CEO 2021: Brackets and Results

While the world is still a long way from being normal, it was refreshing to see yet another offline FGC tournament go off without a hitch. The CEO (Community Effort Orlando) 2021 took place over the weekend to a lot of hype and anticipation. It did not disappoint as some of the biggest names in pro gaming were available to thrill the crowd and there was an abundance of games played to the delight of everyone. 

There were ten (10) games showcased at CEO

• Street Fighter V
• Mortal Kombat 11
• Super Smash Bros. Ultimate
• Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3
• Tekken 7
• Dragon Ball FighterZ
•  Skullgirls
• Blazblue Tag
• Granblue Fantasy Versus
• Guilty Gear -STRIVE-

We'll take a look at the brackets and winners of the major competitions

Mortal Kombat 11

The game might be heading towards the exit door, but this does not mean it isn't still highly popular and there was still some major hype for it. This year's title was taken by Chilean pro player, ScorpionProcs who took the tournament over fellow Chilean Nicolas. In a close final, ScorpionProcs was able to prevail and win 3-2. 

Street Fighter V

In what was probably the biggest surprise of the day (to me at least), Street Fighter V was won by Mono. The F.A.N.G main took down Punk to win the tournament in dominant fashion. Mono had breezed through the top 8 and had beaten Punk in the winners' final. Punk, ever the relentless competitor when to the lower bracket to take down fellow Panda teammate, Nephew, to cause a runback. It seemed like Punk would run away with it as he defeated Mono 3-0 to reset the bracket, but Mono was not done, and he came back with a vengeance and paid Punk back in his own coin with a 3-0 triumph. This should go some way in making up for his defeat at Red Bull Kumite Las Vegas, where he had to leave after the group stage. 

Dragon Ball FighterZ

DismantleX was the winner of the Dragon Ball FighterZ tournament defeating LegendaryyPred 3-1. Just like with Punk in Street Fighter, LegendaryyPred forced a reset only to fall short finally. It was an enthralling match and is certainly worth a watch.

Tekken 7

Tekken 7 was a slugfest, but in the end, Arslan Ash was the winner taking the tournament over American representative Anakin. There was no major drama with this bracket, but it was stacked as the likes of KHAN and Book were also in the top 8. Arslan has continued with his impressive form ever since he became the toast of the Tekken world back in 2019. He now has an Evo Japan, Evo, and CEO title in the bag; we wonder what's next. 

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Smash was such a fun ride this year. The tournament was won by Kola who was magnificent throughout. He lost to MuteAce in the Winners' Semi-Final and went down to the losers' bracket. From there, he fought valiantly and made it all the way to Grand Finals where he was pitted against Glutonny. He performed excellently, forced a reset, and eventually won the entire thing. 

Guilty Gear -STRIVE-

Strive has continued to be a good time for everyone, and it was no different at CEO 2021. K7 Showoff was the winner this time around, and he beat Remi Celeste to win the tournament. Familiar names like Punk, Shine, and Diaphone all made top 8 but fell off before the finals.

All the Tournament Winners

CEO will hopefully be back next year and if this was anything to go by, it will get even better.