Evo 2013 Dates, Lineup: Event Expands to 8 Games, Kicks Off July 12 in Las Vegas

In just a few short months, gamers from all over the world will flock to Nevada and take part in Evo 2013, perhaps the most prominent fighting game tournament in the U.S. The Paris Las Vegas Hotel & Casino is set to host the growing competition from July 12-14, but until then contenders must train to earn seeds for the final round of battles. To place in the "Road to Evo," players must be in the top 16 winners of CEO, UFGT, Social Regionals, or Norcal Regionals. The event organizers have announced that competitors will not earn seeding points prior to the tournament.

Although the tournament will have its fair share of tense battles between the finalists, Shoryuyken promotes Evo as a relaxed social experience as well. The official site description reads, "You'll also find that our tournaments are about more than just winning. Evo events are open to anyone, feature many stations available for relaxed free play, and offer unique opportunities to meet people from different countries and different walks of life who share your passion. Established champions face off against unknown newcomers, and new rivals that might have only talked or fought online meet up and become old friends."

As for the lineup, sponsored games include Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3, Super Street Fighter IV: Arcade Edition, Tekken Tag Tournament 2, Mortal Kombat 9, Street Fighter X Tekken 2013, King of Fighters XIII, and Persona 4 Arena. An eighth game will also be chosen through a donation drive for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Whichever game raises the most money for the organization will be included in the roster.

Candidates include Guilty Gear XX Accent Core +R, Super Smash Bros. Melee, Super Smash Bros. Brawl, SFIII Third Strike Online Edition, Virtua Fighter 5, Divekick, Melty Blood Actress Again Current, MLP: Fighting is Magic, Playstation All-Stars Battle Royale, Dead or Alive 5, Capcom vs. SNK 2, Injustice, Skullgirls, Street Fighter II Super Turbo, Blazblue, Soul Calibur V, and Darkstalkers 3. Fans have until the end of January to donate.