Riot Games is putting serious weight behind the fighting game community, announcing that it will sponsor 22 community-led 2XKO tournaments through its new First Impact programme.
Running through to the end of 2025, First Impact will support a mix of online and offline events across the Americas, Europe, and Asia during the game’s Early Access period, which kicks off on 7 October.
Image Credit: Riot Games
What First Impact Brings to the Table
Each tournament in the First Impact series is independently run by community organisers, but Riot is stepping in to sweeten the deal. Not only will these events get official backing, but Riot is also adding a $2,500 USD pot bonus for winning duos.
On top of the cash, the first-place team will also score an exclusive Local Legend player title for their 2XKO account. Riot calls this extra reward the Duo Bounty, a nod to the game’s central tag-team format.
According to Riot, the programme is designed to support grassroots organisers, give local players the chance to compete for meaningful prizes, and highlight rising talent in the 2XKO competitive scene.
The First Impact Tournament Lineup
The schedule is stacked, covering big-name events and regional showdowns alike. Here’s the full list of First Impact tournaments confirmed for 2025:
- October 10–12: Evo France: 2 NICE KO by The MixUp – Nice, France
- October 18: Delfino Maza KO – Online (LATAM North)
- October 18: IBgames First Impact #1 – Online (EMEA)
- October 19: DIY: Bonus Track – New York, United States
- October 25: Set & Reset: First Impact #1 – Online (EMEA)
- October 25–26: First Attack – San Juan, Puerto Rico
- October 25–26: Hades Club KO Arena – Online (LATAM South)
- October 31 – November 2: DreamHack Atlanta – Atlanta, United States
- November 1–2: SOOP Super Tournament – Online (APAC)
- November 8–9: R.I.S.C. 2025 – Los Angeles, United States
- November 9: IBgames First Impact #2 – Online (EMEA)
- November 14–16: Battle Coliseum – São Paulo, Brazil
- November 14–16: Midwest Mixfest – Minneapolis, United States
- November 15–16: INVATE APAC Cup – Online (APAC)
- November 15: Set & Reset: First Impact #2 – Online (EMEA)
- November 22: FGC Teamups – Chicago, United States
- November 28–30: Thaiger Uppercut – Bangkok, Thailand
- November 29–30: Mindset – Paris, France
- December 6–7: TNS 2XKO – Online (NA)
- December 6: 2XKO Korea Open – Seoul, South Korea
- December 7: 2XKO Japan Knockout – Tokyo, Japan
- December 13: FlyQuest – 2XKO Christmas Clash – Online (NA)
Riot has confirmed that this is just the beginning. The company will be collecting feedback from partnered organisers to shape its esports plans for 2026, hinting at even bigger competitive support next year.
2XKO Early Access Around the Corner
The sponsorship news lands just ahead of 2XKO’s Early Access launch on 7 October 2025, which follows the end of its closed beta. Early Access will deliver the first full-feature version of the game, complete with Season 0, combo trials, a new champion, and the game’s first battle pass.
Riot has also confirmed that any content earned during Early Access will carry over into the full release, giving players extra incentive to jump in early.
A Boost for the FGC
By backing community-run tournaments with prize pools and recognition, Riot is signalling that it’s serious about establishing 2XKO in the fighting game scene. Whether you’re looking to compete, organise, or just watch, First Impact is setting the stage for a big year ahead in 2XKO esports.