Riot Games has officially announced 2XKO community event rewards, giving players in-game bonuses simply for showing up and competing. The pilot programme, revealed by 2XKO community manager JulezJP, will reward players who take part in select grassroots tournaments, both online and offline.

https://t.co/X4CLOef0Mu

— 2XKO (@Play2XKO) February 19, 2026

It is an early-stage test, starting with two US-based events, but it signals a clear push from Riot to support the fighting game community that has formed around 2XKO.

2XKO Reward Eligible Events

The first two events included in the programme are Tampa Never Sleeps, commonly known as TNS, and FGC Meetups in Illinois.

TNS is an online weekly tournament played on the Americas server every Thursday, with rewards beginning from February 19. The event has become a regular proving ground for competitive players, with familiar names from the Frosty Faustings bracket regularly appearing.

FGC Meetups, meanwhile, is an offline local held in the Chicago, Illinois area every other Friday starting February 20. The organisers were also behind the brackets at Frosty Faustings XVIII, where nearly 1,000 competitors helped kick off 2XKO’s 2026 esports season.

According to Riot’s announcement, players will receive rewards regardless of placement, as long as they register and compete.

In-Game Rewards Breakdown

There are three reward categories tied to the 2XKO community event rewards system: participation, attendance, and winning.

Participation is the most straightforward. Players earn 1,000 Credits for entering and playing in an online event, or 2,000 Credits for attending an offline event.

Attendance rewards consistency. If a player shows up to the same event five or more times, they will unlock the “Casual Suit” avatar outfit. Riot notes that this cosmetic is not yet available in-game, and qualifying players will receive it in a future content update once it is added.

Winning an eligible event grants a special in-game title, “Local Legend 2026.” Like the outfit, this title will be delivered once it is implemented in a later update.

How To Claim Your 2XKO Community Event Rewards

To receive rewards, players must link their start.gg account with their Riot Games account and ensure their Riot account is in good standing, meaning no bans or penalties. Registration for the events must be completed through start.gg.

Riot confirmed that rewards will be granted within a few days after the event concludes.

JulezJP described the initiative as a pilot programme. If the test performs well, Riot may expand it to more tournament organisers in the future. Tournament organisers interested in joining future waves are invited to apply through Riot’s form, which was shared alongside the announcement.

2XKO’s 2026 Competitive Season Already Underway

The timing of the announcement is notable, as 2XKO’s 2026 competitive season recently began at Frosty Faustings XVIII in Illinois. The event featured close to 1,000 participants and saw ONi Global’s bleed defeat Evil Geniuses player Steve “Supernoon” Carbajal in the grand finals.

Supernoon quickly bounced back the following weekend by taking the title at GENESIS X3, underlining just how active the early 2026 circuit already is.

Upcoming Challenger events include Texas Showdown and viennality XL at the end of March, followed by EVO Japan as the second major of the season. While those larger tournaments sit at the top of the competitive ladder, Riot’s new reward system shows clear intent to strengthen the grassroots layer beneath them.

For players grinding locals or weeklies, the message is simple. Show up, compete, and your 2XKO account will reflect the effort.

The post 2XKO Community Event Rewards: Players Can Now Earn In-Game Credits And Titles appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games has officially revealed the 2XKO EU Community Series Season 1 roadmap, kicking off a new structured path for European players with a fully paid trip to EVO 2026 in Las Vegas up for grabs. Running from February 18 through April 13, 2026, Season 1 acts as a beta phase for what Riot describes as a long-term competitive home for the European 2XKO scene.

The 2XKO EU Community Series officially begins on February 18 and runs through April 13!

“From your local bracket to EVO Las Vegas. Season 1 is the first step in building a long-term competitive home for the European 2XKO community”

Full details: https://t.co/sUgUjPghJv pic.twitter.com/RvigVH4JlJ

— 2XKO News (@2XKOIntel) February 18, 2026

Rather than replacing existing grassroots events, the 2XKO EU Community Series is designed to connect them. Riot’s stated philosophy shifts the focus from “Play to Win” to “Play to Belong”, rewarding consistency across multiple tournaments instead of a single standout result.

