VP of Top Esports Team Highlights 2XKO as a Major Contender in Riot’s Fighting Game Scene

Excitement is buzzing around 2XKO, and it’s easy to see why. With the recent character reveals featuring Jinx and Braum, and an Alpha Lab test that has generated positive feedback, there’s a palpable hype among gamers eager to dive into this new title. However, the chatter extends beyond just player excitement to encompass the game’s potential competitive landscape, despite its release date remaining under wraps.

In the past, I’ve explored this in an interview with Michael Sherman from Riot Games, where we discussed early dreams for the game’s competitive aspects. But today, I’m revisiting the topic from a different vantage point. Team Liquid, one of the prominent names in esports, recently hosted a pop-up event with Intel ahead of the League of Legends Worlds in London. During this event, Team Liquid’s Vice President, John “Tephus” Lewis, shared valuable insights into what’s currently happening with 2XKO and the overall health of the fighting game community.

“2XKO is definitely one to watch,” Lewis stated. “Riot has an impressive track record in crafting quality games with longevity, and their approach to esports fosters investment and acknowledges the value that organizations bring. We don’t see this particular mix in any other upcoming multi-property FGC title.”

Could we see a rapid push to recruit and nurture new talent? While it’s still early days with a lot of uncertainties, Lewis notes that momentum is building. “I do think there will be a rush,” he added. “Predicting how our presence will unfold is tricky, but we’ve been in conversations for over a year with current and potential competitors. If everything lines up, we could make an early entrance.”

Of course, 2XKO isn’t the only contender vying for attention in the fighting game arena. The field has seen growing interest from esports teams and corporate players alike. Titles like Street Fighter 6 and Tekken 8 are continuing to thrive, buoyed by events led by influencers and players—like the Sajam Slam—and traditional esports ventures. What does Lewis think about the current state of fighting games?

“The FGC historically has been a grassroots-driven scene with a variety of titles, and that holds true today. This grassroots focus fosters an amazing community and unique events, but it also means some of the larger opportunities in the space have yet to be explored from an ecosystem perspective.”

The esports landscape has shifted in recent times, moving away from sponsorship-focused revenue and towards in-game monetization through digital sales. This shift poses challenges for FGC professional outfits since partnerships with publishers or developers are not yet in place. “Our engagement has been reliant on sponsorship or brand investment, which is a tough sell in the current climate,” Lewis explained.

Understanding this backdrop, it’s evident why 2XKO is generating buzz. Riot Games, while not perfect, has initiated ways for players to support their favorite teams through digital items in games like League of Legends and Valorant. If similar features are incorporated into 2XKO, it could pave the way for digital sales to influence the competitive fighting game arena.

When asked about which game currently shows the most promise, Team Liquid, which supports several fighting game competitors, sees broad potential across the FGC. “It’s hard to pick just one,” Lewis remarked. “We see great promise in the scene as a whole, but realizing that potential is dependent on publishers or developers who are committed to nurturing their competitive communities.”

It’s an intriguing time for fans and players in the dynamic world of competitive fighting games, especially with 2XKO poised for a significant debut next year. The idea that a rising tide lifts all boats resonates strongly—that’s the narrative of the FGC over the years. There will inevitably be standout titles in every era, like how Street Fighter 4 dominated 2009 and Tekken 7 captured 2020.

Even if 2XKO makes a similar splash, its success would likely drive greater investments in time, passion, and financial resources in the genre—elements that are vital to any thriving competitive space.