THE BLOG

EVO France settles in Nice from October 10 to 12, 2025

A historic first for EVO in Europe
The 2025 edition of EVO marks its arrival on European soil. Nice becomes the first city on the continent to host this benchmark fighting games tournament. The event will take place from October 10 to 12 at the Palais des Expositions.

Nice leverages its digital and event-driven ecosystem
The region relies on proven infrastructure to host an international-scale event. Its digital, educational and community network actively supports the esports industry. Accessibility and logistical capacity reinforce the reach of the competition.

A competitive and international lineup across seven titles
Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Guilty Gear -Strive- and five other major games are on the program. The world’s top players, including SonicFox and Arslan Ash, will compete. The total prize pool of €100,000 is spread over three days of high-level play.

EVO confirmed in Nice for 2026 before the 2025 edition even begins
This early renewal underscores the strength of the partnership with the local ecosystem. Three records have already been broken: total number of registrants, and biggest Tekken and Street Fighter tournaments in Europe. The event is now embedded in a long-term operational trajectory.

Nice hosts EVO for the first time in Europe

From October 10 to 12, 2025, the Palais des Expositions in Nice will host the Evolution Championship Series (EVO), one of the world’s most prestigious competitive gaming tournaments. This is a first for Europe. Previously held exclusively in Las Vegas and Tokyo, EVO is now expanding to a new region in response to the growing strength of the French fighting game scene. Nice will welcome competitors from 93 countries, converging around the genre’s biggest names.

An event venue tailored to esports standards

The choice of the Palais des Expositions is based on its ability to meet the technical and logistical requirements of a major esports tournament. Spanning 17,000 m² across multiple levels, the venue supports a large main stage, community zones, qualification areas and live activations. The site is directly connected to Nice Côte d’Azur International Airport, the rail network, and the city’s tram system. Its central location ensures smooth access for both domestic and international visitors.

A supportive ecosystem focused on digital innovation and education

Nice benefits from a growing digital ecosystem, backed by institutions such as ISART Digital, local associations, and a network of companies in video games, interactive media and AI. The synergy between training, innovation and gaming culture fosters the conditions for recurring international events. This foundation strengthens the city’s ability to host large-scale competitive gaming events.

Three days of elite competition

Seven titles will headline the French edition of EVO: Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Guilty Gear -Strive-, Dragon Ball FighterZ, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves and HunterxHunter NENxIMPACT. Group stages will be played on secondary stages, with Top 8 finals hosted on the Main Stage throughout the weekend. The €100,000 prize pool confirms Europe’s growing importance on the competitive scene.

A recognized French scene with a committed fan base

France ranks among the most structured fighting game scenes globally. It has produced top players such as Luffy (EVO 2014 champion), Mister Crimson, Wawa, and Valmaster. These athletes demonstrate technical excellence and consistency at the global level. The French audience, known for its energy and involvement, adds a unique atmosphere to events. The local engagement of active communities, associations and schools fuels long-term momentum.

Global talent expected in Nice

Arslan Ash (Pakistan), multiple EVO Tekken champion, SonicFox (USA), a multi-title powerhouse, and Knee (South Korea), a long-standing veteran, are all confirmed for the 2025 edition. These profiles reflect the diversity of strategies and player backgrounds present at EVO, reinforcing its global appeal. Alongside them, several European competitors will aim for top placements in their respective games.

Performance indicators recorded before the event

Even before doors open, EVO France 2025 has already broken several records: largest fighting game tournament ever held in Europe, largest Tekken tournament on the continent, and largest European Street Fighter bracket. These figures confirm EVO’s strong brand impact in Europe and the relevance of Nice as a host city for high-profile esports events.

EVO renewed in Nice for 2026: a long-term presence

The early announcement of EVO’s return to Nice in 2026 confirms the shared intent between organizers and local stakeholders to establish a lasting event. This renewal reflects mutual trust, strengthened by initial results in terms of registration volume, logistics and community engagement. It also paves the way for long-term development of the competitive ecosystem around an annual global event.