Source: Team Solomid

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Source: Robert Paul

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VIP Rooms ​



Source: Zen Gaming​ Source: Zen Gaming​

Floating ​

The Wrap Up ​



Source: Stephanie Lindgren​ Source: Stephanie Lindgren​

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Do you ever get excited or nervous when seeing your favorite player at the same event that you're at? Two situations could possibly happen when approaching your favorite player. But have you ever stopped to think, how do you actually approach them?Gonzalo “” Barrios is currently the #1player, YouTube content creator and Super Smash Bros personality. ZeRo is no stranger when it comes to his fans approaching him to talk about the game, fan pictures, autographs, etc. He adores any moment he can share with his fans and their interactions with him.Smashboards recently had the opportunity to talk to ZeRo briefly to discuss about the topic of fan interactions with pro players. We start off by going over his first interactions as he first began to gain a following and some memorable fan moments that stuck out to him.ZeRo: “I think it's really cool. It's actually incredible to think people care enough to interact like that in person.Really puts to perspective the impact it has on people. It's awesome.On the other side, however, it can sometimes be a little difficult because you don't always have the time to interact with everyone, and other times you're busy. So it can be hard.”ZeRo: “At the beginning it was definitely super surprising and shocking to me because I never thought I could be one day someone who people wanted to take a picture with or really want to meet. I grew up in a very humble environment where I had to work for every meal in my table, so getting from there to this it's a life changing experience and I definitely went through some adjusting periods.Now today, it's just heartwarming. I love hearing things like 'I watch all your videos, please do more!' or 'Your play inspired me to keep pushing myself harder' - those things seriously make me smile and it's always humbling.”ZeRo: “I personally try my best to interact with anyone who genuinely enjoys my work. However, sometimes it can be difficult due to circumstances. Tournaments can be very stressing and difficult, especially the big ones. I never have issues interacting with fans when I'm not practicing or busy at the moment, I always go out of my way to play people or interact whenever possible, but sometimes I've had situations where fans have interrupted my practice sessions to a point where I can no longer practice or even during tournament matches.On some isolated occasions I've had people forcefully grab my arms or tap my shoulders at the wrong times. I think that's the one point where it can be a bit invasive and difficult.”ZeRo: “Just simply stories like I mentioned earlier. Sometimes people grabbing my arms too forcefully to ask me a question, interrupting my practice sessions until I have to stop, interrupting me mid tournament, talking to me like I know them and making weird, creepy or rude remarks, etc.In general, just stories where 'personal space' isn't accounted for, mainly. I think one good example is when I'm asked for pictures at bathrooms during tournaments. That sums it up.I do want to say that while these things do happen, it's not like it happens every time. It's just that it unfortunately happens here and there.”VIP rooms have been a constant thing to have at event for professional players to isolate themselves to practice in peace and stay focused at huge events around the world of professional eSports. The Fighting Game Community is typically unknown and do not like the concept of VIP rooms at their events since they are an uncommon things to have at a regular tournament. As the FGC grows larger and Super Smash Bros. continues to rapidly gain it's fan base for all games, is a VIP room necessary for top performing players to focus before performing at their event?ZeRo: “I think the main issue is that the term used was wrong and the situation was blown out of proportion.For example, at Shine 2016, it wasn't a VIP room. It was backstage area behind curtains where anyone who had a stream match next or in queue could join in the back to prepare, along with everyone who made top 32 was allowed there too.It was actually something anyone could of earned, so not exactly 'VIP Room', you know?I think this method is a good compromise to keep everyone happy and easy to introduce at events.However, I personally think we should implement this sort of thing in the future. Like I've mentioned before, anyone can earn their spot there and plus, it solves out a lot of the negatives that came with the crazy growth Smash has had recently for personalities. I think it makes sense moving forward.I'm also pretty sure other personalities have stories similar to the ones I do, so I think that it can be a positive change moving forward.”ZeRo: “It definitely was like I explained earlier. The wrong term plus the jokes that came out of it spread a lot of misinformation and confusion, which certainly didn't help the cause.”Having top players float in bracket had it's pros and cons when the subjects comes up when seeding. Some say it's unfair to other players and others say it's beneficial for fans so top players can have the time to interact with their fans instead of stressing over pools.ZeRo: “I can see it beneficial for scheduling more side events with top player presence, or fan meet & greets, but other than that the topic isn't something I'm too invested in. SO can't say much more.”ZeRo: “In general, just remember top players are people, just like you are. Basic rules, really. If you're eating, busy for something important (like practicing for an upcoming match) or in the bathroom, maybe wait for later.As a tip, the first day out of any major is the best day. More availablity time there.The worst day is finals, because they're just too busy preparing for top 8 and what not.”ZeRo: “Focusing on the Big House for now. Preparing a lot of stuff...really trying to improve my game seriously and play to the level I know I'm capable of. Hopefully my efforts bring the results I wantZeRo: “YouTube & Twitter are the best places. I post 5 videos a week from Monday to Friday and tweet often.Thank you so much for having me!”At the end of the day, we are a community of people playing the game that we share the same love for. Please remember the phrase “Treat others how you want to be treated”, top players are people too and should be treated as one rather than amusements.The next time that you are at an event, think about your approach and take in mind common courtesy. Please don't forget to follow ZeRo on Twitter for any updates and subscribe to his YouTube channel for more quality smash content.