Most competitive gamers that enter their first international tournament simply aim to avoid losing in round one, but French Tekken competitor Neia had greater ambitions.
And she delivered.
At just 16 years old, Neia is making waves across the global fighting game community. A longtime Tekken player, she stepped onto the big stage for the first time at EVO France 2025, where she placed 17th out of 1,169 competitors in her tournament. Her performance instantly grabbed the community’s attention and announced her arrival on the international scene.
The Evolution Championship Series (EVO), the world’s largest and longest-running fighting game tournament, has become one of the crown jewels of competitive gaming, especially for the fighting games.
This year marked a historic moment as EVO officially expanded to Europe for the first time, bringing EVO France to Nice from October 10–12. The event drew thousands of players, fans, and creators from around the world, uniting under one roof to celebrate the fighting game community (FGC) and its competitive spirit with matches on games, like Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6 and Guilty Gear Strive.
For Neia, the opportunity to compete on such a stage was years in the making. She’s been part of the Tekken community since childhood, developing her craft and studying the pros she grew up watching.
When EVO announced its first-ever French event, she saw her chance to test her skills against the best, and she delivered. Her sharp reads, composure, and consistent play through multiple rounds earned her not just a top-20 finish, but also widespread praise from the community.
Among those who took notice was French FGC legend Kayane, who shouted out Neia’s breakout performance online — a moment that gave the young competitor a surge of pride and confidence.
As for Neia, her success at this event represents more than just a personal win; it reflects her growth and the evolution of gaming entirely.
According to 2024 data from the Entertainment Software Association and Statista, the industry has grown far beyond old stereotypes. Women make up roughly 46 percent of gamers worldwide,but within competitive esportsBlack women remain significantly underrepresented.
That’s what makes Neia’s presence and performance so important. She’s part of a new generation of gamers breaking barriers, building community, and reshaping the face of competitive gaming.
Beyond the competition, EVO France was an experience built on culture and connection. From cosplay showcases and music sets to community lounges and exclusive merch drops, it was a celebration of creativity and skill.
The event embodied the intersection of gaming, music, fashion, and identity where Neia fit perfectly within that energy. Her journey through the tournament represents possibility, confidence, and joy in a space where she truly belongs.
Placing 17th out of over a thousand elite competitors is no small feat, especially for someone stepping into their first major international tournament. For Neia, it’s only the beginning. As she continues to grow, compete, and inspire, her story stands as proof that gaming is more inclusive, more creative, and more community-driven than ever before.
You can follow her journey and future competitions on X (Twitter) at Neiaa_Tk.
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