The fighting game community (FGC) is no stranger to new contenders, both in terms of players and titles. Yet, when Riot Games, titans of League of Legends, announced their foray into the genre with a 2v2 fighter dubbed 2XKO, the anticipation was palpable. Fast forward to Evo France 2025 in Nice, Europe`s largest fighting game spectacle, and that anticipation culminated in a historic moment: the crowning of Marwan ‘Wawa’ Berthe as the inaugural 2XKO champion in the game`s official `First Impact` series.
A New Game, A Familiar Stage
2XKO isn`t just another fighting game; it`s an ambitious endeavor marrying the tactical depth of 2v2 combat with the beloved champions of the League of Legends universe. For months, discussions around its mechanics, character roster, and potential esports viability have dominated forums. Riot`s commitment to cultivating an esports scene was evident early on, with the `First Impact` series designed to kickstart competitive play. Evo France 2025 provided the perfect crucible for this debut, drawing in 256 hopefuls eager to etch their name into 2XKO history.
The Gauntlet of Champions
The field was stacked, a veritable who`s who of the FGC. Among the challengers were household names like Dominique ‘SonicFox’ McLean, a multi-game Evo champion known for their adaptability across diverse fighting titles. Then there was William ‘Leffen’ Hjelte, a Super Smash Bros. Melee legend who`s proven his mettle in other arenas. Not to be overlooked were Jo’siah ‘Hikari’ Miller, a Dragon Ball FighterZ world champion, and the formidable American icon, Steve ‘Supernoon’ Carbajal. The narrative practically wrote itself: established legends clashing in a nascent game, each vying to be its first true master. One might even suggest a touch of irony as these seasoned warriors, masters of their craft, entered a brand-new arena, all seeking to lay claim to its uncharted territory.
Wawa`s Unstoppable Ascent
Amidst these titans, France`s own Wawa emerged not just as a contender, but as the undeniable force. Wawa is no stranger to the grand stage; his trophy cabinet already boasts an Evo title and a 2022 World Championship in Dragon Ball FighterZ. He brought this wealth of experience and finely-honed skill to 2XKO, and it showed. His path through the 256-player bracket was nothing short of dominant, a masterclass in adapting to a new meta on the fly.
His journey through the Winners Bracket saw him dispatching formidable opponents with surgical precision. A pivotal moment came in the Winners Semi-Finals, where he faced off against the esteemed SonicFox, securing a decisive 2-1 victory. This win propelled him into the Grand Finals via the Winners side, where he awaited his final opponent. That opponent, after battling through the Losers Bracket, turned out to be none other than Supernoon, who had fought his way back after an earlier encounter with Wawa.
A Dominant Grand Finals Display
The Grand Finals pitched Wawa against Supernoon in a highly anticipated rematch. However, what unfolded was a showcase of Wawa`s superior understanding and execution in 2XKO. He systematically dismantled Supernoon, securing a commanding 3-1 victory. The result was not merely a win; it was a statement. Wawa`s performance signaled his early, overwhelming domination of the 2XKO competitive landscape. SonicFox, despite a valiant effort, finished in a respectable third place, while Leffen rounded out the Top 8 in 7th-8th.
“Just won 2XKO at Evo France!” Wawa shared in a triumphant post. “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!”
The Future of 2XKO Esports and Wawa`s Journey
Wawa`s victory at Evo France 2025 isn`t just a personal triumph; it`s a significant milestone for 2XKO. It validates Riot`s esports vision and provides a tangible benchmark for aspiring players. With a champion like Wawa leading the charge, the nascent 2XKO competitive scene has found its first true benchmark. It’s an intriguing development, especially considering Wawa`s current status as a free agent. Such a high-profile win early in a game`s lifecycle is bound to turn heads, making him a prime target for esports organizations looking to invest in the next big fighting game phenomenon.
As the FGC looks ahead, Wawa stands as the player to beat, a testament to skill, adaptability, and the relentless pursuit of mastery. His dominance at Evo France suggests that while 2XKO might be new, the spirit of competition and the rise of champions remains eternal. The gauntlet has been thrown, and the world now watches to see who will step up to challenge the game`s very first king.
