After More Than A Decade, Super Smash Bros. Will Be Missing From This Year’s EVO Roster

Upon the broad line of competitive fighting games that are on the market, there are only a select few that demonstrate to be definitive entries to showcase on the front stage for world competitions. For the sake of the Evolution Championship Series, entires such as Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter, and Super Smash Bros. remain notable features for the annual event.

However, the continuity of the EVO was put into question after the show faced scrutiny due to the actions of its founder, Joey Cuellar. Publishers in tow pulled from the event with no certain future for the event. But, it was soon after that Sony Interactive Entertainment shared its plans to outright acquire the organization. But, the only hesitation was where the firm would stand with Nintendo’s Super Smash Bros. moving forward.

Despite initial understandings suggesting to continue offering the platform to the Nintendo IP, it was recently announced ahead of the official roster reveal for EVO 2022 that Super Smash Bros. will be absent for the first time in over ten years.

“We want to let you know in advanced that Super Smash Bros. will not be making a return appearance,” the letterhead reveals. “Since 2007, we’ve seen historic Super Smash Bros.moments created at EVO’s events. We are saddened that Nintendo has chosen not to continue that legacy with us this year.”

In terms of the choice made by Nintendo, the firm has not disclosed the reasoning to its decision. It is to assume the reasoning is pinned on the PlayStation firm now fully owning the organization altogether, howbeit, there is no evidence concluding on the speculation at the time of reporting.

As for this year’s event, EVO previous announced that its 2022 show will be returning to Las Vegas, Nevada later this year. Yes, after two years, EVO is planning to make a return to in-person events once more. You can read the full report by heading here.

Are you surprised by the announcement for EVO?