Crunchyroll, the global leader in providing the ultimate anime experience to fans worldwide, is set to deliver an electrifying showcase at the upcoming Evolution Championship Series (Evo) 2023 in Las Vegas. From August 4th – 6th, Crunchyroll will join forces with Evo to create an immersive experience that combines the worlds of anime and esports. The event will feature hit anime series, live performances, game demos, special guest appearances, and an array of merchandise, promising an unforgettable experience for gaming enthusiasts and anime fans alike.
Anime Meets Gaming
Crunchyroll’s participation at Evo centers around booth #K1, which will serve as a vibrant hub for attendees to engage with various anime touchpoints, including games, music, and merchandise. The booth is designed to capture the essence of popular anime through captivating visuals and sounds, transporting visitors into otherworldly realms. Key features of the Crunchyroll booth include:
1. Get hands-on with Games
Attendees will have the opportunity to play Street Fighter: Duel, the newly released game from the Street Fighter series. Players can step into the ring, collect, level up, and battle with over 40 beloved fighters from the franchise. Additionally, Crunchyroll Subscribers can explore the Subscriber Super Arcade for a chance to win incredible prizes throughout the weekend.
2. Free Live Performances
Crunchyroll has curated an exciting lineup of artists and DJs who will be performing for free during the entire event. Attendees can look forward to captivating performances by renowned acts such as K?D, Shihori, James Landino, Meirlin, Hyper Potions, VGR, and Kino. These artists will deliver anime and gaming-themed sets, adding an extra layer of excitement to the Evo experience.
3. Interactive Photo Ops
Capture your Evo experience with interactive photo opportunities featuring characters from popular series such as SPY x FAMILY, Hell’s Paradise, The Ancient Magus’ Bride, and JUJUTSU KAISEN. Crunchyroll will provide a state-of-the-art digital photo booth to immortalize your memories in a unique and interactive way.
4. Free Swag!
Crunchyroll’s booth will feature giveaways of popular anime streaming on their platform, offering attendees the chance to take home exclusive merchandise.
5. Merchandise
For the first time, Crunchyroll will have a dedicated merchandise section at Evo, offering a wide range of awesome anime-themed products for fans to purchase and enjoy.
6. And Much More!
Crunchyroll promises additional announcements regarding game collaborations and other exciting events happening at their booth. Attendees can look forward to surprises and further immersion into the anime and gaming worlds.
Record-Breaking Evo
Evo, the largest and longest-running fighting game tournament, is set to break records once again this year. The event has witnessed an astounding 81% increase in total competitors compared to the previous year. Notably, Street Fighter 6 achieved an all-time Evo registration record, with 7,061 competitors signing up, surpassing the previous record set by Street Fighter V in 2016. Other games such as Guilty Gear -Strive-, MELTY BLOOD: TYPE LUMINA, and Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 have also set new all-time franchise registration records. Evo 2023 is expecting over 20,000 ticketed competitors and spectators, representing a 33% increase from the previous year.
Rick Thiher, Evo’s General Manager, expressed excitement about Crunchyroll’s involvement, stating that Crunchyroll fans will be captivated by the largest Evo event to date. Thiher further emphasized the evolution of the convention, highlighting expanded activities such as a 10,000 square foot retro arcade, Industry and Community Showcases, artist alleys, and the presence of new vendors and exhibitors alongside the renowned tournaments.
Event Details
Evo 2023 will take place at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. on August 4th – 6th. The highly anticipated finals will be held in the sold-out Michelob ULTRA Arena. Doors will open at 8:30 a.m. on August 4th – 5th and at 9 a.m. on August 6th. Tickets can be purchased through the official Evo website at https://www.evo.gg/. The full schedule, as well as information about visiting vendors and exhibitors, will be announced in the coming weeks.