Arcade Club X VSFighting XI

Supporting the UK's Premier Fight Game Tournament

Arcade Club spent the weekend at VSFighting XI in Birmingham supporting its Street Fighter 2 and Street Fighter Thirdstrike tournaments. In an age of digital play, we look at how these in-person events are more important than ever.

The electrifying world of competitive gaming, known as esports, has grown exponentially over the years, captivating audiences worldwide with its intense matches, skilled players, and vibrant community. A major contributor to this growth is the presence of renowned esports tournaments that bring players and fans together to celebrate the art of gaming. Among these, VS Fighting stands out as a prominent UK event that showcases the best talent across various fighting game titles.

But what is VS Fighting!? Well, it’s an annual esports event held in Birmingham, put on by Electronic Dojo and that focuses exclusively on fighting games. It has garnered a reputation for attracting top-tier players from around the world, making it one of Europe's most prestigious fighting game tournaments. The event features tournaments for a diverse range of fighting games, including Street Fighter, Tekken, Guilty Gear and more. The competitive spirit, combined with the camaraderie among players, contributes to the event's exceptional atmosphere.

This year Arcade Club set up an awe-inspiring array of classic arcade cabinets, Blast City VS cabs to be exact, the head to head arcade monsters that fighting games were born to be played on. Specifically Street Fighter 2 and it’s sequel Street Fighter 3 Thirdstrike. Armed with these machines, attendees got the chance to experience these iconic games in a way they don’t normally get to. This creates a unique blend of nostalgia and excitement that resonates with players of all ages.

Of course, Arcade Club's involvement extends beyond providing gaming setups. We actively interact with attendees, sharing stories, insights, and expertise about classic games. Its what we’re abut and its what we love to do. The community is an important part of who we are, and as part of our core values, we always aim to support them as much as possible. Electronic Dojo is an organisation we stand by each year because we whole heartedly believe in what they’re doing. These events important, the very life blood of gaming communities, and these in-person events, in the advent of online play, are more necessary now than ever.

The synergy between Arcade Club and VS Fighting exemplifies the evolving landscape of competitive gaming. By seamlessly blending retro gaming culture with modern esports tournaments, we hope Arcade Club enriches the VS Fighting experience, making it a cherished event for both veteran gamers and newcomers alike. As the gaming industry continues to evolve, the partnership between companies like our own and Electronic Dojo demonstrates the importance of acknowledging and preserving gaming's past while embracing its exciting future.