While the 2025 edition of EVO France has not yet taken place, the organizers have announced, from Las Vegas, the return of the largest fighting game tournament to Nice in 2026. This is an important confirmation for the local Esports scene and for the city.
The announcement was made this weekend in Las Vegas, on the sidelines of the global EVO event: EVO will return to Nice in 2026. This decision was made even before the 2025 edition, scheduled for October 10th to 12th at the Palais des Expositions, has even taken place. The organizers thus reaffirmed their desire to establish a long-term presence in Europe, and particularly in France.
Christian Estrosi, mayor of Nice, expressed his delight at this news: “It is with immense satisfaction that we announce the return of EVO in 2026, right here, in Nice. This renewal signifies the organizers’ confidence in our ability to provide an optimal setting for one of the largest Esports events on the planet.”
This decision is part of a municipal policy promoting the development of digital culture and Esports. The municipality aims to make Nice a reference point for digital cultures. It also seeks to position the city as a year-round open destination. Hosting international competitions is part of this strategy.
EVO France 2025 is already breaking records
The upcoming edition, in October 2025, has not yet happened. However, it has already made an impression. Three European records were broken before registrations even closed. The Nice tournament will be both the largest fighting game tournament organized in Europe, the largest Tekken tournament ever recorded on the continent, and also the largest Street Fighter tournament in Europe.
These figures confirm the global enthusiasm for this edition. In total, players from over 65 countries are expected. The anticipated crowd highlights the city’s appeal for this type of event.
In terms of the program, the headliners will be well represented. Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8, historical pillars of the genre, will be the main games of the tournament. The world’s best players will compete in highly anticipated matches.
Another game will also be part of the official selection: Guilty Gear: Strive. Still in its fourth season, it could use EVO France to unveil a new character from the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners universe. A possible announcement, which is already causing a stir in fan communities.
Qualifications are already underway in several cities. In Nice, an initial confrontation brought together 23 competitors at the Maïoun Dou Rai. They all played Tekken 8 and Street Fighter 6. At this stage, the participants were exclusively men. The atmosphere was studious. The players’ concentration contrasted with the loud energy of the controllers and the discreet encouragement from the audience.
Nice now seems firmly established on the global Esports map. The return of EVO in 2026 confirms it. The upcoming October edition will serve as a large-scale test. Until then, qualifications continue. The players are preparing. The public, meanwhile, is eagerly waiting for the kickoff.
