After Evo Online ran its course earlier this year, fans were anticipating a bit of a return to form with the in-person showcase slated for late November. Unfortunately, the major tournament series announced today that the Evo 2021 Showcase will no longer be taking place.

The in-person event was originally slated to take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 27–28 at the UFC Apex. There were to be five main fighting games on the official card, including Street Fighter 5, Tekken 7, Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate, Guilty Gear Strive, and Skullgirls 2nd Encore.

40 players were to be invited to compete across the five games (eight for each title), including the winners of each regional final for the respective game. These competitors would have been throwing down for a total prize pot of $125,000 — meaning $25,000 per game.

The reason for the pull out was concerns over the Delta variant of the Corona Virus. While many larger events are still taking place, it seems EVO's owners dont want to chance the risk of the tournament becoming a super spreader event and further taint its already smudged reputation.

You can read the entire statement regarding the Evo 2021 showcase below.

"The goal of the Evo Showcase is to bring together the best players from around the world in a live, in-person format. Due to the continuing complications of COVID-19 and the spread of the Delta Variant we have made the tough decision to cancel the Evo 2021 Showcase. The players invited to participate in the Evo 2021 Showcase represent many of the best fighters in the world.

We're incredibly saddened to cancel the event. The Evo team will be contacting each player individually to recognize their efforts. We remain dedicated to Evo's mission of celebrating the FGC, and will continue to work towards the return of the big, live events that you expect from us."

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