Season 1 Structure And Key Dates

Season 1 runs from February 18 to April 13, with the live Season Finale taking place April 18 to 19, 2026. The winning team at the finale will earn a fully paid trip, including flights and accommodation, to compete at EVO Las Vegas 2026, scheduled for June 26 to 28.

In addition to the regional qualification spots, Riot has also confirmed an MVP award. The player who finishes Season 1 ranked number one on the EU Leaderboard, based on total Circuit Points earned across all eligible events, will be crowned Season 1 MVP and receive a commemorative trophy.

Season 1 is currently focused on four competitive regions:

• France
• Spain
• DACH
• UK and Nordics

At the end of the season, the top two players from each region will qualify for the Season Finale as regional representatives.

Players outside these four regions are still eligible to compete in both online and offline events, earn Circuit Points, and climb the EU Leaderboard. Riot says participation across Season 1 will help shape how the ecosystem expands in future seasons.

Three Official Event Types Explained

The 2XKO EU Community Series introduces what Riot calls a “unified competitive layer” built around three official event categories: Online Community Locals, Community Locals, and Community Nationals. All official events are managed through start.gg, where registration, brackets, Circuit Points, and the EU Leaderboard are tracked in one place.

Points scale throughout the bracket, and repeat participation is encouraged. Consistency across events is key, with scoring caps in place for certain formats.

Online Community Locals

Online Community Locals allow players to compete from home and earn Circuit Points. For Season 1, only the top two online results will count toward a player’s overall season score.

These events provide accessible entry points for players who may not be able to travel to offline tournaments.

Community Locals

Community Locals are offline grassroots events designed to strengthen regional scenes. In this category, a player’s top three results count toward their season score.

Confirmed Community Locals include:

These events anchor the series in established European FGC hubs while leaving room for expansion.

Community Nationals

Community Nationals represent the highest tier of offline events in Season 1 and offer the largest Circuit Point rewards. In this category, all results count toward a player’s season total, with no scoring cap.

Confirmed Community Nationals include:

These events are expected to draw broader participation and serve as major Circuit Point opportunities ahead of the Season Finale.

Road To The Season Finale

Across all event types, players earn Circuit Points that feed into both regional leaderboards and the overall EU Leaderboard. At the end of Season 1, the top two players from each of the four activated regions qualify for the Season Finale on April 18 to 19.

The finale will be broadcast as a special event, bringing together qualified representatives to compete for the grand prize trip to EVO Las Vegas 2026.

Riot has framed Season 1 as a beta phase, emphasising that the structure will evolve based on participation and feedback. The company also confirmed that official Community Nationals and Community Locals receive structured support, including leaderboard integration, promotional amplification, broadcast overlays, rulebooks, and, in the case of Community Nationals, financial contributions with a minimum percentage directed to prize pools.

All official events must adhere to Riot’s Competitive Code of Conduct and standard tournament formats, with start.gg management required.

How To Register For 2XKO EU Community Series

Players looking to get involved can register through the official 2XKO EU Community Series page on start.gg, where the full calendar and event listings are available.

Riot has also launched an official Discord server that acts as the central hub for players and organisers, offering updates, team recruitment, and event coordination.

For tournament organisers, Riot is accepting interest for future official stops through its 2XKO Competitive Event Submission Form.

With a clear path from local brackets to EVO Las Vegas, the 2XKO EU Community Series Season 1 roadmap signals Riot’s push to formalise and strengthen the European competitive ecosystem. If the beta phase lands well, this could become a long-term foundation for 2XKO esports in the region.

The post 2XKO EU Community Series Season 1 Roadmap Revealed With EVO 2026 Trip On The Line appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games has confirmed that Akali and Senna are joining 2XKO in 2026, marking the first major champion reveal since the team outlined its revised plans for the year. The announcement comes as Riot continues reshaping its approach to the League of Legends fighting game following internal restructuring and a slower-than-expected launch period.

Game Director Shaun “Unconkable” Rivera shared the update directly with players on 13 February, confirming both characters are currently in development and offering a broader look at what is next for 2XKO.

