The grand stages of esports often witness the birth of legends and the forging of new competitive landscapes. At Evo France 2025, Europe`s largest fighting game spectacle to date, history was not merely observed; it was actively sculpted. Amidst a whirlwind of high-stakes matchups across various titles, one event stood out as a pivotal `First Impact`: the inaugural official tournament for Riot Games` highly anticipated 2v2 fighting game, 2XKO. And when the dust settled, one name echoed across the venue: Marwan `Wawa` Berthe, a French fighting game titan who emphatically declared his dominance, becoming the first formidable champion in 2XKO`s nascent esports journey.
The Dawn of a New Arena: 2XKO`s Grand Entrance
Riot Games, a name synonymous with global esports phenomena like League of Legends and VALORANT, has long eyed the notoriously passionate yet challenging Fighting Game Community (FGC). With 2XKO, a dynamic tag-team brawler featuring familiar champions from the League of Legends universe, Riot aimed for more than just a successful game launch; they sought to establish a lasting competitive legacy. The `First Impact` series of tournaments was their strategic gambit, designed to ignite professional play from day one. Evo France 2025 served as the crucible for this ambition, a high-profile platform where initial impressions could either propel 2XKO into the mainstream or leave it grappling for attention.
The FGC, a discerning crowd, watches new contenders with a blend of skeptical curiosity and fervent hope. For a new title to break through, it needs more than just a big name behind it; it needs exhilarating gameplay, robust competitive integrity, and, most importantly, champions who can consistently deliver breathtaking performances.
The Gauntlet of Nice: A Star-Studded Debut
The tournament drew 256 competitors to Nice, a respectable turnout for a game still in its infancy. Among them were a constellation of FGC stars, each hoping to etch their name into 2XKO`s foundational lore. The bracket glittered with familiar monikers: Dominique `SonicFox` McLean, a multi-game Evo champion known for their uncanny ability to master anything with a health bar; William `Leffen` Hjelte, a Super Smash Bros. Melee legend diversifying his dominance; Jo’siah ‘Hikari’ Miller, a Dragon Ball FighterZ world champion; and Steve ‘Supernoon’ Carbajal, another American fighting game icon. These were the titans 2XKO needed to prove its competitive depth.
Yet, the narrative of the `established versus the newcomer` quickly dissolved. While these decorated players fought valiantly, often crossing paths in electrifying encounters, it was Wawa, himself an Evo champion in Dragon Ball FighterZ and a 2022 World Champion, who orchestrated a masterclass in adaptation and execution. His path through the Winners bracket was a testament to his preparation and raw skill, culminating in decisive victories over seasoned adversaries.
Wawa`s Unassailable Reign: The French Maestro`s Triumph
Wawa’s journey to the Grand Finals was nothing short of a dominant display. He navigated the challenging Winners bracket with surgical precision, famously dispatching SonicFox 2-1 in the Winners Semi-Finals – a significant early statement against one of the scene`s most feared competitors. His momentum carried him through, eventually securing his spot in the Grand Finals by overcoming Supernoon. The Losers bracket saw Supernoon battle back with grit, defeating SonicFox once more to earn a rematch against Wawa, setting up a climactic showdown.
However, the Grand Finals proved to be a continuation of Wawa`s virtually unshakeable performance. With a commanding 3-1 victory over Supernoon, the French player solidified his position as the undisputed inaugural champion. His gameplay, characterized by sharp decision-making and flawless execution, left little room for doubt. It was a clear demonstration that while many were still learning the ropes of 2XKO, Wawa had already mastered its nuances, at least for this pivotal early chapter. His subsequent celebratory remarks, acknowledging his peers and expressing eagerness to `play and learn more about the game,` underscored a champion`s humility despite absolute domination.
Beyond the First Knockout: The Future of 2XKO
Wawa`s triumph at Evo France 2025 has set a formidable benchmark for 2XKO`s competitive scene. As the game continues its rollout, all eyes will be on whether this early dominance translates into a sustained reign, or if other contenders will rise to challenge the `First Impact` champion. For Riot Games, Wawa`s victory provides invaluable validation for their esports strategy, proving that 2XKO can deliver compelling, high-level competitive action right out of the gate.
The FGC, ever-evolving, now has another exciting title to embrace, and a fresh narrative of champions to follow. The journey of 2XKO has just begun, and with players like Wawa leading the charge, its future, though challenging, appears undeniably bright. The question now isn`t just who will win the next major, but who has the dedication to dethrone the reigning champion who struck first and struck hard.
