This Saturday, 23 passionate players competed for their spot in the final phase of the EVO 2025 qualifiers.
Amidst the sound of controllers and intense concentration, many Esport players gathered to try to qualify for the EVO 2025, scheduled for October 10 to 12, 2025 in Nice. In a room filled with the Maïoun Dou Rai, 23 competitors, exclusively men, competed in Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6, the two main games of the tournament.
While the minimum age to participate was set at 12, the profile of the players was much more varied, mostly adults. But they all knew each other, whether virtually or in person. Most came from Nice, but some traveled a bit further, like Houari, alias Mefirst, who traveled from Marseille to try his luck. “I’ve been competing in Tekken 8 for 8 years. Participating in the EVO is a dream. Until now, it was always in Japan or Las Vegas. But this year, it’s two hours from my place. I’ll be there, for sure.”
Pros in the arena
Beside him, Anthony, better known by his alias Kuroten, is a regular on the international scene. Originally from Fréjus, this sponsored professional player has been participating in EVO for years. Australia, Japan, Bali… The world is his playground. “I’m paid to play, my sponsors cover everything. Whether I qualify or not, I’ll be in Nice for EVO in October. That’s obvious.” Winner of the Gencup France, 17th in the world at the EVO in Las Vegas, and with more than 20 victories at the Redbull Game in Sphere in Japan, Kuroten has made a name for himself in the community.
Behind the competition, Ludovic Stephanuccio, alias Renard, played the role of referee and supervisor. He was the one who set up the matches according to level and recorded the scores. This precise organization was made possible thanks to the support of local entities like ASBTP Esport, the very first esports association in Nice.
A booming sport in Nice
For David Nouy, a key player in the development of Esport in Nice, this tournament is just the beginning. “Our ambition is clear. To make Nice the European capital of Esport.” For several years now, Nice has hosted the LFL Days, a competition organized by the group Webedia where many players compete in the game League of Legends. This ambition is shared by Lucas Magliulo, a city councilor in charge of Esport. “The mayor wants to give a new dimension to this sector. In France, there are more than 10 million players. It is an economic, cultural, and social force.”
With already 15,000 overnight stays booked for EVO 2025 and nearly 2000 competitors expected, the city aims to prove it can rival Tokyo and Las Vegas.
At this stage, only one player from Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6 managed to secure their place for the final phase of the qualifiers in September. For those who missed this first date, head to Stockfish on Saturday, August 23 to hope to advance to the next stage, which will take place on Saturday, September 6, at the City Hall.
