Nice, France — The hallowed halls of Evo France 2025, Europe’s largest fighting game event to date, recently bore witness to a historic moment: the first official competitive outing for Riot Games’ highly anticipated 2v2 fighter, 2XKO. And when the dust settled, one name echoed loudest: France’s own Marwan ‘Wawa’ Berthe, who not only conquered the “First Impact” series debut but also firmly established himself as the game`s earliest champion, much to the delight of the home crowd.
A New Contender in the Fighting Game Arena
Riot Games, a titan in the esports world with titles like League of Legends and Valorant, is making a bold foray into the traditional fighting game community (FGC) with 2XKO. This innovative 2v2 fighter reimagines beloved League of Legends champions as dynamic combatants, promising a fresh take on competitive battling. Ahead of its full launch, the anticipation—and indeed, some healthy skepticism—has been palpable. Riot`s strategic response has been a proactive push into esports, epitomized by the “First Impact” series, designed to cement 2XKO’s presence and legitimacy within the FGC. Evo France 2025 was the crucial first stop on this ambitious tour.
The FGC is a notoriously passionate, discerning, and, at times, “fickle” landscape, where new titles must earn their stripes against established giants. Riot’s decision to launch 2XKO`s competitive journey at such a prestigious event signals a serious commitment. It’s a move that says, “We`re not just making a game; we`re building an esport.”
The Gathering of Giants: A Proving Ground for 2XKO
The inaugural 2XKO tournament at Evo France wasn`t just another casual bracket; it was a magnet for fighting game royalty. The entry list read like a who`s who of FGC legends, all eager to stake their claim in this nascent scene. Among the heavyweights were:
- Dominique ‘SonicFox’ McLean: An Evo champion across multiple titles, known for their uncanny ability to master any fighting game.
- William ‘Leffen’ Hjelte: A Super Smash Bros. Melee veteran who has successfully transitioned into dominating other fighting titles.
- Jo’siah ‘Hikari’ Miller: A Dragon Ball FighterZ world and Evo champion, fresh off another victory in DBFZ at this very event.
- Steve ‘Supernoon’ Carbajal: Another American fighting game icon, renowned for his consistent top-tier performances.
With such an illustrious lineup, many expected one of these titans to predictably emerge as the first 2XKO champion. However, as is often the case in the dynamic world of esports, the script had a surprising twist.
Wawa`s Unstoppable Ascent to the Throne
Marwan ‘Wawa’ Berthe arrived at Evo France with his own formidable credentials, including an Evo championship and a 2022 World Championship title in Dragon Ball FighterZ. He was certainly a contender, but few might have predicted the sheer dominance he was about to display.
Out of 256 competitors, Wawa navigated the bracket with an almost surgical precision. His path to the Grand Finals was a testament to his adaptability and skill in a brand-new game. A key moment arrived in the Winners Semi-Finals, where he faced the formidable SonicFox. In a closely contested series, Wawa emerged victorious with a 2-1 score, sending SonicFox to the Losers` bracket. He continued his flawless run through the Winners` side of Top 8, eventually overcoming Supernoon to secure his spot in the Grand Finals.
Supernoon, however, demonstrated remarkable resilience. After being sent to Losers by Wawa, he battled his way back, including a decisive victory over SonicFox, to earn a rematch in the Grand Finals. The stage was set for a climactic showdown.
Grand Finals: A Statement Victory
The Grand Finals pitted Wawa against Supernoon once more. While Supernoon had fought valiantly to earn his second chance, Wawa proved to be an insurmountable obstacle. With a commanding 3-1 victory, Wawa secured the title, demonstrating an impressive grasp of 2XKO’s mechanics and meta in its earliest competitive days. It was a performance that left little doubt about his current standing: the player to beat in 2XKO.
The final standings saw SonicFox in third place, while Leffen finished in a respectable 7th-8th position, highlighting the competitive depth of the tournament even with a clear frontrunner.
“Just won 2XKO at Evo France! 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!” – Marwan ‘Wawa’ Berthe (via X/Twitter)
What This Means for Wawa and 2XKO
Wawa`s victory is more than just another trophy; it`s a foundational moment for 2XKO esports. As the first official champion, he carries the torch for the game`s competitive future. Interestingly, Wawa is currently a free agent, making his performance an even more impactful statement to potential sponsors and organizations looking to invest in 2XKO’s emerging scene.
For Riot Games, Wawa`s triumph, particularly as a popular French player winning on home soil, provides invaluable momentum. It demonstrates that the game can attract top-tier talent and produce exciting, high-stakes competition from the very outset. The “First Impact” series has indeed made an impact, paving the way for what promises to be an exciting journey for 2XKO in the ever-evolving world of esports.
