PGStats has compiled numerous brackets into an algorithm that empirically measures the strength of each player relative to each other. The X-Factor also makes a return with a new notation with a positive score indicating public opinion is in favor of the player, while a negative score shows the opposite. For more information on the process, visit the FAQ .

With set counts and placements indexed into the database, the algorithm makes sense of 81 events that occurred this season and produced the Top 50 presented before you.

Welcome to the PGRU!

Fall #PGRU No. 10: Light © Kenneth Rodriguez (@XenosMcCloud)

Overall Score: 81.3

Paris “Light” Ramirez maintains his spot at #10 despite fewer highs compared to last season. This however, isn’t to say that Light didn’t have remarkable results this season. Taking the title of 10th best in Ultimate doesn’t come easy, and he has shown no signs of relinquishing his spot.

Light started the season off with a lackluster performance at Low Tier City 7, being eliminated by BestNess to end up with a 17th place finish. While an admittedly weak placement for the New Englander phenom, missing Top 8 at majors wouldn’t become a pattern for him. He soon bounced back, getting 5th place at Defend the North 2019. He then carried that momentum into a pair of 7th place finishes at Evo 2019 and Super Smash Con 2019. Throughout these tournaments he would pick up wins on top players such as Marss, Dabuz, Wishes and WaDi.

While Light started off strong and ended weak last season, this season was the exact opposite. Refusing to slip from the PGRU Top 10, Light finished strong this season with a truly impressive bounceback from an admittedly worrying downward trend early on. In fact, the latter half of 2019 Fall Season saw some of his best performances yet -— with a 2nd place finish at Glitch 7, and 4th at Mainstage and 2GG: Kongo Saga.

Written by: Robert "BobbyWasabi" Wilson | Edited by: Justin “Popi” Banusing

Fall #PGRU109 No. 9: Dabuz © Athel Rogers for Big Blue Esports (@Athel_Rogers)

Overall Score: 82

This season, Samuel “TL | Dabuz” Buzby picked up right where he left off from summer and took things even further. He kicked the second half of the year off with an impressive performance at Low Tier City 7, finishing 2nd and establishing himself as a serious contender in the formative phases of Season 2. That tournament showcased his versatility to the strongest degree as he was able to seamlessly switch back and forth between Olimar and Rosalina — two characters he mastered at different points of his lengthy Smash career.

Although he hit some bumps in the road soon after, missing the top 8 at Evo and Super Smash Con, Dabuz would make sure to correct his course immediately. To close out the season, he reached the top 8 at 8 of his next 10 PGRU events, going on a run that showcased the elements of consistency and capability that’s he’s prided himself on throughout the course of 2019.

It seems like every time Dabuz takes the stage, he inches closer and closer to greatness. He’s calculated, methodical and on an absolute roll as of late. In 2020, he can perhaps take that string of top 8 placements and turn it into a first place finish at a major event. There’s reason to believe that the momentum he accrued in 2019 could be enough to break through the ceiling in the coming months.

Written by: Michael "Ginsync" Kelly | Edited by: Justin “Popi” Banusing

Fall #PGRU109 No. 8: Glutonny © Javier Leyvas (@JaviLeyvas)

Overall Score: 85.1

As the undisputed best player in Europe and arguably the best Wario in the world, William “SOL | Glutonny” Belaid’s ascent into the top 10 was a decade in the making. Although he was regarded as the best Wario in Europe for both Brawl and Smash Wii U, he never proved a top threat internationally in either game. While his #14 placement on the 2019 Summer PGRU proved that things had changed this time around, limited US attendance and poor set records against the rest of the top 15 prevented him from achieving top 10 status. His second half blew the first out of the water and catapulted him into the coveted #8 spot on the second PGRU.

Glutonny’s in-region dominance of Europe continued this season, placing in top 2 at every in-region event and notably taking the gold at A-tier Syndicate 2019. Although he lost four sets to fellow European players over the season, he only ever lost two European tournaments and only at the hands of the current #1 in MKLeo. Both bouts were close, and he was able to take a set off the Mexican prodigy at each event. This makes him one of only six players to have beaten MKLeo during the Fall season, as well as one of only three to have repeated the feat.

Internationally, Glutonny entered five North American tournaments over the season and placed in the top 6 at all but one of them. His most notable performance was at Evo 2019, where he defeated Kept, Myran, Shogun, Kameme, and Raito en route to taking the bronze home at the largest Smash tournament of all time. Even at his worst international event, Mainstage, he still beat Larry Lurr and Raito along the way to a 9th place finish, the highest nadir of anyone on the PGR besides MkLeo himself.

Glutonny has shown that he belongs in the top echelon of Smash Ultimate players, and at only age 24, he may not even be close to his future peak.

