Nike has teamed up with Evo to celebrate what’s widely described as the most legendary moment in e-sports.
The gaming organization is giving away just 37 pairs of its Nike Air Force 1 Low “Evo Moment 37,” which celebrates the 20th anniversary of the iconic “Street Fighter 3: 3rd Strike” match. Images of the sneaker have been limited to just one story post from Evo, but that hasn’t stopped the drawing from garnering more than 21,000 entries in less than 24 hours.
The off-white canvas Air Force 1 Low features a layered Swoosh and accenting in two shades of blue that includes star-shaped metal eyelets. Although it’s hard to make out many more details on the sneaker, a special logo can be seen on the tongue tag.
Evo Moment 37 pitted Diago Umehara against Justin Wong in 2004, and the former player made a shocking comeback by parrying 15 consecutive “Super Art” hits from his opponent while having just a single health point left. In 2011, Kotaku referred to it as the best moment in the history of professional gaming. The gaming publication later likened it to “The Catch” by Dwight Clark of the San Francisco 49ers, Babe Ruth’s “called shot” and the U.S. men’s hockey team’s “Miracle on Ice.” One writer, Glenn Cravens, even published a book about it.
Evo’s Air Force 1 Low could go down as one of the most sought-after gaming-related sneakers ever made and a highlight of Nike’s recent ramp up in the video game space. Rumors have also indicated that Nike will rerelease its famed Air Force 1 Low “Playstation” from 2006, which was only made with 150 pairs given to select friends of the companies. A highly anticipated “Tekken” Air Foamposite One duo is also expected to release soon.
The Nike Air Force 1 Low “Evo Moment 37” is available through a raffle open now through August 8. Winners of the sneaker will be notified during the week after the entry period ends.
Ian Servantes is a Senior News Editor for Footwear News specializing in sneaker coverage. He’s previously reported on streetwear and sneakers at Input and Highsnobiety after beginning his career on the pop culture beat. He subscribes to the idea that “ball is life” and doesn’t fuss over his kicks getting dirty.