Akali And Senna Officially Revealed For 2XKO

Akali is set to become 2XKO’s next playable champion. Staying true to her assassin roots from League of Legends, she is described as a sharp, stylish ninja built around precision and lethal execution. Early previews position her as a fast-paced character designed to reward strong reactions and creative combo routing.

Senna, meanwhile, brings a very different toolkit. Wielding her relic cannon, she will alternate between long-range pressure and close-range spectral aggression. According to Riot, Senna can control space with ranged blasts before shifting into a wraith-like form to rush opponents down.

Riot had previously confirmed that five champions are planned for 2026. Akali and Senna are the first two formally detailed following that roadmap confirmation in January.

Development Update Follows Team Restructuring

The champion reveal lands shortly after Riot acknowledged staffing changes within the 2XKO team. As reported in our earlier coverage, Riot Games reduced roughly half of the global development team after player engagement and overall momentum failed to meet expectations.

Executive Producer Tom Cannon previously confirmed the internal assessment that led to the changes. Riot also scaled its annual plan from five seasons down to three for 2026.

Despite that shift, Rivera emphasised that the team remains fully committed to building 2XKO for the fighting game community, particularly those invested in high-level competitive play.

Local Duo Mode In Development

Beyond new champions, Riot is actively developing a Local Duo Mode. This feature will allow two players to team up locally in couch co-op and compete online together, leaning into the game’s tag-based mechanics.

The goal is to make duo play more accessible and strengthen the social experience, particularly for console audiences. 2XKO recently ranked among the top three most downloaded titles on PlayStation Plus, giving Riot incentive to further support that player base.

While no release date has been confirmed, Rivera stated that Local Duo Mode is a top priority and the team is working to implement it as quickly as possible.

Balance Changes And Competitive Focus

Riot also addressed ongoing balance discussions. Rivera clarified that 2XKO will remain fast-paced with a high skill ceiling. The team does not plan to slow the game down, instead focusing on refining character identities.

Yasuo and Ekko were specifically mentioned. While considered some of the flashiest characters on the roster, Riot acknowledged that their weaknesses are not currently defined clearly enough at top-level play. Adjustments are planned to ensure each champion has more distinct strengths and trade-offs.

On the competitive side, the 2026 Challenger Series is already underway. The next event takes place at Genesis X3, with Riot continuing to invest in tournament support. The publisher is also building a new programme that will provide local tournament organisers with exclusive in-game prizing that cannot be earned elsewhere, aiming to strengthen grassroots communities.

Ranked Issues And Technical Fixes

Riot briefly touched on a few ongoing concerns. The team is monitoring edge cases in the Ranked matchmaking system to ensure fairer matches, particularly at higher tiers.

Console players have also raised concerns about screen tearing during gameplay. Riot confirmed it is working on a future update to address this issue, though no timeline was provided.

What This Signals For 2XKO In 2026

The confirmation of Akali and Senna helps stabilise the conversation around 2XKO after a turbulent few weeks. With a leaner development team and a trimmed seasonal roadmap, Riot appears focused on depth over volume, prioritising core gameplay clarity, competitive integrity, and social accessibility.

More details on both champions are expected in the coming months, including full gameplay breakdowns. For now, players have two major additions to theorycraft around as 2XKO continues shaping its identity within the fighting game scene.

The post 2XKO Confirms Akali And Senna As Upcoming Heroes For 2026, Riot Outlines Next Roadmap appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Riot Games has confirmed significant layoffs affecting its League of Legends fighting game 2XKO, cutting roughly half of the game’s global development team just months after its wider release. The move follows internal assessments that player engagement and overall momentum have not met expectations needed to sustain a larger team long term.

https://t.co/hC8FMwUjAF

— Riot Games (@riotgames) February 9, 2026

The decision was outlined in a public statement from 2XKO executive producer Tom Cannon, who described the change as a difficult but deliberate shift rather than a signal that the game is being abandoned.

Riot Confirms Team Reduction On 2XKO

In his message to the community, Cannon said Riot is “reducing the size of the 2XKO team” after reviewing how players engaged with the game following its expansion from PC to console. While 2XKO has found what he described as a passionate core audience, overall growth has not reached the level Riot needs to support the original team size over time.

