After nearly three years without a major victory, Hungrybox has reclaimed his spot at the top. The “clutch Puff” secured a triumphant win at Genesis X2, overcoming his recent rival, Wizzrobe, in an emotional and unforgettable moment. For the 31-year-old Argentinian-American smasher, this victory marks a significant milestone. More importantly, Genesis X2 might bring renewed hope to a competitive Super Smash Bros. Melee scene facing uncertainty.

The Legacy of Genesis and Melee’s Challenges

Established in 2009, Genesis remains one of the longest-running and most prestigious tournaments in the Smash community. As a super major, it holds S-tier status, attracting the best players and a massive pool of entrants. Its open-entry format has cemented it as a core event in the Melee circuit. However, Melee is experiencing a turbulent period in 2025. Viewership has declined, Nintendo’s stance remains hostile, and prize pools—never particularly large—have shrunk further.

Despite these challenges, Melee continues to defy the odds. Genesis X2 also featured main events for other fighting games, including Tekken 8, Street Fighter 6, Rivals of Aether 2, and Guilty Gear Strive. Side events ranged from TCG competitions to Tetris and even RIMANG. However, Melee remained the tournament’s centerpiece. The event reinvigorated fans, providing a much-needed boost to a scene that has been grappling with its future.

Genesis X2 Tournament Highlights and Historic Moments

Genesis X2 delivered electrifying matches and unforgettable moments. The fan-favorite commentary duo, Scar and Toph, reunited for part of Day 2, adding to the excitement. One of the tournament’s standout performances came from Salt, who made history with the highest major placement ever achieved by a woman in Melee. The bracket was filled with unexpected upsets, keeping fans on the edge of their seats.

However, the grand finals stole the show. To reach the championship match, Hungrybox defeated several top competitors, but his most crucial victory came in the losers’ final against Wizzrobe. Wizzrobe had sent him to the lower bracket earlier, setting up a tense rematch. In a defining moment, Hungrybox executed a perfect platform tech chase rest on his final stock, securing his spot in the grand finals.

Trif’s Historic Grand Final Run

Hungrybox’s opponent in the grand finals, Trif, also made history. He became the first Spaniard to reach a major grand final and the first player to do so using only Peach since Armada in 2017. Trif’s success highlighted both his individual growth as a competitor and the unpredictable nature of Genesis. His impressive run reminded fans of Peach’s viability in top-level play despite the character’s lack of recent major wins.

Can Melee Revive Its Competitive Scene?

While Genesis X2 provided a surge of energy, the long-term sustainability of competitive Melee remains uncertain. In recent years, many esports organizations have distanced themselves from the game. Viewership has declined, and participation at Genesis dropped by nearly 500 entrants compared to the previous year. Though Genesis is still likely to be the biggest Melee tournament of 2025, the return of the large-scale events from pre-2022 seems far off.

That said, Melee’s legacy remains intact. Hungrybox’s victory solidifies his status as one of the game’s greatest players. The competitive scene may never return to its peak, but its dedicated player base ensures that Melee will continue to thrive in some form. However, if earning a living from the game becomes increasingly difficult, it could have long-term consequences for the scene’s sustainability.

Rivals of Aether 2 and the Future of Platform Fighters

Genesis X2 also hosted a Rivals of Aether 2 tournament, which Plup, a longtime Melee pro, won. Plup, who also placed 13th in Melee singles, showcased his adaptability across different platform fighters. His victory hints at a possible shift, as Rivals of Aether 2 seems to be positioning itself as a viable alternative for competitive players.

Interestingly, one of Hungrybox’s planned online events will focus on Rivals of Aether 2. This decision comes at a crucial moment, as Multiversus recently announced the halt of new content development following a disappointing relaunch.