The top-64 bracket of Smash’N’Splash 5 was full of stunning upsets in both Super Smash Bros. Melee and Ultimate. As tonight’s finals grow near, read on for a recap of the most unexpected performances and flashiest plays of the Wisconsin major’s second day.
The most unlikely event of the day was Justin “Wizzrobe” Hallett’s victory over Gavin “Tweek” Dempsey in Smash Ultimate. Wizzrobe, primarily known for his Melee Captain Falcon play, had never previously cracked the top-32 bracket at any Ultimate major. Yesterday, he wowed the audience with his precise and tech-chase-heavy Wolf play, overwhelming both Tweek’s Wario and Roy to defeat the Get On My Level champion 3-1. Wizzrobe proceeded to qualify for top eight in both Melee and Ultimate, an unprecedented feat in the modern Smash metagame.
Wizzrobe’s run in Ultimate was the biggest underdog story of the event, but several Melee players managed to exceed all expectations as well. Japanese No. 1 Masaya “aMSa” Chikamoto squeezed out a win over Joseph “Mang0” Marquez—his second win over the Cloud9 member this year—and qualified for winner’s side of top eight. Meanwhile, veteran Midwestern top player Drew “Drephen” Scoles tore a path through the loser’s bracket, turning the tables on players such as Edgard “n0ne” Sheleby and Weston “Westballz” Dennis before falling to Zachary “SFAT” Cordoni for a ninth-place finish.
Though the gameplay was electrifying, Smash’N’Splash got off to a rocky start yesterday, with technical issues interrupting the stream and attendees complaining about the tournament’s experimental waterfall-style bracket.
Logistical issues aside, Smash’N’Splash has so far delivered on its promises of high-octane Smash action. Tune in this afternoon to catch the finals in both Melee and Ultimate.
