[TGS 2016] Attendees Take on Pro Gamer Team Evil Geniuses at Street Fighter V Showdown Tournament Presented by Monster Energy!

Popular fighting game players from North America’s top pro gaming team Evil Geniuses were at the Monster Energy booth at Tokyo Game Show 2016 on Sept. 17 (Sat.) and 18
(Sun.) to take on any and all challengers in a Street Fighter V tournament.

The event was kicked off by company Shinobism Inc. which is managed by Evil Geniuses members and the world’s first pro gamer married couple, Momochi and Choco. The company was founded just last year in Japan and is themed around “connecting people with games.”

Shinobism’s main focus is on starting a gaming community and training the next generation of fighting game players, and it was the company’s first time holding such a large event at TGS.

The main attraction at the Monster Energy booth during TGS 2016 was “Showdown with North America’s Strongest Pro Gamers! Street Fighter V - Evil Geniuses Tournament Battle” in which TGS attendees could take on members of Evil Geniuses for a chance to win a year’s supply of Monster Energy drinks if they bested each member.

The event was held over two days, with members Justin Wong, K-Brad, and Ricki Ortiz taking on attendees on the first day. A swarm of fans crowded around the booth in excitement to watch as Momochi and Choco emceed the event. On the second day, it was Momochi’s and Choco’s turn to take on attendees while also emceeing.

Regardless of there being other events for big name titles around the convention center ongoing at the same time, there was no end to the wave of fans who crowded around the booth, eyes glued to the monitors.

Though Momochi brought the golden arcade controller he received as the winner of EVO (The world’s largest gaming tournament held yearly in the U.S.) for challengers to use, among players who had a serious eye on winning were those who brought with them their own controller they’re accustomed to playing with, and people could be seen holding pad controllers waiting for their turn.

Even veteran gamers visited the event booth over the two days, but in the end the Monster Energy prize went unclaimed as players were defeated one by one by the members of Evil Geniuses. Participants weren’t just Japanese either, many were visiting TGS from overseas. Though everyone fought valiantly, there was nothing but smiles and handshakes after the end of each match, which no doubt gives a small peek at the vision that Shinobism is striving to achieve.

At the end of the roughly 1-hour event each day, the members of Evil Geniuses held a an autograph signing, resulting in a long line of fans at the booth.

For a closer look at the event, check out our video coverage below!