Written by: Stuart "Stuart98" Hepworth | Edited by: Justin “Popi” Banusing

Fall #PGRU109 No. 7: Zackray © Darimoko (@Darimoko)

Overall Score: 85.4

The evolution of Sota “GW | Zackray” Okada across the first year of Ultimate has been a story of ascension and triumph that few in the world will ever experience. The 17-year old prodigy has battled with gods and come out on top, placing 1st at multiple tournaments throughout the second half of 2019. Sitting at 1st on the Japanese PR, he has expanded his gameplay through travel and matches against the best of the best.

The crowning win of Zackray’s season came in the form of The Big House 9, placing 1st at Detroit’s homegrown S-Tier Major. At the tournament, he had a near perfect record of 13-1 -- being sent to losers by G&W player Maister only to meet him again and win the runback. His impressive list of victories at the tournament included Rfang, MastaMario, Cosmos, Nairo, Tweek and Dabuz. Breaking into tears upon resetting the bracket over Dabuz, the young man joined the elite few to triumph at the highest level of competition.

Mix his patient neutral, creative combo game and brutal punishes with one of the deepest character pools in the entire competitive scene and you have a combination set for nothing short of greatness. With the first year of Ultimate behind us — and plenty more to come -— the future looks incredibly promising for young Zackray.

Written by: Colton "Coltor" Costopoulos | Edited by: Justin “Popi” Banusing

Fall #PGRU109 No. 6: Maister © Javier Leyvas (@JaviLeyvas)

Overall Score: 86.7

The biggest jump in the rankings goes to rising Mexican star Enrique “Maister” Hernández. The formerly unranked Game and Watch loyalist promised to take his character to the top at the start of the year, a promise he has fulfilled and looks to take even further. To be clear, he isn’t an unknown; he was well-known as a top player in his home country, but it was only this season that he was able to consistently travel to the U.S. and leave his mark.

Maister’s season started off strong with a 3rd place at Smash Factor 8 in his home country of Mexico, taking Glutonny and Abadango down in the process. It was at Super Smash Con 2019 however, that he truly solidified his place as a top contender — finishing 5th by beating Light and ESAM. He then followed this up with a series of amazing placements, the most notable of which being 3rd at The Big House 9, 1st at Nightmare on Smashville and 3rd at Kongo Saga

Maister’s performance this season proves a lot of things. It proves that anyone can make it from anywhere. It proves that being unranked in the previous season doesn’t define you. And, to the disdain of everyone who disagreed with him on Twitter, it proves that Game and Watch is a character to look out for.

Should Maister carry his momentum from this season into the next, there’s no telling what he can achieve.

Written by: Jose "Toon" Laguna | Edited by: Justin “Popi” Banusing

Fall #PGRU109 No. 5: Marss © Kenneth Rodriguez (@XenosMcCloud)

Overall Score: 89.2

The pride of New England and the best Zero Suit Samus player in the world, Panda Global’s Tyler “Marss” Martins marks the start of the Top 5 for the PGRU 2019 Fall Season. Marss’ versatile, on the spot and crazy reactionary gameplay makes him a threat for any player he faces. Though he fell short of his #3 rank from last season, he hasn’t slowed down in the slightest.

Smash Factor 8 in Mexico City last July was where Marss showed he was a clear contender for the top spot. At the tournament, he took two sets off the reigning #1 player and hometown hero MkLeo to secure a first place finish. His lowest point this season soon followed at Evo 2019, where he earned an uncharacteristic 13th place. With over 3000 entrants at the event, it unfortunately came down to a set against fellow New England player Light that ended his run.

While it was upsetting for many that Marss missed Top 8 on the fighting game community’s biggest stage, it was destined to only be a minor shortcoming on an overall impressive repertoire. He would continue to demand the community’s attention at Super Smash Con 2019 and Shine 2019, placing 4th at both. His crowning achievements this season then came at Dreamhack Montreal and Dreamhack Atlanta, where he secured twin 1st place victories.

Marss has proven that, despite being ranked lower this season, he’s capable of taking wins off of every player in Ultimate. As he continues to carry the Zero Suit Samus meta on his back, his undying ambition to become the very best will push himself to become better and everyone he plays to match his pace — or lose trying to.

Written by: Robert "BobbyWasabi" Wilson | Edited by: Justin “Popi” Banusing

Fall #PGRU109 No. 4: Nairo © Athel Rogers for Big Blue Esports (@Athel_Rogers)

Overall Score: 89.8

For nearly a decade, Nairoby “NRG | Nairo” Quezada has been among Smash's top talents. From his start in Brawl through the Smash Wii U years, and even in his brief forays into Melee and Project M along the way, Nairo has excelled not just at any one game but at Smash as a whole. This is more than evident in his performance throughout Smash Ultimate. Though he remains a character generalist this time around, his newfound approach of kicking sets off with secondaries rather than switching them mid-set seems to be paying off.

