As a die-hard fighting game enthusiast, I've been buzzing about 2XKO ever since Riot Games announced it. The closed beta kicks off on September 9th, 2025, and it's a soft launch that'll keep the game live forever—well, that's the plan anyway. Honestly, I can't wait to team up with a buddy or juggle two characters solo in this tag fighter set in the League of Legends universe. It feels like stepping into Arcane's world but with fists flying and combos chaining. Only 10 champions at launch, and we've got eight confirmed so far, which is a small roster but packed with favorites. Makes me wonder how they'll balance the chaos in duo battles.

Now, let's dive into the champions. Vi was just confirmed, and wow, her gameplay trailer shows her punching and slamming with those Atlas Gauntlets. It's basically her Q from League but amped up for brawling. Pairing her with Jinx? Absolute genius—sisters bringing the pain. my-excitement-for-2xko-s-launch-roster-image-0 Speaking of Jinx, she's become the face of Runeterra after Arcane, and in 2XKO, she's all about rockets and miniguns. Her trailer had fireworks blasting enemies away, plus that huge explosion ultimate. Pure pandemonium, which is perfect for her character. I mean, who doesn't love a bit of controlled chaos? my-excitement-for-2xko-s-launch-roster-image-1

Then there's Braum, the only Support rep so far. He's using his door-shield to defend and attack, and his trailer showed him riding it like a sled and throwing snacks to summon Poros. Hilarious and wholesome—typical Braum vibes. my-excitement-for-2xko-s-launch-roster-image-2 Illaoi, on the other hand, is all tentacles and mobility. She can move them to pull enemies down, which sounds tricky but super rewarding. Compared to League, she's way more agile here, and I bet she'll be a high-skill pick for control freaks like me. my-excitement-for-2xko-s-launch-roster-image-3

Darius feels like a beginner champ with his straightforward axe combos—no flashy stuff, just brutal Noxian efficiency. Great for newbies jumping from League. Yasuo, though? Love him or hate him, he's iconic. His windwall protects allies from projectiles, and dashing with that katana? Chef's kiss. He'll be popular, no doubt. my-excitement-for-2xko-s-launch-roster-image-4 Ahri is the only mage announced, mixing spells with melee kicks. Her Dynasty skin looks stunning, and I'm curious how her Charm translates into fights. my-excitement-for-2xko-s-launch-roster-image-5 Ekko, after shining in Arcane and his own game, manipulates time with his cricket bat. New weapons? Yes, please. Each champ has more abilities than in League, so the depth is insane. my-excitement-for-2xko-s-launch-roster-image-6

Here's a quick rundown of what excites me most about these champs:

  • Vi and Jinx: Sister synergy 💥

  • Braum's Poro play: Fun factor overload 🧀

  • Illaoi's tentacle control: Strategic depth 🐙

  • Darius's simplicity: Beginner-friendly 🪓

  • Ahri's hybrid style: Unique for a mage ✨

  • Ekko's time tricks: High skill ceiling ⏱️

  • Yasuo's windwall: Team protection 🌪️

With only two more spots to fill, I'm left pondering—who could they add? Maybe a stealth assassin or a healer? But beyond that, how will these characters adapt in a fighting game long-term? Will Riot keep adding skins and updates, or will the small roster feel limiting? The beta can't come soon enough, but the unknowns keep me hooked. What if they introduce crossovers from other Riot games? The mind races.