Daigo’s Historic Comeback: 20 Years Since Evo Moment 37
It’s been two decades since one of the most legendary events in fighting game history took place: Daigo Umehara’s incredible comeback against Justin Wong at Evo 2004. This moment, now famously known as Evo Moment 37, remains etched in the memories of gaming fans worldwide.
The Battle of Titans: Daigo vs. Justin Wong
On August 1, 2004, at the Evolution Championship Series, two of the greatest Street Fighter players, Daigo Umehara from Japan and Justin Wong from the United States, faced off in the Losers Semifinals of Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike. Daigo chose Ken, while Wong picked Chun-Li.
The match was intense and came down to the final round. Daigo was on the brink of defeat, his health reduced to a sliver by Wong’s meticulous gameplay. With only 26 seconds left on the clock, Wong launched Chun-Li’s Super Attack, Houyoku-sen, a flurry of powerful kicks. This attack usually deals chip damage even when blocked, which would have been enough to end the match. However, Daigo made a daring decision to parry every hit instead of jumping away.
The Parry That Shocked the World
Parrying in Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike requires precise timing—tapping the joystick forward within sixty frames of the opponent’s attack animation. Daigo had to parry 14 consecutive hits perfectly, a feat that seemed nearly impossible. Yet, he succeeded, to the astonishment of everyone watching.
After parrying the entire Super Attack, Daigo capitalized on Chun-Li’s recovery frames, countering with Ken’s Super Art and clinching the match. The crowd erupted in disbelief and excitement, witnessing what would become one of the most iconic moments in gaming history.
Celebrating Evo Moment 37
Twenty years later, Evo Moment 37 is still celebrated by the fighting game community. Fans reminisce about the match on social media, sharing stories and videos. One notable post featured a player telling his baby a “bedtime story” about the historic event, underscoring its enduring impact.
On Reddit, discussions about the golden age of fighting games often highlight this moment. One user remarked, “This wasn’t just a ‘Street Fighter’ moment; it was a historic ‘gaming’ moment as a whole. The energy in that room is palpable even through the video.”
Justin Wong’s Continued Dominance
Despite his loss in Evo Moment 37, Justin Wong remains a formidable force in the fighting game world. He has a storied career, particularly in the Marvel vs. Capcom series, where he has secured numerous Evo championships. His recent success with the newly-released Marvel vs. Capcom collection has led to players refunding the game after facing him in ranked mode, showcasing his continued dominance.
The Legacy of Daigo and Wong
Both Daigo and Wong have left an indelible mark on the fighting game community. Daigo, often hailed as one of the greatest Street Fighter players of all time, continues to compete and inspire new generations of players. Justin Wong, with his versatile skills across multiple fighting game titles, remains a celebrated figure in the esports scene.
Evo Moment 37 is more than just a match; it’s a testament to the skill, precision, and excitement that define fighting games. As the community celebrates this anniversary, the legacy of Daigo’s parry and the unforgettable showdown with Justin Wong continues to resonate, reminding us of the heights that competitive gaming can reach.
