Portland Retro Gaming Expo Tournament Series

We are proud to announce the return of competitive fighting game tournaments at PRGE 2024! This year's slate features eight popular titles:

All attendees with a valid pass can enter for bragging rights and cash prizes for the top finishers, no extra purchases required! Tournaments begin in Meeting Room C on Friday and on the PRGE Tournament Stage in Hall E Saturday & Sunday.
To check the schedule, learn more and join head to https://www.start.gg/PRGE2024.


Rivals of Aether

Rivals of Aether is an indie platform fighter set in a vibrant world where warring civilizations harness elemental powers of Fire, Water, Air, and Earth. Each character possesses unique abilities and playstyles, contributing to fast-paced and competitive gameplay. Known for its tight controls, deep mechanics, and stunning pixel art, the game offers diverse modes that include 1 on 1 (Singles) and 2 on 2 (Doubles) formats. With regular updates and strong community support, Rivals of Aether provides an engaging and evolving experience for both casual players and competitive enthusiasts.

Prizes

Rivals of Aether Doubles Tournament Prize Pool: $100
1st Place: $100 ($50 for each team member)

Rivals of Aether Singles Tournament Prize Pool: $400
1st Place: $250
2nd Place: $100
3rd Place: $50

Tournament Start Times

Rivals of Aether Doubles: Friday @ 12:00PM in rooms C123 – C124
Rivals of Aether Singles Qualifying Pools: Saturday @ 9:00AM in the PRGE Tournament Stage Area
Rivals of Aether Singles Top 8: Saturday @ 1:00PM in the PRGE Tournament Stage Area

Sign Up Now!


Rivals 2

Rivals 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the indie platform fighter Rivals of Aether, building on its predecessor's foundation with enhanced graphics, refined mechanics, and new features. The game introduces a fresh roster of characters, each wielding unique elemental powers, and offers an enriched combat system designed for both casual and competitive play. Rivals 2 promises a visually stunning experience with updated animations and art. With its commitment to deep gameplay and vibrant community engagement, Rivals 2 aims to elevate the series to new heights, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Prizes

Rivals 2 Doubles Tournament Prize Pool: $100
1st Place: $100 ($50 for each team member)

Rivals 2 Singles Tournament Prize Pool: $1400
1st Place: $550
2nd Place: $300
3rd Place: $175
4th Place: $125
5th Place: $75 (2 Players Will Receive this Placing Due to Tournament Structure)
7th Place: $50 (2 Players Will Receive this Placing Due to Tournament Structure)

Tournament Start Times

Rivals 2 Doubles: Friday @ 3:00PM in the C Meeting Rooms
Rivals 2 Singles Qualifying Pools: Saturday @ 2:00PM in the PRGE Tournament Stage Area
Rivals 2 Singles Top 8: Sunday @ 10:00AM in the PRGE Tournament Stage Area

Sign Up Now!


Featured Competitors

Alex Strobel

Alex Strobel (CakeAssault)

1st Place at SmashCon 2024


Alex “CakeAssault” Strobel is the undisputed #1 Ranked Rivals player in North America and the world at large, recently reaffirmed after RCS Season 8 alongside a 1st Place win at Heatwave 6 and a 2nd Place finish at Genesis X. All considered, CakeAssault has taken home 1st place in six separate major events, and 2nd at a further two solidifying his enduring role as the top currently active Rivals contender. This year marks the fifth of eight where he has finished the season in first place and shows no signs of slowing down. During this past competitive season alone, CakeAssault has only given up sets to two players ranked outside the top three and in both cases won the runback and the entire tournament as a result.

Zachary Benson

Zachary Benson (ZeeBee)

3rd Place at SmashCon 2024


Zachary “ZeeBee” Benson is currently #7 in North America with wins against #1 CakeAssault, and perennial top contenders Kusti & CheesyPotato as well this past year. His most recent premier tournament finishes have been 2nd at the Official Rivals RCS Tournament in July and 3rd at Hitfall. ZeeBee is most noted for his seemingly effortless transition from Rivals 1 to Rivals 2, playing a wide cast of characters he specifically tunes to maximize his win rate against the competition. His credentials for the soon to be publicly released sequel is a 9-0 win streak at Genesis’ Sunday Stage where he only dropped two sets along his way to the finish.


Community Tournament Host: PDX Rivals of Aether Community (PDXRivals)

PDXRivals has been running Rivals events like CREST, Major Upset, Back In Blood, and Ghost Town since Rivals Of Aether launched in 2015. They have the experience to welcome Rivals 2 in with open arms! Be sure to follow their twitter for updates on new PDXRivals events!



