7 electrifying Evo matchups to get you hype for this weekend

The Evolution Championship Series is where the best in fighting games come to prove their skill. And when the best of the best come together to throw down, of course you’ll wind up with some seriously hype moments.

With Evo 2016 beginning Friday, this weekend is sure to be no different. So while the first competitors gear up for their pools matches, let’s look back through some of the most incredible matches from the event’s history.

1. Top 8 and grand final of Street Fighter 4, 2015

You can train your hands, your eyes, and your mind, but all the preparation in the world won’t save you from technical difficulties. The grand finals of Street Fighter at Evo 2015 were already wild, but the controller malfunction put the intensity through the roof. That last match is amazing, both for the gameplay and the sportsmanship, but watch the entire top 8 to see get the full impact of event of this moment.

2. Mango in Super Smash Bros Melee, 2013

After several years off the Evo games roster, Super Smash Bros Melee made a memorable return to the event with an amazing performance by Mango. He was already known as one of the best Smashers in the world in 2013, but his run through the loser’s bracket – complete with many pop-offs and a lost shirt – left no doubts.

3. Grand finals of King of Fighters, 2012

This marathon final has it all. Close games. Insane combos. Uncommon characters. International pride. King of Fighters may not be on the Evo roster this year, but it has given the fighting game community some great memories.

4. Semifinal of Street Fighter 4, 2013

Infiltration has long been a star of the Street Fighter community, thanks to his seemingly endless roster of characters played. This surprise switch to a barely-played character at Evo 2013 cemented his position as one of the greats.

5. Grand finals of BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma, 2014

Evo has been the scene of many an epic comeback, but one of the most intense runs out of the loser’s bracket happened with BlazBlue: Chrono Phantasma in 2014. A long series in the grand final between Garireo and Dogura makes it all the more exciting.

6. Noah playing Marvel vs Capcom 3, 2011

This one’s a charmer. In 2011, the bracket included by far the youngest player yet. Noah Solis not only participated in the tournament, but he also fought his way to the top 48 in Marvel vs Capcom 3 before finally going down to Chris G. Not bad for an 8-year-old.

7. Semifinal of Street Fighter III, 2004

No explanation needed. The amazing match up between Daigo and Justin Wong went down in the record books as "Moment #37." Just watch to get the full spectacle of it.