With a smaller and more focused team, Riot plans to concentrate on improving key parts of the game, including issues the community has already been vocal about. Cannon added that more details on these improvements will be shared in the future.

Around 80 Developers Impacted By Layoffs

According to reporting from Game Developer, a Riot Games spokesperson confirmed that approximately 80 employees were laid off as part of the restructuring. That figure represents around half of 2XKO’s global development staff.

Riot stated that affected developers will be given opportunities to apply for other roles within the company. Those who are unable to transition internally will receive a minimum of six months’ notice pay and severance, which Cannon described as a priority during the process.

Competitive Plans Remain Unchanged

Despite the scale of the layoffs, Riot stressed that support for 2XKO is continuing. Cannon confirmed that plans for the 2026 Competitive Series are unchanged, with Riot remaining committed to working alongside tournament organisers and local fighting game communities.

The studio framed the decision as a shift in operations rather than a judgment on the developers who worked on the game, emphasising that the team behind 2XKO invested years of creative effort into bringing it to life.

Community Reaction Highlights Frustration

The announcement sparked immediate backlash across social media, with many players questioning why layoffs happened so early in the game’s life. Common criticisms focused on limited marketing, a small launch roster, controversial skin pricing, and a perception that management decisions, not developer effort, were responsible for the game’s slow traction.

Others argued that releasing a tag fighter aimed heavily at Arcane fans, while overlooking broader fighting game community preferences, hurt 2XKO’s ability to attract a wider audience. Several players also pointed to the console launch timing and shop structure as missed opportunities.

A Long Development Road And An Uncertain Future

2XKO has been in development in some form for nearly a decade, dating back to Riot’s 2016 acquisition of Radiant Entertainment, the studio founded by the Cannon brothers. That long gestation has made the current situation particularly jarring for fans who expected a longer runway before major cuts.

Riot insists the game is not being shelved, but the layoffs underline the pressure facing even large studios when new titles struggle to find momentum quickly.

For now, 2XKO continues with a smaller team, unchanged competitive plans, and a clear mandate to prove its long-term viability. Whether those promised improvements can rebuild confidence, both inside the studio and within the fighting game community, is the question that now hangs over Riot’s newest fighter.

The post Riot Games Lays Off Half of 2XKO Team After Slow Momentum appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

2XKO is officially gearing up for a massive competitive year. Following the game’s recent console launch, Riot Games has unveiled the full 2026 esports roadmap, confirming dates, locations, and structure for the 2XKO Competitive Series.

sign up for the 2xko competitive series 2026! find our full calendar of events and how to register here: https://t.co/Q0nm0zvooV pic.twitter.com/g4UU3wcQ55

— 2XKO (@Play2XKO) January 21, 2026

The circuit will feature five Major tournaments and 15 Challenger events across multiple regions, all Riot-sponsored and run in partnership with community organisers. With the first Major just days away, the publisher has now laid out what players and fans can expect for the rest of the year.

A New Competitive Structure For 2026

Riot has confirmed that 2XKO’s competitive events will no longer be grouped by in-game seasons. While this approach was originally planned, the developer says the seasonal format is still evolving. Separating esports events from in-game seasons gives Riot more flexibility, and allows it to support more tournaments overall.

This change also comes alongside a reduction in in-game seasons for 2026, dropping from five to three, while still ensuring the competitive scene delivers five Major champions across the year.

Every Confirmed 2XKO Major And Challenger Event In 2026

Below is the current competitive calendar for 2026. Riot notes that some late-year Challenger events are still being finalised, and the list will be updated as more details and registration links become available.

Major events are highlighted in bold.

Riot has currently revealed 11 Challenger tournaments, with four additional events expected to be announced later in the year.

