Ready Player 1: Paris to host 2027 edition of EVO fighting video game event

October 11, 2026 - 22:12

The Evolution Championship Series, widely known as EVO, will bring its flagship fighting game tournament to Paris in 2027. Organizers made the announcement on Sunday as the current edition of the event wrapped up in Nice.

The move marks a significant step for the long running competition, which has traditionally been held in the United States. Paris will become the first European city to host the main EVO event, a decision that reflects the growing popularity of fighting games across the continent.

This year's gathering in Nice drew thousands of competitors and spectators, with players battling it out in titles such as Street Fighter, Tekken, and Guilty Gear. The atmosphere throughout the weekend highlighted how far the genre has come since its arcade origins.

French organizers and local officials welcomed the news, noting that the 2027 event could bring a substantial boost to the city's tourism and hospitality sectors. Venue details and the full game lineup have not yet been revealed, but expectations are already high.

For the international fighting game community, the announcement signals a new chapter. Players from Asia, the Americas, and Europe will now set their sights on Paris, where the next world champion will be crowned.