No other word perfectly describes the metamorphosis of the world’s largest annual gathering of fighting game enthusiasts better than its own name: Evolution.
After all, evolving is exactly what the tournament has done throughout the course of its 20 year history.
Last week, that journey, which began in 1996 as a 60-man arcade tournament called Battle by the Bay, culminated in a sort of mainstream coming out party at the monolithic, 12,000 seat Mandalay Bay Events center, which was broadcast on ESPN2.
One can only imagine the immense sense of pride and accomplishment that series organizer’s and founders Tom and Tony Cannon, and Joey Cuellar felt as that red light on top of the broadcast camera began shining on Evo’s inaugural television debut.
The stage itself was a massive technological wonder which displayed pictures of the competitor, as well as the characters they were using for the various titles being played.
However, despite the expanded excitement of the new venue, and the glitz and glamour that comes with a major television production, one thing remained the same: the chairs.
Liquid HungryBox stands in disbelief, during his run to the Super Smash bros. Melee championship at Evo 2016.
On top of that glorious Evo logo-shaped stage, sat not the fancy, expensive gaming specialty chairs, one might expect when their tournament is cast under a glaring spotlight, but regular chairs that one would find in any hotel conference room. The same type of chairs that have been seen at Evo main events for years.
There could be a number of reasons why those seats were not upgraded for such a momentous moment.
It could be that the majority of those who compete at Evo prefer those seats. They may have a stability advantage over the fancier branded gaming chairs, and thus, provide a peace of mind. One less thing to nag at the back of your head whilst in the heat of battle.
As for me, I like to think of those chairs as symbolic of a couple of different things.
First, one could make the argument that those chairs represent the every-man.
It’s been said that one of the things that makes video games so appealing, is that they allow an ordinary person to perform extraordinary feats that would otherwise be impossible to do. After all, not all of us have the demigod-like physical make-up of a Brock Lesnar, nor do many of us get to do things like play Quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. Ever wanted to be Batman? Better hope you have the physical skills, along with a fat wad of dough in order to live out that fantasy.
Video games, however, do allow us to virtually achieve those dreams and experiences that may otherwise be unattainable.
Players face off at last year’s Evo
The folks competing at high levels at Evo are not genetically superior athletes. They are just ordinary folks, like you and me who have dedicated a lot of time into honing their craft. Any one of us, if we devote enough time and attention to our craft, could one day earn a spot in an Evo grand final.
To me, the fact that those chairs on stage are no different than the ones in which many spectators sit, is representative of the idea that any one of us could be up on stage, occupying those seats. With enough work and luck, any of us has the potential to be the next Justin Wong, or the next L.I. Joe.
I also feel that those chairs are symbolic of the roots of the Evo tournament itself.
They sort of serve as a subconscious reminder of where this festival of fighting began. The use of those ordinary ball room chairs resting beneath a gargantuan, four-sided video display, created a fascinating juxtaposition of a tournament that has constantly grown, constantly evolved from humble beginnings. It’s a beautiful metaphor for past meeting present, showing just how far Evo has come, as well as how much can be achieved with hard work and determination.
Finally, the use of those standard ballroom chairs may serve as a way to cut through the distractions of the continuously growing tournament.
Evo 2016 evolved tremendously over previous years. However, the use of standard ballroom chairs has not changed. And I love it!
Because once you mentally strip away the roaring crowd, the bright lights, and the idea of being broadcast via a stream, or on ESPN2, it all comes down to two people.
Two ordinary people, on two ordinary chairs, determining who is the better competitor that night.
It was extremely exciting to see qthis year’s Evo dramatically expand, and I will continue to be excited for the tournament’s future. Plans are already underway for a second Evo tournament next year in Japan.
However, no matter how big Evo gets, and how much attention the tournament receives. I sincerely hope that they never replace those ordinary chairs.
Written by The Watchman
He’s also an actor, a reporter, a pro wrestling connoisseur, and some say he’s a cat whisperer.
If you have any questions or just want to drop me a line, hit me up at thewatchman@butthole.nerdbacon.com
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