Image Credit: Riot Games

Frosty Faustings Kicks Off The Season

The 2026 season begins with Frosty Faustings XVIII, the first Major of the year, running from January 29 to February 1 in Illinois. The tournament is set to feature 962 players and a combined prize pool of $50,000, split among the top 24 competitors.

we’ll be at @frostyfaustings jan 29-feb 1 with:
– the first-ever 2xko competitive series major event
– a special duos-only tournament
– dev vs pros showmatch
– developer meet n greets
– free popcorn & swag
– and more!

here’s everything to know before you go:… pic.twitter.com/IiUDngRDer

— 2XKO (@Play2XKO) January 23, 2026

From there, the spotlight shifts heavily to EVO, with Major events at Evo Japan in May, Evo Las Vegas in June, and Evo France in October. The final Major of the year will be Battle Coliseum in São Paulo, closing out the competitive season in November.

Challenger Events Span The Globe

Challenger tournaments will take place between Major events and cover a wide range of regions. After Genesis X3 and Texas Showdown in the United States, the circuit expands to Austria, Australia, France, the UK, Canada, Brazil, and Puerto Rico.

With 15 total Challenger events planned, Riot says registrations are already open for selected tournaments, and more sign-up details will be added over time.

Frame Perfect Skins Launch January 29

Riot has also confirmed that Frame Perfect, the competitive-themed skin bundle, launches on January 29. Featuring Frame Perfect Ekko and Ahri, every purchase helps fund prize pools and tournament operations for future 2XKO Competitive Series events.

Image Credit: Riot Games

The bundle will return to the in-game store around each Major event, with proceeds supporting tournaments that take place after the skins leave the store.

More Updates Still To Come

Riot has made it clear that this is not the final word on the 2026 calendar. Some late-year events are still being confirmed, and additional registration links will be added as details are locked in.

Whether you’re planning to compete, support a friend, or just soak in the atmosphere, 2026 is shaping up to be a landmark year for 2XKO esports.

The post 2XKO Reveals Full 2026 Esports Calendar With Five Major Events And 15 Challengers appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

American esports organisation M80 has officially expanded its fighting game ambitions, announcing the signing of Jo’siah “Hikari” Miller as a professional player for 2XKO. The move marks a major return to the FGC scene for M80, adding one of the most decorated tag fighter players of the modern era to its roster.

Fight club expanded ✅

welcome @HikariNYC to M80 2XKO! pic.twitter.com/BO9JeWPLxh

— M80 💣 (@M80gg) December 30, 2025

A Proven Champion Joins M80

Hikari is widely regarded as one of the greatest Dragon Ball FighterZ players of all time. His competitive resume includes championship victories at Evo 2023 and Evo France 2025, as well as back to back World Tour Finals titles in 2024 and 2025. Those achievements cemented his status as a defining figure in the Dragon Ball FighterZ esports era.

Now, Hikari brings that experience and winning mentality into Riot Games’ new tag team fighter, as M80 looks to establish itself in the rapidly growing 2XKO ecosystem.

Hikari’s 2XKO Journey So Far

Hikari has been actively competing in 2XKO throughout 2025, starting with the TNS Alpha Lab 2 tournament back in April. Since then, he has appeared across multiple high profile events, including a third place finish at the 2XKO tournament during DreamHack Atlanta 2025 and the FlyQuest 2XKO Christmas Clash.

He has also picked up several tournament wins along the way, most recently claiming victory at IB Games First Impact 2. Many of these community driven competitions were supported by Riot Games’ First Impact initiative, helping Hikari earn close to $10,000 in prize money so far during his early 2XKO career.

A Big Step For M80 And The FGC

M80 is best known for its presence in titles such as Counter-Strike 2, Rainbow Six Siege and Rocket League. The signing of Hikari signals a clear commitment to the fighting game community and a renewed focus on the FGC.

This is not M80’s first step into fighting games. The organisation previously signed Street Fighter player Samuel “EndingWalker” Arm, who competed in events such as the Topanga World Championship while representing M80 in 2023. Bringing in a player of Hikari’s calibre, however, represents the organisation’s most high profile FGC move to date.

What’s Next For 2XKO In 2026

2XKO made significant progress in 2025, moving into early access and hosting its first official tournament at Evo France 2025. Momentum is expected to continue into 2026, with the arrival of Caitlyn, a popular League of Legends champion, joining the roster in January.

