Evo 2024 has set a new benchmark in the world of Esports, breaking records for both unique competitors and total bracket entries. As sign-ups closed on June 24, the prestigious fighting game tournament announced an unprecedented 10,224 unique players and 16,231 total bracket entries, surpassing all previous records in Esports history.

Last year, Evo 2023 set notable records with 9,221 unique competitors and 15,012 bracket entries. The debut of Street Fighter 6 was particularly impressive, drawing 7,083 entrants and becoming the largest open-bracket fighting game tournament in Evo history. Records were also shattered for Guilty Gear - Strive, Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, and MELTY BLOOD: TYPE LUMINA. However, Evo 2016's record of 9,833 unique competitors had remained unbeaten until now.

The 2024 event is set to be even more spectacular. TEKKEN 8, Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising, and the throwback title Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike have all set new franchise records, each drawing over 1,000 entrants for the first time. A comprehensive breakdown of this year's registration, including entrant counts for individual tournaments and statistics on country representation and game crossover, will be released soon.

Evo 2024, sponsored by Chipotle, will be held in a new venue at the West Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center from July 19-21. This expanded space will feature a three-day convention experience with an Arena built into the venue for tournament finals. All eight games on the featured lineup will have their Top 6 played on the Arena stage, enhancing the experience for both participants and spectators.

Although registration for the main lineup is closed, Event Badges are still available, offering numerous attractions for fighting game fans. Attendees can sign up for Community Showcase tournaments, participate in the Cosplay Contest, play casual games in the BYOC area, shop at the Artist Alley and Vendor Village, and explore the new FGC Art Gallery and Beyond the Arcade Stick Museum. Evo 2024 will also feature the largest Arcade area in its history, alongside publisher panels, reveals, exhibitions, and Finals watch parties with popular creators like Maximilian Dood and RDCworld.

Rasha is a contributor and HR Manager at The Daily Esports.