Check them out on X/Twitter at https://x.com/pdxrivals.


Guilty Gear XX Accent Core +R

Guilty Gear XX Accent Core +R is a highly regarded installment in Arc System Works' Guilty Gear series, known for its fast-paced gameplay, intricate mechanics, and striking anime-inspired style. Released in 2012, it features a wide array of unique and complex movesets, allowing for equally diverse playstyles and strategies. The game endures in the tournament scene due to its deep combo system, advanced techniques including FRC’s and Faultless Defense, and the exceptionally refined character balance in this final refresh. Guilty Gear XX Accent Core Plus R stands out as a pinnacle of 2D fighting games, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience that continues to captivate players, especially in the “anime fighter” wing of the community.

Prizes

Guilty Gear XX Accent Core +R Prize Pool: $300
1st Place: $150
2nd Place: $100
3rd Place: $50

Tournament Start Times

Qualifying Pools: Saturday @ 3:00PM in the PRGE Tournament Stage Area
Top 8: Saturday @ 4:00PM in the PRGE Tournament Stage Area

Sign Up Now!



Guilty Gear Strive

Guilty Gear Strive hails as the newest release in the acclaimed Guilty Gear fighting game series, renowned for its high-octane action, intricate mechanics, and a refresh of its anime inspired visuals. Developed by Arc System Works, the game features a refined combat system that balances accessibility for newcomers with the depth and complexity beloved by series veterans. With its distinctive "Roman Cancel" system and a diverse roster of characters, each with unique abilities and playstyles, Guilty Gear Strive offers a dynamic and engaging fighting experience. With an impressive, unique, soundtrack penned by none other than series mainstay Daisuke Ishiwatari, Guilty Gear Strive stands out as a pinnacle of the genre, merging artistic excellence with exhilarating gameplay.

Prizes

Guilty Gear Strive Prize Pool: $820
1st Place: $400
2nd Place: $200
3rd Place: $100
4th Place: $50
5th Place: $25 (2 Players Will Receive this Placing Due to Tournament Structure)
7th Place: $10 (2 Players Will Receive this Placing Due to Tournament Structure)

Tournament Start Times

Qualifying Pools A: Saturday @ 9:00AM in the PRGE Tournament Stage Area
Qualifying Pools B: Saturday @ 4:00PM in the PRGE Tournament Stage Area
Top 8: Sunday @ 11:00AM in the PRGE Tournament Stage Area

Sign Up Now!


Street Fighter 6

Street Fighter 6 serves as the current flagship in Capcom's legendary fighting game franchise, offering a fresh take on the series with innovative gameplay mechanics, stunning visuals, and an expansive character roster. Powered by the RE Engine, the game features highly detailed character models and dynamic stages, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal. Street Fighter 6 introduces the Drive System, adding new layers of strategy and depth to combat. With its blend of classic elements and modern innovations, Street Fighter 6 aims to captivate both veterans and new players alike, reaffirming its status as a cornerstone of the fighting game community.

Prizes

Street Fighter 6 Prize Pool: $820
1st Place: $400
2nd Place: $200
3rd Place: $100
4th Place: $50
5th Place: $25 (2 Players Will Receive this Placing Due to Tournament Structure)
7th Place: $10 (2 Players Will Receive this Placing Due to Tournament Structure)

Tournament Start Times

Qualifying Pools A: Friday @ 4:00PM in the C Meeting Rooms
Qualifying Pools B: Saturday @ 11:00AM in the PRGE Tournament Stage Area
Top 8: Sunday @ 1:00PM in the PRGE Tournament Stage Area

Sign Up Now!


Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike

Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike is a celebrated pillar in Capcom's Street Fighter series, renowned for its intricate parry system, and distinctive art style. This entry features a roster that includes returning favorites alongside several new additions. The game's refined combat mechanics and high skill ceiling have made it a favorite among competitive players while its vibrant sprite-based graphics and memorable soundtrack contribute to its enduring appeal. Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike remains a benchmark for 2D fighting games, cherished for its balance, complexity, and the intense strategic depth it offers that has stood the test of time for a quarter century.

Prizes

Street Fighter III: 3rd Strike Prize Pool: $300
1st Place: $150
2nd Place: $100
3rd Place: $50

Tournament Start Times

Qualifying Pools A: Friday @ 6:00PM in the C Meeting Rooms
Qualifying Pools B: Saturday @ 12:00PM in the PRGE Tournament Stage Area
Top 8: Saturday @ 2:00PM in the PRGE Tournament Stage Area

Sign Up Now!