Leaks have also suggested that 2XKO will officially launch on January 20 across PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. On the competitive side, one of the first major events of the year will take place at Frosty Faustings XVIII, where a mixed mode 2XKO tournament is scheduled for January 30, 2026. Riot Games has also confirmed that 2XKO will feature at Evo 2026 and Evo Japan, further solidifying its place in the global FGC calendar.

With Hikari now representing M80, all eyes will be on how quickly the Dragon Ball FighterZ legend can translate his success into Riot Games’ newest fighting title.

The post M80 Signs Dragon Ball FighterZ Legend Hikari As 2XKO Player appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A Legendary Rivalry Lights Up DreamHack Atlanta

DreamHack Atlanta 2025 delivered one of the most electric moments in fighting game esports this year, as William ‘Leffen’ Hjelte defeated Dominique ‘SonicFox’ McLean to win the 2XKO championship. The two legendary figures of the fighting game community (FGC) clashed in a thrilling showdown that highlighted the early competitive potential of Riot Games’ new 2v2 platform fighter.

The event, which carried a $5,000 prize pool, was part of Riot’s First Impact program, a global initiative supporting 22 community-led tournaments designed to jumpstart the 2XKO esports scene.

Congrats @TSM_Leffen on winning 2XKO at DreamHack Atlanta! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/qnliUuvIgW

— 2XKO Intel (@2XKOIntel) November 2, 2025

Leffen’s Path to Victory

Both Leffen and SonicFox were dominant throughout the tournament, cruising through the early brackets with commanding performances. The Upper Bracket matchup between the two set the tone for the weekend, with Leffen taking the set 3-1 to advance directly to the Grand Finals.

SonicFox, ever the competitor, bounced back in the Lower Bracket by defeating Jo’siah ‘Hikari’ Miller in a clean victory to earn a rematch. What followed was an incredible display of skill, strategy, and grit that had the Atlanta crowd roaring.

In the Grand Finals, SonicFox managed to pull off a wild comeback, even surviving with just 4 HP to reset the bracket with a 3-1 win. But in the end, it was Leffen who prevailed, edging out a close 3-2 victory in the reset to secure the title and $2,000 in prize money.

“Absolutely insane finals, had so much fun. GGs to Sonic and everyone else,” Leffen tweeted after the win. “Just won in 2XKO and all I wanna do is keep playing to keep getting better so I can play to my potential. Been since Melee since I felt this hunger.”

A New Era for the Fighting Game Community

Leffen’s win marks a major statement for the competitive 2XKO scene. Known for his success in Super Smash Bros. Melee and Guilty Gear Strive, the Swedish player seems fully committed to mastering Riot’s new fighter. Many fans are already calling this victory his “God Killer” return, a reference to his infamous Melee days when he regularly took down the top players in the world.

SonicFox, meanwhile, remains one of the most decorated FGC competitors in history, boasting multiple EVO titles across Mortal Kombat, Injustice, Dragon Ball FighterZ, and Skullgirls. Despite the loss, they showed remarkable adaptation and creativity throughout the tournament, proving why they remain one of the best in the business.

After the event, SonicFox praised the 2XKO competitive environment but expressed curiosity about the game’s future balance updates. “The biggest thing I’m hoping for is an update on when the next balance changes for 2XKO are,” they said. “I’m excited to go home and study more 2XKO though! My next study is Duos.”

Leffen replied with a simple but telling response: “Same.”

2XKO’s Esports Future Looks Bright

With standout performances from both players, DreamHack Atlanta offered a glimpse into the future of 2XKO esports. Riot’s early support through its First Impact program, which has already hosted events like EVO France 2025 — is setting the stage for what could become one of the next big titles in the FGC.

Leffen currently mains Teemo and Yasuo, while SonicFox continues to experiment with various team combinations. With more patches, balance changes, and new champions expected soon, both players are poised to remain key figures in shaping the early meta.

As 2XKO continues to evolve, one thing is clear, the rivalry between Leffen and SonicFox is far from over, and fans are here for every match.

The post Leffen Crowned 2XKO Champion at DreamHack Atlanta 2025 After Beating SonicFox in Grand Finals appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

A New Chapter for Riot’s 2XKO

A fresh and heartwarming storyline is unfolding in the fighting game community (FGC) as a pair of Japanese twins, known as 2WINz, continue to dominate the Asian servers in 2XKO. The brothers, Haru and Toshi, are currently ranked first and second in Japan, and their synergy has captivated fans around the world.

