With participation numbers growing each year, this global event is set to be the largest of its kind ever held in Europe, in Nice.
After Las Vegas and Tokyo, EVO, the biggest global fighting game event, is coming to Europe for the first time. Nice will host EVO France from October 10 to 12, 2025, promising to bring together thousands of enthusiasts from around the world.
A Historic First in France
EVO, or Evolution Championship Series, is the largest and most prestigious fighting game event in the world, bringing together top players and enthusiasts every year since its inception in 2002. It features high-level competitions and an electric atmosphere, attracting participants and spectators from around the globe.
EVO 2024, which took place in Las Vegas from July 19 to 21, 2024, set new participation records with 10,224 competitors, surpassing the previous record of 9,833 players in 2016. This success highlights the growing enthusiasm for fighting game competitions like Street Fighter and Tekken, especially as Riot Games, the publisher of League of Legends, is set to release 2XKO, its first fighting game. The rising popularity of this discipline and EVO suggests the significant impact and importance of the French edition in Nice in 2025.
Organized by Webedia in partnership with Sony and RTS, the holders of EVO, this inaugural EVO France will feature various games, which will be announced later.
“Over the years, MGG, the esports media outlet, has been streaming the EVO competitions from Las Vegas and Tokyo. We have witnessed the dedication and passion of the Versus Fighting communities around these global competitions and this legendary brand. We are therefore extremely happy and proud to help bring EVO to Europe for the first time, allowing many players to experience their first EVO in the wonderful setting of Nice and the South of France, true esports hubs.” — Bertrand AMAR, Head of Esport Webedia
Major Economic and Cultural Impact for Nice Métropole Côte d’Azur
France, and particularly Nice, was chosen for a reason. The fighting game scene here is especially vibrant, with a highly active community and regular events that attract many participants. French players are among the best in the world, with two French players already having won EVO: Olivier “Luffy” Hay in 2014 and Marwan “Wawa” Berthe in 2022. EVO France 2025 will therefore be a unique opportunity to spotlight this pool of talent and enthusiasm.
Following high-profile events such as the Top 14 semifinals in 2022, the 2019 Women’s World Cup, Euro 2016, the Iron Man World Championship final in 2023, and the Tour de France and Olympic football events in 2024, Nice has established itself as a premier destination for major sporting events.
The Métropole Nice Côte d’Azur is now a bustling hub of youth, innovation, and technology. With virtual reality, connected stadiums like Allianz Riviera, and esports becoming the norm for sports stakeholders, Nice aims to continue hosting major esports events such as LFL Days and soon, EVO France.
It is with immense pride and great enthusiasm that the City of Nice will host EVO (Evolution Championship Series), the world’s most prestigious fighting game tournament, for the first time on European soil, at the Palais des Expositions from October 10 to 12, 2025.
Our ability to host and our expertise in organizing large-scale events are once again recognized. After hosting the LFL Days three times, it is only natural that Nice, committed to the development of esports, new technologies, and digital culture, was chosen to host EVO 2025.
This competition will attract thousands of visitors to our destination and millions of online viewers, generating significant economic benefits for our region and reinforcing our position as a prime location for international events. Moreover, hosting EVO France in Nice in mid-October 2025 is fully aligned with our strategy to position Nice as a year-round destination, thanks to its mild climate, natural and cultural assets, and high-quality event offerings throughout the year.
I would like to thank everyone who contributed to making this project a reality and warmly invite all fighting game competitors attending EVO to come to Nice and explore our extraordinary region. We will give them the best possible welcome!” — Christian ESTROSI, Mayor of Nice, Vice President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region.
“The Sud Region confirms its position as a leader in the development of esports. With numerous teams based in the region and performing at the highest levels, we are accustomed to supporting local and national events such as those of the LFL or its Division 2 when they come to the Sud Region. With the arrival of EVO France, thousands of participants from around the world will have the chance to discover Nice and the entire Sud Region, demonstrating the role esports can play in the economic development of our region.” — Renaud MUSELIER, President of the Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur Region, Vice President of Régions de France.
A Flourishing French Versus Fighting Scene
According to France Esports, versus fighting is practiced by 14% of amateur esports players in France, making it one of the favorite genres among French gamers.
Versus fighting has been a cornerstone of esports since its early days, with games like Street Fighter II setting the stage for organized competitions. These games popularized esports through their accessibility and dynamism, attracting millions of spectators and players. Today, versus fighting continues to play a crucial role, especially in France, where it inspires new generations of competitors and contributes to the diversity of esports.
This genre includes many globally recognized titles and franchises such as Street Fighter, Super Smash Bros, Mortal Kombat, Tekken, Dragon Ball FighterZ, Soul Calibur, and soon 2XKO, the first fighting game from Riot Games. The arrival of 2XKO is expected to broaden the audience for this genre.
