EVO Japan 2026 Returns to Tokyo Big Sight with 12-Game Lineup and 30 Million Yen Prize Pool

The fighting game community has something massive to look forward to. EVO Japan 2026 is officially happening, and it's bringing together twelve of the most competitive fighting games on the planet to Tokyo Big Sight for three days of non-stop action from May 1-3, 2026.

This isn't just another tournament. EVO Japan has established itself as the premier fighting game event in Asia, and the 2026 edition is shaping up to be the biggest yet with a staggering 30 million yen prize pool spread across all twelve titles.

The Complete 12-Game Lineup

The tournament roster reads like a who's who of the fighting game world, mixing modern heavyweights with beloved classics:

Modern Competitive Titles: - Street Fighter 6 - Tekken 8 - Guilty Gear -Strive- - THE KING OF FIGHTERS XV - Under Night In-Birth 2 - Granblue Fantasy: Versus -Rising- - Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves - 2XKO - Melty Blood: Type Lumina - Virtua Fighter 5 R.E.V.O. World Stage

Arcade Classics: - Hokuto no Ken (Fist of the North Star) - Vampire Savior

The inclusion of arcade classics like Vampire Savior and Hokuto no Ken is particularly exciting. These games will run on actual arcade cabinets, giving players an authentic experience and honoring the legacy of Japanese arcade culture. Meanwhile, most modern titles will use PS5 versions, with Melty Blood running on PS4 Pro.

Prize Money Breakdown

With 30 million yen on the line, EVO Japan 2026 offers serious stakes for competitors. The prize distribution will vary based on entrant numbers, with the most popular game potentially awarding up to 4 million yen to its champion. This creates an interesting dynamic where player turnout directly affects the financial rewards.

Registration and Entry Details

Registration is now open and runs through March 16, 2026 at 11:59 PM. The entry process works in two stages:

1. Purchase a 3-Day Pass via Ticket Pia
2. Register on start.gg with individual game entry fees

An early bird discount is currently available for players who register quickly, so serious competitors should get their entries in sooner rather than later.

Venue: Tokyo Big Sight East Halls 1-3

The event returns to Tokyo Big Sight, Japan's largest convention center located in the Odaiba waterfront area. The East Halls 1-3 will host all tournament activities, providing ample space for setups, spectators, and the inevitable hype moments that define EVO events.

For international travelers, Tokyo Big Sight is well-connected via the Rinkai Line and Yurikamome Line. The venue's proximity to hotels, restaurants, and entertainment options makes it an ideal location for the multi-day tournament.

Community Opportunities

Beyond the main tournament, EVO Japan 2026 is opening doors for community involvement:

• Volunteer Positions: Japan residents can apply to help run the event
• Side Event Organizers: Community tournaments and special events can apply for space
• Exhibitor Booths: Companies and organizations can apply for booth space (deadline: January 30, 2026)

The Significance of 2XKO's Inclusion

The presence of 2XKO (formerly Project L) on the lineup marks a significant moment for Riot Games' tag-team fighter. This will be one of the game's first major appearances at a prestigious tournament, and the fighting game community will be watching closely to see how it performs alongside established giants like Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8.

Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves Makes Its EVO Japan Debut

SNK's latest entry in the Fatal Fury series, City of the Wolves, will make its EVO Japan debut at this event. Following the game's successful launch, this tournament will showcase the highest level of play and could help establish it as a staple in the competitive circuit.

Looking Ahead: EVO 2026 Las Vegas

For those who can't make it to Japan, EVO 2026 in Las Vegas runs June 26-28, 2026. The Vegas event features its own 12-game lineup with some overlap, including unique additions like BlazBlue Central Fiction, Invincible VS, and Rivals of Aether II.

The back-to-back nature of these events creates an exciting season for fighting game competitors, with players potentially traveling between continents to compete at both.

What This Means for the FGC

EVO Japan 2026 represents more than just a tournament. It's a celebration of fighting game culture, a validation of the competitive scene's growth, and an opportunity for players from around the world to test their skills against the best.

The 30 million yen prize pool signals that sponsors and organizers believe in the future of competitive fighting games. The inclusion of arcade classics alongside modern titles shows respect for the genre's history while embracing its future.

For more information and registration, visit the official EVO Japan website.