Evo 2016: Day Two Impressions

or our second day at Evo, there were several tournament finals that we were able to see during the event. The final standings are:

Tekken 7 Fated Retribution Grand Finals: Knee vs. SAINT. Winner: SAINT. (SAINT and Knee qualify for The King of Iron Fist Tournament 2016)

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U Grand Finals: Ally vs. kamemushi. Winner: Ally

Pokken Grand Finals: Tonosama vs. buntan. Winner: Tonosama (Tonosama and buntan qualify for the Pokken Tournament World Championship Series)

Killer Instinct Grand Finals: F3|Hollywood Sleep vs. UA|Bass. Winner: F3|Hollywood Sleep

Our group were also able to be in attendance as we watched Bang The Machine, a documentary from 2001 which has never been released and is only viewable at EVO and other fighting game events. Producers say that this is because the film contains unlicensed music since their edits of the film were destroyed in the 9/11 attacks in New York. The copy of the film that is being presented is from original VHS tapes of the documentary. The producer was hesitant at first but then commented that the film may soon be released according the the people behind the film possibly in partnership with EVO. The film may also come to streaming services and a sequel is currently being discussed. Our observation on the Evo floor seemed to confirm this with filming of the event being used, possibly for an upcoming documentary.

The evening saw our group attending Bar Fights at the Eye Candy Lounge in Mandalay Bay which was being held by Cross Counter. Cross Counter is an internet website and video series from Gooteks and Mike Ross who will be providing commentary during the ESPN2 filming of the event alongside Seth Killian. Drink specials included Sonic Boom, Hadouken and Red Cyclone, and was a good meetup for various fans of fighting games and Evo alike.

Fights between attendees and pro players including K-Brad and Combofiend were part of the activities and streamed out on Twitch and within the bar. Another highlight for our group was taking advantage of the various tourist attractions in Las Vegas for Pokemon Go hunting. We were able to find many good Pokestops and Pokemon around Caesar's Palace and the Luxor, for anyone that is in that area in the near future looking for some rare catches. That would conclude our second day at Evo as we prepare for the grand finals at the Mandalay Bay Event Center, where an estimated 15,000 people will be in attendance to see the Evo World Champions being crowned.