Are you new to Evo? No worries! Whether you’ve been playing fighting games since Street Fighter II first hit arcades or this is your first time competing in a major competition, Evo is for everyone! We are excited that you are interested in this year's event.

To understand what Evo is today, let’s return to where we started, the Battle By the Bay. In 1996 in an arcade hall in Sunnyvale, California, 40 players joined to compete to prove who was the best in the region. The competition was intense, and the community it forged proved that an event dedicated to competitive video gaming was possible. (This was well before the term “esports” was even considered.)

From there, the roster and attendance continued to grow. New players made their mark, and new strategies were discovered. The road to becoming champion was constantly getting more challenging and exciting, and the community thrived.

Eventually, Battle by the Bay rebranded as “Evolution” (Evo for short) in 2002. Fast forward over twenty years later, and now we are home to thousands of competitors from around the globe, with hundreds of thousands of viewers and countless moments of skill and excellence. Some compete to be the best, others do it just for fun, but everyone comes to share the excitement and passion they have for the community and the games they love.

While Evo has grown far beyond its humble beginnings, it always kept sight of what mattered most: the community. Players come first, always. We are glad to have you with us. We hope you join us in the years to come.

We are working hard to make each experience something anyone can enjoy, whether you are a seasoned pro or just someone looking for a fun event for the weekend.  No matter what, you are a part of Evo history as soon as you sign up. We are grateful to have you with us!

We can’t wait for Evo 2032 to kick off later this summer. From the main competition to exclusive experiences, we’ve got a lot in store for you. While there are some things we can’t share just yet, let’s tour what you can expect from Evo 2023!

First and foremost, there’s the main competition. We’ve got eight exciting games to choose from. You can sign up for as many games as you’d like! Your registration to compete acts as your ticket to the entire event.

From there, you’ll start in pools, where every player, no matter their skill level, competes to make their way to the Top 8! Even if you don’t progress and “drown in pools,” there are unforgettable memories to create and friendships to make.

The last day of the event is the Arena Finals. The games with the most registrants get featured in a massive stadium filled with the top players and a roaring crowd. While these competitions broadcast online, there’s nothing like sharing the experience live and in person.

Beyond the main tournaments, there are dozens of side tournaments to sign up for. These smaller competitions highlight other titles with their passionate player bases and unique experiences. You can sign up for them after registering for the main event.

There’s plenty to do outside of competing in tournaments at Evo. The Friday Showcase is a must-see. You can check out the industry panels with major game developers and publishers, learn about the latest indie games, and watch fun exhibition matches. We also have an expansive Arcade Stick Museum that chronicles the history of fighting game controllers.

Is convention merch more your thing? We’ve got that too! From exclusive items from our vendors to one-of-a-kind creations from community artists, you’ll find your next treasure at Evo. We suggest bringing an extra suitcase or two for your new arcade stick and buttons!

Want to take a trip down memory lane or discover your next favorite game? Evo is home to a massive collection of free-play arcade machines of every genre. Want to get the highest score on a classic or bust a move in a rhythm game? You can do all that and more at Evo!

These are just a few incredible events and activities we have planned for you at Evo 2023. Follow us on social media to get the latest event updates.

Ready to join us in Las Vegas this summer? Register for Evo 2023 today! We can’t wait to see you all August 4-6, 2023, at Mandalay Bay!