SFL USA Finally Goes Live — Season 8 Promises Fireworks

Street Fighter League USA will return for its 8th season this November, and for the first time since its inception, the competition will be played live.

The announcement, made during the Tokyo Game Show, confirms that all regional Street Fighter Leagues are now live events. Six teams will compete across three stages for the grand prize.

The opening phase runs from November 13–16, followed by the second phase from December 4–7. Playoffs will take place immediately after the December stage.

Over the years, SFL USA has delivered plenty of hype moments, shocking upsets, and even doses of drama. However, one of its biggest criticisms has been its pre-recorded format, which often dulled the excitement. Player reactions felt less authentic, and the delayed broadcast made it harder for fans to stay engaged.

SFL Japan was the first region to make the switch to live events, which boosted its popularity significantly. SFL Europe adopted the format last year with similar success. Now, SFL USA joins them, and the move is already being hailed as a major improvement.

This season’s rosters add to the excitement. KuaiShou Gaming will feature stars like Xiao Hai and Zhen, while 2Game Esports from Brazil will compete in SFL for the first time, bringing teenage prodigy Blaz and Zangief specialist Bolado into the mix.

The action will take place in Los Angeles, and with stacked lineups and live play, Season 8 is shaping up to be the most electrifying Street Fighter League USA yet.