Ranking the Top Fighting Game Esports Events of Q1 2024
Top Fighting Game Esports Events
The first quarter of 2024 has proven to be an electrifying period for the fighting game community (FGC). This quarter saw iconic matches in Street Fighter 6, intense battles in Tekken 8, and fierce competition in Mortal Kombat 1. These events have cemented their place in esports history, from record-breaking viewership numbers to unprecedented participation.
Capcom Cup X LCQ
The first quarter of 2024 has been remarkable for the fighting game community (FGC), marked by thrilling events and tournaments that have captivated audiences worldwide. Among these, the Street Fighter League World Championship 2023 emerged as a highlight, showcasing top-tier talent and strategic depth. The championship featured the best teams from the United States, Europe, and Japan, culminating in a gripping final that drew nearly 180,000 peak viewers.
Held at Blue Coast Studios in Burbank, California, on February 24, 2024, the Street Fighter League World Championship saw fierce competition among its three qualified teams: Bandits (representing SFL Pro-US), FAV Gaming (representing SFL Pro-JP), and 00 Nation (representing SFL Pro-EU). Each team brought their best players, including notable names such as MenaRD, Caba, ChrisT, and XiaoHai for Bandits; Sako, Ryusei, Tokido, and Bonchan for FAV Gaming; and Phenom, Veggey, Lord Venom, and Rikemansbarnet for 00 Nation.
Red Bull Kumite 2024 New York
The Red Bull Kumite 2024 in New York was a great event for the fighting game community, particularly for Street Fighter 6 enthusiasts. Held at the Greenpoint Terminal Warehouse in Brooklyn from March 16-17, this prestigious tournament brought together 16 of the world’s top players to compete for a $50,000 prize pool.
The 2024 edition did not disappoint, featuring top-tier players battling it out in Street Fighter 6. With 840,200 hours watched, it became the second-most-watched Red Bull Kumite ever, underscoring its growing appeal within the esports community.
Moreover, betting on the event also contributed to the engagement of fans with the tournament. Sportsbooks released various promotional offers like sleeper promo code around the event, attracting more betting fans to place their wagers on the tournament.
ARC World Tour 2023 Finals: A Grand Finale
The ARC World Tour 2023 Finals, held from March 21 to 23, 2024, in Long Beach, California, showcased the best in fighting game competition. The event was a highlight for fans of Arc System Works titles, particularly Guilty Gear -Strive and Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising. The tournament boasted a significant prize pool of $130,000, drawing top talent from around the globe.
In the Guilty Gear -Strive- grand finals, Verix emerged victorious, defeating Slash in a thrilling 3-2 match. This intense showdown captivated viewers, solidifying the event’s reputation for high-quality competition. Verix’s performance throughout the tournament demonstrated exceptional skill and strategy, making him a deserving champion of the ARC World Tour 2023 Finals.
The tournament also featured notable matches in Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, with players like Fukunaga and Kojicoco delivering memorable performances. The ARC World Tour Finals drew substantial viewership, with thousands of fans tuning in to watch the best players compete.
CPT 2023 Online Event: Japan
Japan was initially scheduled for December 2023 but was postponed to January 6-7, 2024, due to significant in-game connection issues that affected over 700 registered players.
Being one of the premier online qualifiers for the Capcom Cup X, this event was crucial for many top players aiming to secure their spot in the main event. The tournament highlighted the intense competitive scene in Japan, with notable players like Tokido, Kakeru, and Daigo vying for qualification.
The rescheduled event saw an impressive peak viewership of 124,500, reflecting the strong interest and support from the community. The tournament concluded with a thrilling final match between Kawano and Otaini, showcasing high-level play that captivated the audience. Using Luke, Kawano emerged victorious, securing his place in the Capcom Cup X and further establishing his reputation as one of the region’s top Street Fighter 6 players.
Final words
The fighting game community has seen an exciting first quarter 2024, marked by several high-profile events that drew global attention. The FGC’s competitive spirit and energy have been emphasized by many events, such as the diversified game lineup at EVO Japan and the peak viewing of Street Fighter 6 tournaments. There will be even more exhilarating moments for both players and spectators as the year goes on, with growing anticipation for the next competitions.
