this week, regarding the fate of this year’s event. In the release, theEVO Teamstates that they are still planning to hold the tournament at the Mandalay Bay on July 31 - August 2. This is, of course, assuming that the venue itself is back open.

Being a bit later in the year than other tournaments and events like E3 offers the group a bit more time to wait and see. The release does indicate though that the team is closely monitoring the virus situation. And should EVO ultimately wind up being canceled or postponed, ticket owners can feel safe knowing that their purchases will be refunded.

EVO 2020 surprised fighting game fans earlier this year with the return of an older EVO staple and a glaring omission from the modern FGC scene.Marvel vs Capcom 2is making its triumphant return to celebrate the games on the 20th anniversary. It will bring together previous EVO champions of the title. Keeping a spot open for new challengers for a chance in an 8-player to take the crown themselves.

It takes the spot of last years’Mortal Kombat 11which just recently held itsstream-only Final Kombat tournament. While it was highly anticipated prior to its release and found a relatively strong following,Mortal Kombat 11was dropped after only a single EVO appearance. It’s a decision that has left fansdivided and shocked. Especially considering it had been receiving new characters up until just recently.

For as much as I love EVO and fighting games in general, I think it’s only a matter of time before it gets moved or canceled too. EVO draws in giant crowds, particularly on Sunday with the Grand Finals of big games like SuperSmash Bros Ultimate,TekkenandStreet Fighter. I would be quite surprised if the ban on such large and cramped together events is lifted in time.

For the full list of games that will be at EVO check out ourthoughts on the lineup reveal!