Super Smash Bros. remains absent from the Evolution Championship Series (Evo), with no indication that the iconic franchise will return to the world's biggest fighting game tournament anytime soon. Once a staple of Evo's lineup, the series has not appeared at the event since Nintendo withdrew its support ahead of the 2022 edition, ending a partnership that had produced many memorable competitive moments.
Nintendo has never publicly provided a detailed explanation for its decision, but Evo organizers confirmed at the time that the publisher chose not to continue its long-standing relationship with the tournament. The move came shortly after Sony Interactive Entertainment acquired Evo, prompting speculation that the change in ownership influenced Nintendo's stance, although the company has never officially confirmed that as the reason.
Despite the split, Evo has repeatedly stated that it would welcome Super Smash Bros. back if Nintendo approves its return. Tournament officials have emphasized that the decision is not in Evo's hands, leaving any potential comeback dependent on Nintendo's willingness to participate in the future.
In the years since, the competitive Smash community has continued to thrive through independent events, while Evo has expanded its focus on publisher-backed fighting games such as Street Fighter, Tekken and Guilty Gear. Some industry observers believe the increasingly commercial direction of Evo differs from Smash's grassroots competitive culture, making a reunion less likely unless Nintendo changes its approach.
For now, Super Smash Bros. remains one of the most notable omissions from Evo's annual lineup. Although fans continue to hope for a return, there has been no announcement from Nintendo or Evo suggesting that the franchise will be reinstated in the foreseeable future.
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