Mortal Kombat

Mortal Kombat, released in 1992 by Midway Games, is a classic arcade fighting game that became known for its digitized graphics and intense combat. Players choose from a roster of unique fighters, each with special moves and abilities, and compete in one-on-one battles. The game introduced the concept of "Fatalities," elaborate finishing moves that added a layer of strategy to the fights. Its success led to numerous sequels and helped define the fighting game genre with its memorable characters and fast-paced action.
Thanks to "christinarose_e" for that suggestion!

Prizes

Mortal Kombat Prize Pool: $140
1st Place: $80
2nd Place: $40
3rd Place: $20

Tournament Start Times

Qualifying Pools: Saturday @ 10:00AM in the PRGE Tournament Stage Area
Top 4: Saturday @ 11:00AM in the PRGE Tournament Stage Area

Sign Up Now!


Tekken 8

Tekken 8 is the latest installment in the iconic Tekken fighting game series, bringing cutting-edge graphics, fluid animations, and an expanded roster of characters to the forefront. Powered by Unreal Engine 5, Tekken 8 showcases highly detailed environments and lifelike character models, elevating the visual and gameplay experience. The game introduces new mechanics and features that enhance the strategic depth and accessibility of the series, appealing to both long-time fans and newcomers. With a compelling storyline that continues the saga of the Mishima family feud, Tekken 8 aims to set a new standard for fighting games and solidify its place as a premier title in the genre.

Prizes

Tekken 8 Prize Pool: $820
1st Place: $400
2nd Place: $200
3rd Place: $100
4th Place: $50
5th Place: $25 (2 Players Will Receive this Placing Due to Tournament Structure)
7th Place: $10 (2 Players Will Receive this Placing Due to Tournament Structure)

Tournament Start Times

Qualifying Pools A: Friday @ 8:00PM in the C Meeting Rooms
Qualifying Pools B: Saturday @ 1:00PM in the PRGE Tournament Stage Area
Top 8: Sunday @ 3:00PM in the PRGE Tournament Stage Area

Sign Up Now!


Virtua Fighter 5

Virtua Fighter 5 is a landmark entry in Sega's pioneering 3D fighting game series, known for its deep and technical combat system. The game features a roster of diverse characters, allowing for varied and strategic gameplay. Its realistic graphics and fluid animations set a high standard for visual fidelity in fighting games. Renowned for its precise controls and balanced mechanics, Virtua Fighter 5 remains a favorite among fighting game enthusiasts, continuing to influence the genre with its emphasis on skill and technique despite its first iteration being released nearly twenty years ago.

Prizes

Virtua Fighter 5 Prize Pool: $300
1st Place: $150
2nd Place: $100
3rd Place: $50

Tournament Start Times

Qualifying Pools A: Friday @ 6:00PM in the C Meeting Rooms
Top 8: Friday @ 7:00PM in the C Meeting Rooms

Sign Up Now!


Featured Commentator

Izayah-Patrick Phillips

Izayah-Patrick Phillips (Ebonic Plague)


Izayah-Patrick Phillips, professionally known in the fighting game community by his handle, Ebonic Plague, is a prominent commentator praised for exercising a deep knowledge of a wide range of competitive titles through an inclusive, engaging, and vibrant stage presence. His commentary desk credits include CEOtaku, EVO: Japan, Combo Breaker, and most recently EVO 2024 this past July. From his early beginnings as a competitor focused on anime titles such as BlazBlue, Granblue, and Guilty Gear, to the development of longstanding ties with the fighting game scene locally in Portland as a tournament organizer, Ebonic Plague’s contributions to the community extend far beyond commentary alone. It is this comprehensive experience that underscores the unique talent he brings to the tournament commentary team this year.

Deniz Bengisoy

Deniz Bengisoy


Legendary PNW Tournament Organizer Deniz Bengisoy elevates the PRGE Tournament Series team this year. His expertise comes from over twenty years of professional management and promotion experience with prior national level credits that include work at CEOtaku, Combo Breaker, DreamHack, EVO, & Frosty Faustings.


Community Tournament Host: PDX Fighting Game Community

he Portland Fighting Game Community is the local source to stay on top of competitive fighting game events in Portland and the greater PNW since 2015. Representing a coalition of gaming veterans and newcomers alike; we strive to build a safe, grassroots community dedicated to the love of the genre. If you are interested in learning more, seeing what upcoming events are in your area be sure to check us out on Discord, Twitter and Facebook.



Check them out on
Discord https://discord.gg/eSVUEN8rC7
X/Twitter https://x.com/PDX_FGC
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/271554823019958