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Riyadh is about to play host to one of the biggest fighting game tournaments of the year as Street Fighter 6 steps into the spotlight at the Esports World Cup 2025. Running from August 20–23, the event brings together 48 of the best players in the world for a $1 million prize pool and a shot at Capcom Cup glory.

For fans of the FGC, it’s sink or swim time, and the groups are looking brutal.

The Lone “God” Standing

For years, the “Five Gods” of Japanese fighting games dominated the competitive scene. Two were present at EWC 2025, but only Hajime “Tokido” Taniguchi made it into the main event. Daigo Umehara, arguably the most iconic name in Street Fighter history, fell short at the LCQ.

That leaves Tokido as the sole god in Riyadh. His group isn’t easy, though, he’s up against YHC-Mochi, Hikaru Nakatani, and U.S. contender Alan “Nephew” Sun. Fresh off his win at the Asian Champions League earlier this year, Tokido comes in with momentum, but the pressure will be massive.

Two Groups of Death

This Street Fighter 6 field is so stacked that we don’t just have one “group of death”, we’ve got two.

Street Fighter 6 EWC

Street Fighter 6 Groups | Image Credit: Esports World Cup

The first features MenaRD, the only two-time Capcom Cup champion and a three-time EVO winner. He opens against Michael “Riddles” Kim, best known for his Super Smash Bros. career but now making waves in SF6. Add Japanese legends Yusuke Momochi and Masaki Kawano, and you’ve got a group where anyone could go home early.

The second group is somehow just as deadly. Defending EWC champion Xiaohai, EVO 2024 champ Victor “Punk” Woodley, and Capcom Cup 2025 winner Kakeru Watanabe all clash here, with Toru Tachikawa, fresh out of the LCQ, thrown into the fire. Two of these giants will be eliminated in the opening phase.

Rivalries and Storylines to Watch

  • Xiaohai vs. GO1: A potential rematch from Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves earlier this year, where GO1 stunned Xiaohai in the finals. Could history repeat itself on the SF6 stage?
  • Tokido’s Run: With Daigo out, all eyes are on Tokido. Can he carry the torch for Japan’s legendary generation?
  • MenaRD’s Dominance: With a history of winning when it matters most, will the Dominican powerhouse secure another major title?

Format and Prize Pool

The main event uses a double-elimination format with best-of-five matches. A single slip could end a player’s journey, so consistency is key.

The prize money breakdown is as follows:

  • Champion: $250,000 + direct qualification to Capcom Cup 12
  • Runner-up: $130,000
  • 3rd–4th: $55,000 each
  • 5th–8th: $35,000 each

Street Fighter 6 x EWC Collaboration

Fans can also join the fun at home. Until August 31st, Street Fighter 6 features a special EWC Battle Hub event with exclusive nameplates and the chance to predict the EWC champion.

Where to Watch

All matches will be streamed live from Riyadh on the official Esports World Cup channels:

With international rivalries, groups of death, and legends chasing the $250,000 grand prize, Street Fighter 6 at EWC 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most unforgettable fighting game tournaments in years.

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Image Credit: Capcom