After Poongko’s epic run at Shadowloo Showdown 2011, many called out for a Daigo vs Poongko match at EVO. In one of the most eagerly anticipated matchups of all time, they come face to face in the semi-finals of EVO2011.
Just some facts before the actual fight. Daigo was on his way on becoming the EVO SF4 champ for a 3rd year in a row, and is the only person to ever make Top 8 for SF4 3 years consecutively. I don’t think he’d ever been sent to Losers bracket until the Grand Finals, ever. Daigo also hasn’t really played Poongko in quite a while, since Poongko is a relative newcomer to the international scene.
To kick things off, Poongko slams down a Red Bull as the proverbial throwing of the gauntlet:
The match after the jump.
All I can say is woooooow. Because of Seth’s low HP and Poongko’s crazy aggressive style, I kinda expected that any victory would involve either player getting blown up, but I did not expect Daigo to be so free, EVER. Some of the reactions from the online community:
I SAW THE MACHINE PERFECTING THE BEAST
BOOOOOOOOODDDDDDDDDDDDDDIIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDDDD.
JESUS CHRIST.
WHAT.
THE.
F.
JUST.
HAPPENED.
Poongko ate Daigo, sh*t him out, then ATE HIM AGAIN. WITH A SHOT OF RED BULL.
Poongko vs Daigo was the highlight of Evo 2011.
There’s a new beast in town, who is so good that even Yun is no match for him.
Long live Poongko!
Even though Poongko didn’t win the tournament, he went on to finish 3rd place, being defeated by Latif (also another Beast). I am extremely happy for him though, because he has not only ended the reign of Daigo, but burst onto the international scene in such style. Before EVO2011, many questioned his skills and how far he would make it in the tournament. Hopefully this will help him attain sponsorship and we will see him more at future tournaments!