PPMD is Kevin Nanney, and he is water.

He was once very like Leffen, driven to the point of joyous and angry outbursts mid-set — but in 2014 he made a curious transition:

He became a model of reservation.

PPMD is a master, foremost, of movement. By emphasizing less-explored avenues of play, he has innovated and challenged the conventions of the game. It seems he does not need the same top-level practice most other players depend on: his analysis of opponents is deeper than any other player in the world.

PPMD does not push against his opponents — he waits for their move. He uses his advanced movement to press in and pull out of dangerous situations at a breakneck pace, forcing the best players in the world to whiff and blunder like they’re back in pools at their first tournament. He is more than willing to play to his opponent, trick them into overextending, and capitalize on the resulting mistake.

PPMD is formless; he molds into the shape of his opponent, from where he can find an opening and eventually a lead.

Out of game, Kevin Nanney is much the same. His online persona is as different from Hjelte as one can imagine — he is kind and helpful, almost never confrontational. He gives advice generously, and his words are refined and to the point. His interviews are gracious and complimentary, and he speaks very highly of his opponents.

To adapt a proverb: PPMD versus Leffen is a river versus a boulder. One assumes that the boulder, intimidating in size and force, is stronger; but the river, ever patient, erodes and whittles and diminishes. Eventually a crack will turn to a torrent, and the stone is overrun.

Here, PPMD is comfortable; despite all that is happening around him, he is even a bit peaceful. He leans back and sips on water. He is now winning, and will continue to win because in any possible situation he will adapt to and thus control the game. Momentum in Melee is everything — and he has it.

Leffen is uncomfortable. He is so close and has been through so much. In the last twenty-four hours, he has made history multiple times over. But now he buries his face into his hand because all the drive and ambition and aggression in the world cannot stop a flowing river.

The boulder has crumbled.

One game from now, PPMD will enter the Winner’s Side of Grand Finals — and Leffen will proceed to lose to Armada in Loser’s Finals, failing once more to break his 3rd place curse in a U.S. tournament.

If you are a newer member of the scene and wonder why people still talk about PPMD’s return, this set should clue you in fairly well. The key is not that he was merely a great player — it’s that he was a different player. His approach to the game was unlike anything seen before or since. And when he was on his game, against opponents on their game — lightning was in the air.