They’re twins 👥
They’re ranked #1 and #2 on the Japanese server 🇯🇵
And they play as a duo, one of the most beautiful story in 2XKO ❤️@2WINz25 just registered for IBGAMES this Sunday

Now featuring top players from Japan, the US, and Europe

SEKAI 🌍 https://t.co/oT6z0eZxJT pic.twitter.com/ykNfV3dSH0

— ib (@Chez_ib) October 17, 2025

The duo’s rise has turned into a viral sensation across social media, with thousands of players falling in love with their near-telepathic coordination. They’ve been streaming 2XKO matches, competing together in tournaments, and sharing moments that feel straight out of an esports documentary.

From Ranked Ladder to Tournament Glory

The buzz began when fans noticed that the top two players on the Japanese 2XKO leaderboards were twins, both using the same duo name, 2WINz. Soon after, clips of them playing together spread across X (formerly Twitter), with fans calling their teamwork “beautiful” and “magical.”

They’ve already won tournaments in Japan, including recent showings that had audiences cheering both in-game and online. Their latest registration for IBGAMES, a major regional event featuring top players from Japan, the US, and Europe, has only added more hype to their story.

Je viens de tomber sur des jumeaux qui stream ensemble et jouent en duo sur 2XKO

Désolé mais ça a trop trop trop de flow, le mode duo peut raconter tellement de belle histoires en e-sport je suis pressé pic.twitter.com/OZruK11EBg

— ib (@Chez_ib) September 24, 2025

Riot’s 2XKO, which lets two players team up to control one champion each, was designed for moments like this, where coordination, trust, and emotion collide in fast-paced duels. Watching twins who seem to share the same brain makes it feel almost unfair to everyone else, but also deeply fascinating to watch.

“They Play Like One Person”

The FGC has always celebrated individual mastery, but 2XKO is redefining that. Haru and Toshi’s ability to fight in perfect rhythm has stunned veteran players and creators alike. Content creator Gerald Lee (Core-A-Gaming), known for his deep dives into fighting game psychology, even joked that the twins “need a documentary” after losing to them online.

Got crushed by these guys online, and it made me realize how strong a good duo can be. If you can coordinate perfectly, then you also get the benefit of splitting the mental stack and pressure. Twins too? These guys need a documentary. https://t.co/Wz5BXJ5mcK

— Gerald Lee (@CoreAGaming) October 21, 2025

Fans have described the pair’s chemistry as something beyond skill — “twin telepathy,” some say. Their emotional connection and mirrored reactions have made their matches must-watch moments for the community.

“I’m jealous I don’t have a twin to do this with,” one fan wrote on X. Others compared them to legendary fighting duos like Super Smash Bros. teams, calling the 2WINz story “the most beautiful thing to ever happen to the FGC.”

The Future of Duos in Fighting Games

While 2WINz are currently the face of this new movement, they represent a bigger shift in how people see fighting games. Traditionally a 1v1 genre, 2XKO is giving rise to dynamic duos, friendship-based rivalries, and heartwarming narratives that remind everyone why esports is more than just competition.

The game’s design, where two champions can tag in and assist each other, encourages creativity, coordination, and emotional storytelling in ways we rarely see in the FGC.

And if 2WINz are anything to go by, we’re just scratching the surface of what this format can offer.

A Story Just Beginning

The twins have started uploading content to YouTube and Twitch, sharing behind-the-scenes looks at their gameplay, strategies, and sibling bond. Their growing fanbase is eager to follow every new chapter of their journey.

As one user put it, “We’re watching the beginning of something big.”

With 2XKO still in its early days and Riot Games pushing the scene forward, 2WINz could very well become the faces of a new generation in fighting esports, one built not just on skill, but on connection.

