World's Largest Fighting Game Tournament "EVO Japan 2026 presented by LVTec" Records a Record-Breaking 34,000 Visitors!

The EVO Japan 2026 Executive Committee held "EVO Japan 2026 presented by LVTec" (hereinafter EVO Japan 2026) at Tokyo Big Sight East Halls 1-3 from May 1 (Fri) to May 3 (Sun), 2026. Over the three days, a record-breaking total of 34,000 people attended the tournament, bringing together many players, fans, creators, partner companies, and community members from both Japan and abroad. The tournament featured 12 main titles, with a total of 9,717 entries. The total prize money amounted to 30 million yen, and players from 71 countries and regions worldwide competed fiercely in each title. EVO Japan 2026 offered a multifaceted fighting game experience, centered around the main tournament's competitive scene, alongside community-run side tournaments, exhibitor experience booths, stage events, and viewing experiences through streaming. The venue brought together not only players participating as competitors but also spectators, streaming viewers, community members, game manufacturers, and partner companies, making it a tournament that broadcasted the passion of the Fighting Game Community (FGC) both domestically and internationally. In this tournament, with 7,168 competitors participating in "Street Fighter 6," it was certified by Guinness World Records™ as the “Largest tournament for a single fighting video game.” Awards were also presented to individuals who have contributed to the development of the Fighting Game Community (FGC), honoring Hameko. and Katsuhiro Harada. EVO Japan 2026, as an open tournament accessible to everyone, served as a competitive stage targeted by players worldwide, and at the same time, demonstrated further evolution as a platform that celebrates, supports, and connects the passion of the fighting game community to the next generation. Name: EVO Japan 2026 presented by LVTec Dates: May 1 (Fri) - May 3 (Sun), 2026 Venue: Tokyo Big Sight East Halls 1-3 Official Website: https://www.evojapan.gg Organizer: EVO Japan 2026 Executive Committee Official SNS: [X] @evojapan_info [YouTube] @EVOJapanYT ©EVO Japan 2026 ■Awards to honor contributors who have supported the fighting game community EVO Japan 2026 presented awards to individuals who have contributed to the development of the fighting game community. In the Cannon Awards, the EVO founders, the Cannon brothers, honored Hameko. as an individual who has made significant contributions to the development of the FGC. Hameko. served as the executive committee chairman for the first EVO Japan 2018 and has supported the fighting game scene in various ways over many years, including tournament operation, live commentary, streaming, and community activities, for which he was recognized. Additionally, Katsuhiro Harada received the LVTec Presents Game Creator Achievement Award. This award is presented by LVTec to creators who have contributed significantly to the development of the game and esports industries over many years, particularly in promoting and evolving fighting game culture. The award recognizes Harada's achievements as a game creator who has led the global fighting game scene for many years, including the "Tekken" series, as well as his efforts to contribute to the development of fighting game culture by engaging with players, fans, and the community. Hameko. Tournament Executive Committee Chairman Matsuda (left), Katsuhiro Harada (right) Cannon Awards 2026: Hameko. Profile Caster / Live Commentator. Active in a wide range of activities including live commentary, MC, and event operation, primarily for fighting games such as Street Fighter and Tekken. Has appeared in numerous domestic and international fighting game events and programs, including 'Street Fighter League', Capcom Pro Tour Japanese broadcast, TOPANGA LEAGUE, TOPANGA CHAMPIONSHIP, EVO 2019 Japanese live commentary, and EVO Japan 2019 live commentary. Also served as the executive committee chairman for EVO JAPAN 2018, contributing to the development of the fighting game community for many years.