Tributes pour in for Jonas Neubauer, legendary Tetris player who has died aged 39
Legendary Tetris player Jonas Neubauer has died aged 39.
The seven-time winner of the Classic Tetris World Championship died of a "sudden medical emergency" on 4th January 2021, a statement issued on Neubauer's Twitter page reads.
"He was the absolute best," the message continues. "We are devastated, overwhelmed with grief, and we already miss him dearly."
Neubauer, who lived in Kaaawa, Hawaii with his wife Heather Ito, was well-known and much-loved within the world of Tetris esports, and is considered one of the all-time great Tetris players.
Tributes have poured in since the announcement of Neubauer's death late on Friday.
"Filled in deep grief for this huge loss," tweeted Japanese Tetris grandmaster Tomohiro "Green Tea" Tatejima.
"Absolutely he's the greatest ambassador of Classic Tetris. R.I.P. Jonas Neubauer."
Filled in deep grief for this huge loss. Absolutely he's the greatest ambassador of Classic Tetris.
R.I.P. Jonas Neubauer pic.twitter.com/wUd9UobYoC
"We could have never asked for a greater champ, role model, and friend," read a tweet from the official account for the annual Classic Tetris World Championships. "Jonas, we miss you, we love you, and we thank you for inspiring us to always be our best. Rest in peace."
We are heartbroken to share that Jonas Neubauer, 7-time CTWC champion, passed away suddenly on Jan 4.
We could have never asked for a greater champ, role model, and friend. Jonas, we miss you, we love you, and we thank you for inspiring us to always be our best. Rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/CaaGgd4ZY3
This is a tremendous loss in so many ways. Jonas Neubauer was one of the greatest classic Tetris players of all time in skill, spirit, and kindness.
Our hearts go out to his family and friends, and to the entire classic Tetris community, as we all mourn his passing. https://t.co/iOJWFdBuv0
Oh no... watching Jonas play Classic Tetris is how I got into it and became such a big fan. He was so funny and down-to-earth. The game and its fans couldn't have asked for a better champion. 💔 https://t.co/Ku2T6xXFha
— Derek Yu (@mossmouth) January 9, 2021 To see this content please enable targeting cookies. Manage cookie settingsThe video below, from YouTube channel GirlGamerTV, shows Neubauer's victory at the inaugural CTWC in 2010.
2010 Classic Tetris World Championship-Final Round Watch on YouTubeJonas Neubauer's epic CTWC 2018 grand final defeat against 16-year-old underdog Joseph Saelee is widely credited for kickstarting the recent boom in Tetris esports. The video below has that match in full:
16 Y/O UNDERDOG vs. 7-TIME CHAMP - Classic Tetris World Championship 2018 Final Round Watch on YouTubeThe next video is Neubauer's last Tetris match at the 2020 CTWC, played just a few months ago.
2020 CTWC - TETRIS Group E - Pt. 6 - FINAL (see description for format) Watch on YouTubeA memorial fund for Jonas Neubauer has been set up on GoFundMe.
