Teen prodigies Blaz and Neia shine at Evo France as young players dominate Street Fighter scene

Teen competitors took centre stage at Evo France 2025, with 15-year-old Street Fighter player Blaz and 16-year-old Tekken contender Neia emerging as standout talents in one of the year’s biggest esports tournaments.

Held in Nice from October 10–12, Evo France marked the first European branch of the long-running Evolution Championship Series, a staple of competitive fighting games since 1996.

The event saw hundreds of top players from 93 countries, establishing it as the largest fighting game tournament ever held in the European Union.

Chilean prodigy Derek “Blaz” made headlines after securing second place in Street Fighter 6, continuing a remarkable run that has seen him claim multiple high placements in global competitions. Since debuting in 2023, he has finished runner-up at both the 2025 Esports World Cup and Capcom Cup 11.

At Evo France, Blaz battled through the lower bracket to reach the Grand Finals, where he ultimately fell to Korean professional Leshar. His consistent success at just 15 has positioned him as one of the brightest young stars in the competitive scene.

Meanwhile, 16-year-old Tekken player Neia impressed fans and veterans alike by finishing 17th in the Tekken 8 bracket. Her unexpected victories over experienced pros Hakim “Skywalker” Touré and Jonathan “Tibetano” Medina earned widespread praise within the French community and cemented her reputation as a rising player to watch.

Evo France also highlighted a wider generational shift within fighting game esports. Other teenage competitors, such as Hong Kong’s Micky and Chile’s Craime, have also been making their mark on the global stage.