Problem X and Punk reach Evo France Top 8 as Leshar’s title defence ends

*Lexx eliminates the defending champion and Evo Japan winner Yamaguchi as the final eight take shape in Nice.* Punk, Tachikawa, Dual Kevin and Problem X have secured winners-side places in the Street Fighter 6 Top 8 at Evo France 2026. Sunday’s final bracket is now complete, but defending champion Leshar will not be part of it after Lexx ended his tournament in the lower bracket. ## Problem X keeps his title challenge on the winners side Problem X earned his place with a 2–1 victory over Yamaguchi, using Alex against Mai. The British player now faces Dual Kevin, whose Rashid defeated Chris Wong’s Luke 2–0 in the other qualifying match. The other winners semifinal pits Tachikawa against Punk. Tachikawa advanced with a 2–0 win over Blaz using C. Viper, while Punk’s Cammy defeated kobayan’s Zangief by the same score. For Problem X, an Evo champion in 2018, the result puts another title within reach. Staying on the winners side also gives him a crucial advantage: he can survive one set defeat before facing elimination. ## Lexx knocks out two major contenders Lexx delivered one of Saturday’s most consequential runs. His Guile defeated Leshar’s Luke 2–1, ending the reigning Evo France champion’s defence. He then beat Yamaguchi 2–1 to claim his own place in the final eight. Dogura also fought through the lower bracket, beating Akutagawa and Blaz 2–0 with Elena. Kobayan recovered from his defeat to Punk by overcoming gachikun 2–1, while Hinao secured the remaining spot with a 2–1 win over Chris Wong. ## Confirmed Top 8 opening matches | Bracket | Match | |---|---| | Winners semifinal | Tachikawa vs Punk | | Winners semifinal | Dual Kevin vs Problem X | | Losers round 1 | Dogura vs kobayan | | Losers round 1 | Hinao vs Lexx | These four encounters open Sunday’s final bracket. The Street Fighter 6 Top 8 is scheduled to begin on **Sunday, October 11, at 18:30 CEST**. Sets expand to best of five for the final stage. The four players starting in losers must win every remaining set to keep their title hopes alive, with Capcom Cup 13 qualification also at stake.