While Nairo started off the season with a somewhat underwhelming 17th place finish at Evo 2019, he would soon score three top 8 finishes in a row at Super Smash Con, Shine and Glitch 7. In September, he finally found his first win outside of a C-tier, taking first place at Mainstage with a 3-1 win over MKLeo. After two more top 8 finishes at The Big House 9 and Smash Ultimate Summit 2, he scored his second non-C-tier win at Tri-State Showdown: Fall 2019, beating Tweek in Winners Finals and again in Grand Finals.

As the season came to a close, Nairo had his second sub Top 8 finish of the season, coming in at 9th at Kongo Saga. But much like Evo 2019, it seems like it may have just been a hiccup in the grand scheme of things. He’s off to a roaring start in Season 3, winning Let’s Make Big Moves, and only time will tell where the rest of the season takes him.

Written by: Blaise “Scribe” Camacho | Edited by: Justin “Popi” Banusing

Fall #PGRU109 No. 3: Tweek © Kenneth Rodriguez (@XenosMcCloud)

Overall Score: 92.7

A man of many characters and a consistent threat with few low points this season, Gavin “TSM | Tweek” Dempsey continues to be one of Smash Ultimate’s shining stars with a #3 spot on the 2019 Fall PGRU. While he did slightly fall off the rankings, having occupied the #2 spot last season, the past few months have actually been nothing but great for the Tristate titan.

To tell Tweek’s story is to tell the story of his bouts with his main rival and the world’s reigning best player, MKLeo. The two behemoths met in the season’s first S-Tier in Evo 2019, as well as the season’s final S-Tier in 2GG: Kongo Saga. In both clashes, MKLeo rose victorious; but at two of Ultimate’s largest tournaments thus far? Second place is nothing to scoff at. Alongside those grand results, top 8 placements at other major tournaments like Shine 2019, The Big House 9, Super Smash Con 2019 all prove that Tweek remains one of the game’s greatest.

There’s so much visible passion in every one of Tweek’s wins/losses, and it directly correlates with his affinity for Super Smash Bros. He’ll only get more fearsome as he continues to focus and polish his roster, so keep an eye out for him.

Written by: Alessandero "Thwack" Poehlman | Edited by: Justin “Popi” Banusing

Fall #PGRU109 No. 2: Samsora © Athel Rogers for Big Blue Esports (@Athel_Rogers)

Overall Score: 93.1

It’s hard to find ways to improve once you’re at the top, but Ezra “Samsora” Morris did just that. Ranked 4th last season, Samsora’s dedication to performing at the top level and pushing the limits of his long-time main Peach earned him the coveted #2 spot on the 2019 Fall PGRU. While he isn’t the best in the world just yet, it’s undeniable that the past six months have been a statement season for the Louisiana native.

Though Samsora had already been well-accomplished in the past thanks to his explosive playstyle and colorful social media persona, a lack of major tournament victories rendered him a perpetual bridesmaid to the best until recently. After kicking off the season with 4th and 2nd place finishes at Evo 2019 and Super Smash Con 2019 respectively, he won his first S-Tier event in the form of Shine 2019. The rest of his season was impressive as well; he never finished outside of top 8 at any event he attended, save for a stray run to 13th place at Mainstage. It’s this consistency that has given him one of the best win portfolios in the top 50, which includes good records over the likes of Tweek, Nairo, MKLeo and Dabuz.

Samsora is one of the biggest names heading into 2020. He’s been nothing but on the come up since Smash Ultimate’s release, and with his stock rising with every passing tournament, it looks like he’s going to make an even better case for the crown moving forward.

Written by: Justin “Popi” Banusing

Fall #PGRU109 No. 1: MKLeo © Kenneth Rodriguez (@XenosMcCloud)

Overall Score: 100

Leonardo “MVG | MKLeo” Perez’ storyline could very well be a fairy tale. In half a decade, MKLeo went from a local hero in his hometown in Mexico to a global gaming icon. And for the second PGRU season in a row, the 19-year-old phenom is the best Smash Ultimate player in the world.

MKLeo’s PGRU Fall 2019 season has been nothing but successful. While he started the season off on the wrong foot by losing Smash Factor 8 to Marss, he would quickly bounce back the following week by becoming the first Mexican to ever win an EVO Las Vegas title. He then won Super Smash Con 2019 over Samsora, though he’d end up losing to him the next weekend at Shine 2019. Currently, he is on an eight-tournament win streak after finishing second at Mega Smash Mondays 213.

What’s most interesting is MKLeo’s consistency. Most of his tournament runs ended in 1st place finishes, with the lowest being 2nd, a testament to his expertise over the game and its mechanics.

Very few players can say they even took a set from MKLeo, let alone a game. Will this list grow as the competition gets fiercer? Maybe. Will he be on top forever? It depends. But one thing’s for sure: MKLeo will be a name associated with Smash Ultimate for years to come.

Written by: Jose "Toon" Laguna | Edited by: Justin “Popi” Banusing

Administrative Team:

PGstats Director: Luis “suar” Suarez

Statistician: Andrew “PracticalTAS” Nestico

Videographer & Graphic Designer - Kud

Project Manager - Justin “Popi” Banusing