The Evolution Championship Series, commonly referred to as Evo, is one of the most prestigious and highly anticipated events in the world of competitive gaming, particularly in the fighting game community. While Evo has traditionally been held in the United States, the event has expanded its reach to include Evo Japan, catering to the Asian market and further solidifying the series' global presence. As of my last update, Evo Japan has been scheduled to take place in the early part of the year, usually around January or February, although specific dates can vary from year to year.
Evo Japan History and Significance

Evo Japan was first announced in 2017, with its inaugural event taking place in 2018 at the Suntec Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Singapore. However, it was later decided that the event would be hosted in Japan, reflecting its name and catering more directly to the Japanese and broader Asian gaming communities. The event features a variety of popular fighting games, with the specific lineup changing from year to year based on community interest, game popularity, and the release of new titles.
Previous Evo Japan Dates
To give context to the scheduling of Evo Japan, the 2018 event was held from January 26 to 28, and the 2019 event took place from February 15 to 17. However, the 2020 event was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which significantly impacted the global esports and gaming event calendar. The return of Evo Japan in subsequent years has seen adjustments in dates and format, reflecting both the pandemic’s ongoing effects and the evolving interests of the gaming community.
Year | Dates |
---|---|
2018 | January 26-28 |
2019 | February 15-17 |

Evo Japan and the Fighting Game Community

The fighting game community (FGC) is at the heart of Evo Japan, with the event serving as a premier platform for players to compete, for games to be showcased, and for the community to come together. The FGC is known for its vibrancy, inclusivity, and the strong bonds formed among its members, with Evo Japan playing a pivotal role in fostering these aspects in the Asian region.
Games Featured at Evo Japan
The lineup of games at Evo Japan is carefully curated to reflect both the current interests of the FGC and the popularity of specific titles in the region. Games like Street Fighter V, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Guilty Gear Strive, and Tekken 7 have been staples of the event, with other games being added or removed based on their competitive scene and community demand.
Key Points
- Evo Japan is a significant event for the fighting game community in Asia, offering a platform for competition and community engagement.
- The event's date can vary but typically occurs in the early part of the year.
- The game lineup is subject to change, reflecting the evolving interests of the community and the release of new games.
- Evo Japan plays a crucial role in the global esports calendar, particularly for fighting games.
- The event's impact extends beyond the gaming community, influencing the broader gaming industry with its showcases and competitions.
In conclusion, Evo Japan represents a pivotal moment in the annual gaming calendar, especially for enthusiasts of fighting games. Its dates, although subject to variation, are eagerly anticipated by the community, who look forward to the event as an opportunity for competition, socialization, and celebration of their shared passion for gaming.
What is Evo Japan, and why is it important?
+Evo Japan is an evolution of the Evolution Championship Series tailored for the Asian market, focusing on fighting games. It’s important because it provides a premier competitive platform for gamers in the region and showcases the latest developments in the fighting game genre.
How are the games for Evo Japan selected?
+The selection of games for Evo Japan is based on their popularity, competitive scene, and community demand. The organizers aim to feature a diverse lineup that caters to the interests of the Asian fighting game community.
What impact does Evo Japan have on the gaming industry?
+Evo Japan has a significant impact on the gaming industry, particularly in the fighting game genre. It serves as a platform for game developers to showcase their latest titles, provides insights into community preferences, and influences the direction of future game development.