EVO 2021 Showcase in November Cancelled, Cites COVID-19 Safety for Players

As of today, EVO 2021's upcoming November Showcase has been cancelled. Citing the dangers of the new COVID-19 variant, Sony and EVO 2021 officials released a statement confirming they won't be holding the planned tournament. Here's what we know about it:

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EVO 2021 Showcase Cancelled

As seen on EVO's Twitter page, an official statement was sent out yesterday confirming EVO 2021's Showcase is cancelled. This statement confirms they've now halted the tournament and are contacting the regional winners of each main game that would've been in EVO 2021.

Previously, EVO 2021 was willing to fly in regional champions for Street Fighter 5, Tekken 7, Skullgirls, Guilty Gear Strive and Mortal Kombat 11 to compete in a top 8 format. Now, these fights won't happen anymore due to COVID-19 concerns.

Delta Variant Concerns

This tournament cancellation comes from new variants of the COVID-19 coronavirus. The official statement cites that the "continuing complications" of COVID-19 and its Delta variant poses a danger in holding the EVO 2021 Showcase.

Originally, the tournament was planning to include players worldwide. As COVID-19 hasn't been fully curbed and under control internationally, it's definitely a risk to hold this event like most Esports events.

What's Next

Nothing is set right now and those regional champions will be compensated. Fans who want to see them fight won't see them take the crown for themselves this year.

Along with the prestige and glory of winning a championship, fans also can't see any of the new announcements and reveals that traditionally come from major fighting game tournaments.

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