EVO 2026 opens in Las Vegas with game reveals

EVO 2026 opened June 26 at the Las Vegas Convention Center with a full day of fighting-game panels, exhibition matches and developer presentations.

The three-day event runs June 26–28. The Showcase program began at 10:00 a.m. Pacific on Twitch and YouTube and focused on developer panels, roster reveals and exhibition matches rather than the weekend’s main competitive finals.

Dead or Alive appeared early on the schedule, beginning with a four-player exhibition. Producer Yosuke Hayashi took the stage to discuss the series’ future after the June 24 release of Dead Or Alive 6 Last Round. Hayashi did not confirm a numbered sequel; the panel announced ongoing support for the franchise and introduced a new fighter named Minato.

Marvel Tokon: Fighting Souls ran a pre-release tournament on the Evo Showcase Stage ahead of its August 6 launch. The event provided a first competitive look at Magneto, Green Goblin and Carnage and allowed players to test matchups and balance before the game’s release.

Avatar Legends: The Fighting Game held a 7:00 p.m. Pacific panel to reveal its first downloadable character and to present vote candidates for a second fighter. The game is scheduled to launch on July 23.

Organizers scheduled additional developer updates and announcements across the day for 2XKO, Under Night In-Birth 2, Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves and Rivals of Aether 2.

Organizers plan larger reveals and the more competitive finals for Saturday and Sunday as the tournament progresses into its main brackets.

EVO brings together professional players, developers and fans for competition and publisher showcases. The Showcase program gives developers time to present new content and lets players try upcoming fighters and updates ahead of the weekend matches.