Every year, EVO brings together the very best of the Fighting Game Community. While championships determine who stands on the podium, they only tell part of the story.
Behind every tournament is a community built by developers, artists, cosplayers, hardware creators, exhibitors, competitors, and passionate fans who continue pushing fighting games forward.
That’s why we created the LVLONE FGC Awards.
These awards celebrate the people, games, and experiences that make EVO and other fighting game tournaments unlike any other event in gaming. Whether it’s an unforgettable booth, an inspiring artist, an innovative controller, or a cosplayer who completely embodies their favorite character, these awards recognize the creativity, passion, and community that define the FGC.
Every winner was personally selected by the LVLONE team after spending the weekend exploring the EVO show floor, speaking with exhibitors, creators, competitors, and members of the Fighting Game Community.
The inaugural LVLONE FGC Awards would not have been possible without the incredible support of our partners. We extend our sincere thanks to ELO Gaming, and AKKO, creators of the FUNBOX leverless controller, GUNNAR Glasses and SNK for believing in our vision and helping us celebrate the futre of Fighting Games.
Community Recognition Awards
The Fighting Game Community is built by more than developers and champions.
These recognitions celebrate the creators, fans, competitors, and innovators we met while walking the EVO show floor. Their passion, creativity, and personality are what make EVO unforgettable.
Outstanding Cosplay Awards
The Outstanding Cosplay Awards recognize creators whose craftsmanship, creativity, and passion brought their favorite fighting game characters to life.
BattleBunny (@BattleBunnyBun)
Blood Moon Akali (2XKO)
Known for her League of Legends cosplay, BattleBunny continues supporting Riot’s fighting game community with an incredible Blood Moon Akali. As a traveling cosplayer who creates much of her work herself, her craftsmanship and attention to detail immediately stood out. Fans may also recognize her Caitlyn cosplay that debuted at Combo Breaker 2026.
LVLONE’s Take: BattleBunny’s passion for gaming shines through every costume she creates.
NeoGeoWolf (@NeoGeoWolf)
Terry Bogard (Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves)
The moment we saw NeoGeoWolf walking the EVO floor, it felt like Terry Bogard had stepped into real life. From his appearance and physique to his posture and confidence, every detail embodied one of fighting games’ most iconic characters, making him our clear choice.
LVLONE’s Take: Some people wear costumes. Others become the character.
Asami_Chan_Cos (@Asami_Chan_Cos)
Baiken (Guilty Gear)
Among countless outstanding cosplayers, Asami_Chan_Cos stood apart through remarkable authenticity. Every detail—from the costume to the hairstyling and signature poses—captured Baiken’s personality with incredible accuracy.
LVLONE’s Take: Great cosplay doesn’t just recreate a character—it brings them to life.
Best Peripherals
The Best Peripherals award celebrates the creativity and craftsmanship behind the hardware that continues pushing the Fighting Game Community forward.
Best Custom Controller
Timothy Ford
Timothy Ford’s backpack-sized leverless controller immediately caught our attention, but the story behind it made it unforgettable. Built alongside members of his family, the controller represented more than engineering—it represented memories created together.
LVLONE’s Take: Sometimes the best controller is the one with the best story.
Ted
Ted transformed a fully operational Nintendo Wii into a functioning leverless controller while keeping the console completely playable. Watching him jump from tournament matches to Wii Sports Bowling perfectly captured the creativity and humor that make EVO unlike any other event.
LVLONE’s Take: This was the definition of an “Only at EVO” moment.
Knowledge Check Giveaway
The Knowledge Check Giveaway was our chance to interact directly with the community while putting FGC knowledge to the test. Throughout the weekend, we challenged attendees with trivia covering fighting game history, players, and iconic moments, with support from our partners at AKKO.
Winner
Ethan (@ethhhh)
After making it through our final round of questions, Ethan proved he had the knowledge to claim the title, taking home a FUNBOX leverless controller courtesy of AKKO.
LVLONE’s Take: Moments like these remind us that the FGC is just as much about community as it is competition.
Thank You
Most importantly, thank you to everyone who attended EVO 2026. Whether you competed on the main stage, showcased your work in Artist Alley, built a unique controller, brought your favorite character to life through cosplay, or simply shared your love for fighting games with others, you helped make this year’s event unforgettable.
We’ll see you at the next LVLONE FGC Awards.
