Super Smash Bros. will apparently not be returning to the Evolution Championship Series in the future. The decision to withdraw from the tournament was made by Nintendo for unknown reasons. The company has not yet released a statement on the matter. The event organizers remain hopeful that Nintendo will choose to partner with them in coming years.

Evo is an annual esports event focusing on fighting games. The open tournament routinely attracts contestants from all over the world to its current home in Las Vegas, Nevada. Evo has grown exponentially since the event was founded in 1996. The tournament is currently run by Sony Interactive Entertainment and the Endeavor Group.

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“While we’re thankful for all the amazing games joining us later this year in Las Vegas, we want to let you know in advance that Super Smash Bros. will not be making a return appearance,” the organizers announced. “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 the future, we hope to once again celebrate the Super Smash Bros. community alongside them.”

Evo was held online last year in order to fight the global pandemic. The tournament was canceled following allegations of sexual misconduct against one of its founders, Joey Cuellar, the year before.

Sony Evo Tournament

The tournament schedule has not yet been fully announced, but the current lineup includes Guilty Gear Strive, Mortal Kombat 11, Street Fighter 5, and Tekken 7. The upcoming events are going to be revealed in a livestream that will be taking place on March 8. Evo is scheduled for August.

Nintendo announced this past November that it would be partnering with Panda Global to start its own tournament. “Nintendo has enjoyed engaging with fans at past Evo tournaments and wish the show organizers the best with their new venture,” the company announced at the time. “We will continue to assess Evo, and other opportunities, as we plan for future online and offline Super Smash Bros. tournament activity.” The connection between its withdrawal from Evo and the creation of its own tournament remains unclear.

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