Some might find it surprising, but the world of fighting games also has its own annual awards. Naturally, they are hosted by one of the oldest and most respected organizations—EVO. For an unprepared viewer, the EVO Awards might seem a bit unusual, especially with categories like "Best Button" (which actually means the best attack move). Nevertheless, let’s take a look at the most interesting nominations.

The Player of the Year award went to Punk. The American player had been working towards an EVO Street Fighter 6 championship for a long time, making his journey one of the most compelling storylines of 2024. Given that Arslan Ash’s dominance in Tekken 8 came to an end and that other games didn’t carry the same weight, Punk’s win was well-deserved.

The Moment of the Year award was claimed by Hayao. His "EVO Moment 38"—named in reference to the legendary Daigo Parry—might not match the original in terms of sheer drama and execution, but it still showcases incredible skill. When your play gets compared to one of the greatest moments in all of esports history, you know you're doing something right. The match between Hayao and FrankieBFG, where this moment took place, was also named Match of the Year.

Additionally, IFC Yipes won Commentator of the Year, while Sajam was awarded Content Creator of the Year. Funnily enough, the two also took home the Best On-Air Duo award for their work together.

Finally, Tokido, Alex Valle, and John Choi were inducted into the EVO Hall of Fame. Tokido is considered one of the Five Japanese Fighting Gods, and his long, decorated career proves it. Alex Valle and John Choi are OGs of the American fighting game scene, with Valle also making a huge impact as a tournament organizer in California.

Main image: x.com

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