What to Expect From Evo 2026 and Evo Japan 2026

Evo is back once again with their surprisingly high production announcement show. There's quite a bit to go through in its nearly 45 minute long rapid-fire stream of news, so let's get down to all the key points.

Kicking off with the game line-ups, you can expect these 12 games at Evo Japan 2026, with a total prize pool of 30 million yen:

Street Fighter 6
Guilty Gear Strive
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
King of Fighters XV
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage
Tekken 8
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
Vampire Savior: The Lord of Vampire
Under Night In-Birth II Sys:Celes
Fist of the North Star
Melty Blood: Type Lumina
2XKO

Aside from the expanded game line up and prizes, Evo Japan is also looking to improve the experience in other areas. For example, last year's event was getting pretty hot, so they are looking to improve the AC situation at the venue. The cosplay contest this time around will be hosted by Shibuya Kaho, and the winner will get a free trip to any Evo of their choice. Even the seating arrangements are getting an upgrade.

Those who are into goodies and rare collectibles might enjoy the debut of "Evo Fighting Collectible Exhibit," which is also managed by Kaho Shibuya in partnership with Ami Ami and Kotobukiya. The exhibition will include many toys, figurines, statues, and rare collectibles from fighting games, including some "treasures" from fighting game publishers. Darkstalkers fans will also be able to get their hands on an exclusive Hsien-Ko statue.

The event will be running at Tokyo Big Sight, from May 1st to May 3rd. Registration is currently open at Evojapan.gg.

Qiddiya's Evo Awards are coming back in 2026 as well, and this year the audience gets to decide the finalists for every category, of which there are the following:

Best Game Release
Best Character
Best Product
Comeback of the Year
Best Pop Off
Best Commentary
Best Content Creator
Best Dressed
Best Cosplay
Best Custom Controller
Best Local
Best Combo
Best Online Series
Best Artist
Best Meme
They've Got Next
Commentator of the Year
Match of the Year
Player of the Year
Moment of the Year

This will be happening alongside another class of legends getting inducted into the Evo Hall of Fame. The voting is already open, and will run until January 9. To see who wins, you'll have to tune in to Evo Awards Show on March 28, 2026.

Moving over to the main Evo in Las Vegas, it will be running from June 26th to June 28th, and also promises to be bigger than ever.

Here's your 12 game main line up:

Street Fighter 6
Tekken 8
Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves
Under Night II Sys:Celes
Granblue Fantasy Versus: Rising
Rivals of Aether II (which used to opportunity to announce a new character - La Reina)
2XKO
Guilty Gear Strive
BlazBlue Centralfiction
Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage
Vampire Savior: The Lord of Vampire
Invincible VS

There is no distinction here between main and extended line up, just 12 main games, but there is a caveat. Only the six games with the highest registration numbers will get a spot at the Evo Arena. The other 6 games will still get the upgraded showcase stage, with full main game treatment of commentators, gold-plated sticks, and player intros.

Regarding the pricing, you can already register to get the early bird price, which is guaranteed to be the best deal on this year's Evo, and should allow you to get a 3-day Pass for under $200.

Minimum guaranteed prize pool for Evo is already increasing to $500,000 across the full line up, and more games will be running Top 8 Bo5 matches. Those games include: Tekken 8, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, Street Fighter 6, Guilty Gear Strive, and Vampire Savior).

Cosplay Competition will also feature more awards and better prizes. This year's competition will be hosted by Kaho Shibuya, with VampyBitMe, Monolith Costumes, and Stella Chuu being present as the judges. However, even those who don't wish to compete will get a venue to show off their cosplay.

To keep up to date as the event approaches, you can keep an eye on Evo socials.