From October 10 to 12, 2025, 5,000 competitors from 93 countries will face off at the Palais des Expositions for EVO. Here’s what awaits you from tomorrow through the end of the weekend.
EVO France 2025 marks an important milestone in the history of fighting video games. For over twenty years, this tournament has brought together the world’s best players for iconic titles like Street Fighter, Tekken, and Dragon Ball FighterZ. Until now, competitions have taken place in Las Vegas or Tokyo. Nice becomes the first European city to host the event.
The Palais des Expositions will transform into a giant arena for three days, with 250 gaming stations and thousands of spectators expected. The organizers also plan a live broadcast on YouTube and Twitch, in English and French. “No need to be there in person to experience the tournament; everything will be accessible from home,” the organizers confirm.
The event goes beyond simple entertainment. The city recently created a delegation dedicated to esports, a first for a major French city.
A unifying and accessible event
EVO France won’t be limited to the Palais des Expositions. A free fan zone will be set up at the Gare du Sud. The public will be able to follow matches on giant screens and participate in video game activities. Stations will allow visitors to try their hand at the same titles as the champions. An after party is also planned each evening with competitors.
The official tournaments will showcase six flagship games: Street Fighter 6, Tekken 8, Guilty Gear -Strive-, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves. The finals will be played on the main stage, broadcasted live in several languages.
This Nice edition’s lineup brings together the big names in versus fighting. Pakistani player Arslan Ash, American Sonic Fox, and Korean Knee are among the favorites. On the French side, the public can support Olivier “Luffy” Hay, the only French player to have won an EVO in Las Vegas, and Kayane, a pioneer of women’s esports. Nice native Damascus will play at home, a symbol of an expanding local scene.
In parallel, original activities will punctuate the weekend. Intergenerational duos, bringing together young and senior players, will compete on Street Fighter 6. A way to broaden the event’s reach and break stereotypes about video games.
Beyond the competition, the expected economic benefits are significant. Hotels, restaurants, transportation: the entire city will benefit from the influx of visitors. A study will be conducted after the event to measure this impact. For Nice, it’s also a showcase. EVO strengthens the city’s position as a destination for international events.
The region already has solid experience: hosting the Tour de France, 2024 Olympic Games events, and the 2019 Women’s Football World Cup. Esports becomes a new string to this event bow.
A sustainable global meeting place
EVO’s arrival in Nice will not be a one-off episode. The event has already been scheduled again for 2026. This extension demonstrates the confidence placed in the city and its partners. Nice aims to become a crossroads between innovation, technology, and digital sports.
Local schools like Aries and Epitech are developing training programs dedicated to video games and esports. This educational fabric strengthens the ecosystem and prepares the next generation.
EVO France 2025 is shaping up to be a key moment for the European esports scene. By hosting this tournament, Nice opens the door to new collaborations and highlights a booming popular culture.
For many, it will also be a symbol: that of a universal passion that connects players from around the world, around the same controller.
Practical information
Friday October 10 to Sunday October 12, 2025
Palais des Expositions and Gare du Sud, Nice
Tickets available on site (open at 8 a.m. Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. Sunday)
Broadcast on YouTube and Twitch.
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