2/2/2019 update: Two days after the publication of this article, Magi defeated Joseph “Mang0” Marquez at Genesis 6. Catch the VOD here.

Since the first SSBMRank, Super Smash Bros. Melee’s annual rankings have largely featured a perennial crew of veteran competitors, many of whom began their careers long before the game blew up in 2013. But this year, an unprecedented 20 members of the Melee Panda Global Rankings are newcomers, a renunciation of the old guard that indicates that new blood may someday form the majority, not the minority, of Melee’s best and brightest.

Each of these recent arrivals had to fight tooth and nail to make their way into the top 100, but among them stands one individual whose path to success was complicated by an adversity quite unlike any of her peers’—and whose inclusion in this year’s rankings is historic for more reasons than one. That player is Sasha “Magi” Sullivan, the first female or trans player to earn a spot within Melee’s highest echelon.

Magi, who is ranked No. 97 on this year’s Melee Panda Global Rankings, is known for her stylish and effective Falco play. But years before her competitive journey began, she gave her Melee disc away to a friend.

“I even remember saying to myself, ‘I'm not really worried about giving away Melee, if I were to try and get serious in Smash, I would play Brawl anyway!’ recalled Magi.

Indeed, growing up in Louisiana, Magi’s interest in competitive gaming was primarily rooted in Yu-Gi-Oh and speedrunning rather than fighting games. However, as the hype surrounding Super Smash Bros. Melee’s inclusion in Evolution Championship Series 2013 grew to a fever pitch, individuals throughout the world of gaming turned their attention toward the beloved platform fighter. Intrigued, Magi tuned in for Melee finals at EVO 2013.

“But I actually didn't really get hooked after watching the EVO top 8 for Melee,” said Magi. “I just didn't really understand what was going on, I didn't even understand why they were playing Melee over Brawl, and why was everything they did so impressive to everybody else?”

Through speedrunner and Melee enthusiast Narcissa Wright, Magi watched The Smash Brothers documentary—and something clicked. “I can easily say that the documentary changed my life, and suddenly all of my attention went towards trying to play ASAP.”

Without a copy of Melee, Magi turned to Project M in order to scratch her competitive Smash itch. And scratch she did, practicing her movement, spacing, and advanced tech until she felt ready for tournament play.

“L-cancelling felt amazing and just being able to move around like the players I saw in the documentary felt so good,” said Magi. “It was literally like a whole new world opened up for me.”