The post Japanese Twins Toshi & Haru 2WINz Are Taking Over 2XKO And The FGC Is Loving Every Second appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

EVO France 2025 has made history as the first-ever European edition of the world’s most iconic fighting game tournament, and it already delivered a legendary moment. French prodigy Marwan “Wawa” Berthe claimed victory in the inaugural 2XKO tournament, securing his place as the first-ever champion in Riot Games’ new 2v2 fighter.

Just won 2XKO at EVO France! 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! (And still free agent) https://t.co/O91uKvyxRX

— Wawa (@Wawa_FGC) October 12, 2025

Held from October 10 to 12 in Nice, EVO France marked the start of Riot’s First Impact series, a global initiative designed to introduce 2XKO to the competitive fighting game community. With the game freshly launched in early access on PC, this debut event was packed with world-class talent, including FGC superstars Dominique “SonicFox” McLean, William “Leffen” Hjelte, and Steve “Supernoon” Carbajal.

Despite fierce competition, it was the home hero Wawa who stood tall. Known for his Dragon Ball FighterZ dominance, including an EVO title and the 2022 World Championship, Wawa showed that his precision and adaptability translate perfectly into Riot’s new brawler.

He stormed through the upper bracket, defeating SonicFox 2-1 in the Winners Semi-Finals before taking down Supernoon 2-0 to reach the Grand Final. There, he met Supernoon again and sealed the deal 3-1 in front of an electrified French crowd. Across nine matches, Wawa dropped only three rounds, an impressive feat considering the calibre of players in attendance.

He also reminded fans he’s still a free agent, a detail that’s sure to get esports organisations’ attention after such a performance.

The top three for 2XKO’s EVO France debut were:
🥇 Marwan “Wawa” Berthe (France)
🥈 Steve “Supernoon” Carbajal (United States) – Twisted Minds
🥉 Dominique “SonicFox” McLean (United States) – Luminosity Gaming

Other notable names in the Top 8 included Kev “K7 Showoff” Hunt, Callum “Mystic” White, Jo’siah “Hikari” Miller, William “Leffen” Hjelte, and Senshii.

Wawa’s win marks the beginning of 2XKO’s competitive journey, and if the EVO France crowd was anything to go by, Riot Games’ League of Legends-inspired fighter has a bright future ahead in the FGC.

The post Wawa Becomes First 2XKO Champion at EVO France 2025 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

The Evolution Championship Series (Evo) is coming back to Nice, France, in 2026 following the massive success of its debut European event earlier this year.

Evo France 2025 marked a major milestone for the fighting game community (FGC) as the first-ever Evo tournament to be held in Europe. After an electrifying three-day spectacle in Nice, the organisers have now confirmed that the event will return next year, running from October 9th to 11th, 2026.

𝗔 𝗹𝗲𝗴𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻.

See you in 2026. pic.twitter.com/nZd7ILOCCl

— Evo France (@Evo_France) October 12, 2025

Evo France’s official X account shared the news with a simple but powerful message: “A legendary first edition. See you in 2026.” Fans quickly filled the replies with excitement and promises to attend, calling the event one of the best in Evo history.

The 2025 edition wasn’t just historic, it was packed with big moments. It hosted the official tournament debut of Riot Games’ new 2v2 fighter, 2XKO, where French prodigy Marwan “Wawa” Berthe claimed the title in front of a home crowd. The event also featured iconic staples of the FGC like Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8.

Beyond the games, Evo’s 2025 calendar has been transformative. The organisation has seen major ownership changes, with NODWIN Gaming acquiring the majority stake from Sony Interactive Entertainment in August, and Saudi Arabia’s Qiddiya fully acquiring Evo’s tournament operator RTS the following month. These moves signal Evo’s ambitions to expand its global footprint even further.

Evo France 2026 won’t just be a return, it’s a statement that the FGC in Europe is thriving. With growing hype around titles like 2XKO, Tekken 8, and Street Fighter 6, next year’s edition in Nice could be even bigger.

Before that, fans can look forward to Evo Japan 2026, set to take place from May 1st to 3rd in Tokyo.

Whether you’re a die-hard fighting game fan or just discovering the FGC, one thing’s clear: Evo France has made its mark, and the community can’t wait for round two.

The post Evo France Confirms 2026 Return After a Historic Debut appeared first on Shane the Gamer.