The One With The 2009 EVO SFIV Champion

After watching a full weekend of live streaming EVO footage this weekend, viewing dozens of intense Marvel vs. Capcom 2, Super Street Fighter II Turbo HD Remix, and Street Fighter IV matches, I can say that it was well worth the effort, because I've seen some amazing matches by the best competitors in the world. And the Main Event, the Street Fighter IV Championship Finals were AMAZING. The true 1st SFIV world champion is Daigo Umehara. That's right, "The Beast" prevailed as the winner but not after a long fought, and nail-biting finals, where Daigo faced the USA favorite repping the NYC, Justin Wong, a man who had already earned a SFIII title earlier that morning and fought a hard battle to earn runner-up in the Marvel vs Capcom 2 championship.

The two competitors faced in three different sets in the double elimination tournament. Both began in the winners bracket and actually matched up during the 1st round (best of 3 matches, best of 3 rounds), where Justin, who had seemed to favor Rufus in competition since the game came out, made a strategic decision to change gears and chose Abel instead. Justin showed some fancy work with Abel, countering a fireball with and ultra in one of the rounds, but was ultimately beaten by the patient and focused Daigo and his near flawless execution with Ryu.

Daigo would go on to sweep the rest of the winners bracket. Justin, now in the losers bracket, had shown great concentration by having to defeat three Akuma players to sweep the bracket and earn another chance at Daigo and the SFIV title.

Because Daigo had beaten Justin previously, Justin would have to beat Daigo in two sets (now a best of 5 matches, best of 3 rounds for the championship set). Justin started after Daigo with Abel once again, but after a firm trouncing, searched deep inside to decide on Balrog a.k.a. in international competition "Boxer". Justin, with the home crowd behind him edges out Daigo in this 2nd set, after going the full 5 matches, and the spectators in the crowd GO NUTS! The level of play was top notch, and it was clear Justin had surprised Daigo with his strategy. But the celebration was brief as the two players had to continue on to the 3rd set immediately. No break.

Let me tell you this set also went the distance. Both players kept with the same characters the entire set and the back and forth between these them was fierce. The chess match was on and the tension was thick. The crowd's excitement ebbed and flowed as the rounds progressed. Daigo took first match, then Justin would take the next two, and then Daigo nabbed his second match. These guys took it down to the wire, but I gotta say, something about Daigo's play had changed since the beginning of the set. I'd describe it as like a man possessed. That final round of the third match cemented that Daigo had finally adapted to Justin's game.

That said though, a wonderful effort by both competitors. Justin played an incredible game. And Daigo is my hero...



...cuz that's how I roll