Image Credit: Riot Games / 2XKO X
Nice, France — The Fighting Game Community (FGC) witnessed a historic moment at Evo France 2025, the continent`s largest fighting game event, as Riot Games` highly anticipated 2v2 title, 2XKO, made its competitive debut. Amidst a field of seasoned veterans and rising stars, French fighting game sensation Marwan `Wawa` Berthe etched his name into history, becoming the very first champion of the 2XKO «First Impact» tournament series.
Wawa’s victory isn`t merely a personal triumph; it`s a foundational event for 2XKO`s aspiring esports scene. His dominant performance signals a strong start for the game, demonstrating its competitive depth right out of the gate and hinting at the intense rivalries to come.
Wawa`s Unstoppable Ascent: A Masterclass in Debut Dominance
Marwan `Wawa` Berthe, already a respected name in the FGC with an Evo championship and a Dragon Ball FighterZ World Championship under his belt, approached 2XKO`s inaugural tournament with a quiet confidence that belied the pressure of the moment. His journey through the bracket was nothing short of a masterclass.
The competition was formidable. The participant list read like a who`s who of fighting game legends, including:
- Dominique `SonicFox` McLean: A multi-title Evo champion known for adapting quickly to new games.
- William `Leffen` Hjelte: A Super Smash Bros. Melee titan with a proven ability to conquer other fighting titles.
- Jo’siah ‘Hikari’ Miller: A world and Evo champion in Dragon Ball FighterZ.
- Steve ‘Supernoon’ Carbajal: Another American fighting game icon with a reputation for consistency.
Wawa navigated this gauntlet with remarkable poise. He remained in the Winners bracket throughout Top 8, demonstrating an early understanding of 2XKO`s intricate 2v2 mechanics and character synergies. His pivotal victory against SonicFox in the Winners Semi-Finals (2-1) was a statement, asserting his dominance over one of the scene`s most feared competitors. He then dispatched Supernoon to secure his spot in the Grand Finals.
Supernoon, however, refused to yield easily, battling his way back through the Losers bracket to earn a rematch. The Grand Finals saw Wawa deliver a decisive 3-1 victory, solidifying his status as the undisputed first 2XKO champion. It was a clear demonstration of the French player`s early command over the game, securing his place as the immediate benchmark in the nascent 2XKO competitive landscape.
«Just won 2XKO at Evo France!” Wawa (tweeted). “Congrats to my GOATs, it was so fun playing them again. Merci la famille pour le support c’était aussi incroyable… Can’t wait to play and learn more about the game!”
This sentiment, shared by a now free agent, underscores the positive atmosphere and personal achievement that defines the FGC, even at its highest levels.
2XKO`s Ambitious Launch: More Than Just a Game
For Riot Games, 2XKO (formerly Project L) represents a significant venture into the fiercely competitive fighting game genre. Built around popular champions from their flagship title, League of Legends, 2XKO aims to leverage established IP while carving out a unique identity with its 2v2 tag-team combat system.
The launch of the «First Impact» series, spearheaded by this Evo France tournament, is a clear indicator of Riot`s ambition to cultivate a robust esports ecosystem for 2XKO from day one. In a genre known for its passionate but discerning fanbase—often described as the «fickle FGC»—a strong competitive showing is paramount. Wawa`s victory provides precisely the kind of compelling narrative and validation that Riot needs to ignite sustained interest and engagement.
The tournament not only showcased top-tier talent but also offered the first real glimpse into 2XKO`s competitive potential. The dynamic tag mechanics and diverse character abilities promise a high skill ceiling and endless strategic possibilities, which are critical ingredients for a thriving esports title.
The Road Ahead for 2XKO Esports
Wawa`s triumph at Evo France 2025 has set a high bar for the burgeoning 2XKO competitive scene. His expertise, honed over years in other fighting games, has translated seamlessly into Riot`s new creation, suggesting that foundational fighting game skills are highly transferable.
As 2XKO moves towards its official launch and beyond, all eyes will be on Riot Games to build upon this initial success. The «First Impact» series is just the beginning, a promise of a dedicated competitive circuit. The FGC will be watching closely to see how the meta evolves, who will challenge Wawa for his throne, and whether 2XKO can truly establish itself as a lasting pillar in the world of esports.
For now, the message from Evo France 2025 is clear: 2XKO has arrived, and Marwan `Wawa` Berthe is its first, formidable champion. The new era has begun.
Gideon Holt