Florida resident Justin “Plup” McGrath surprised the city of Detroit on Sunday, October 8th by becoming an ascended being during a match of Super Smash Bros. Melee for the Nintendo GameCube. The set occurred during the tournament known as “The Big House 7” against Swedish-born Viking Adam “Armada” Lindgren. Since 2009 Lindgren has raided the United States several times a year with a raiding party consisting of his brother Andreas “Android” Lindgren and William “Leffen” Hjelte. Their goal is the prize money for US Melee tournaments. Previously these raids have mostly been successful with Lindgren pillaging the tournaments and leaving with the lion’s share of the prize money for both Melee Singles and Doubles tournaments. McGrath has tried to stop Lindgren in the past, but remained unsuccessful until now.

During the set Detroit citizens watched in awe as McGrath and Lindgren battled it out. McGrath started out strong and gained the upper hand quickly. However, just as it looked like Lindgren would be able to turn the set around a pillar of light descended through the Cobo Center ceiling, enveloping McGrath. McGrath began to levitate from his chair and many in the audience claim to have heard him say “This set is now property of the Plup Club” before smiting Lindgren and achieving his first ever victory against the Viking. Afterwards Lindgren hugged McGrath, hoping the act of kindness would win him favor with the newly ascended being.

When asked about his loss Lindgren commented, “I think that Justin is really good. His Sheik is very good and he played well.” Clearly afraid of incurring McGrath’s divine wrath Lindgren had nothing but praise for his opponent. “He’s been playing like a god all day so it’s not the biggest surprise that he actually became one. We’ve seen similar things happen before.” Lindgren is referring to a raid he took part in to Canada back in 2016. During the event Hjelte briefly achieved Nirvana and managed to fend off Lindgren and the American invaders to take the prize money for the Canadian tournament “Get On My Level.” Lindgren concluded the interview with, “Android is my brother.”

McGrath was also interviewed on his thoughts about his ascension. “My Sheik is pretty sick so this was bound to happen eventually,” he said. “This marks a new era, I think we’ll be able to beat back the Swedish invaders and anyone else more successfully now.” On what he planned to do with his new divine powers McGrath stated, “I haven’t really thought about it yet. Probably try to win more Melee tournaments.”

After defeating Lindgren, he went on to take out Hjelte before falling to Floridian food critic Juan “Hungrybox” Debiedma. Through his efforts the Swedish Viking attack was successfully repelled, and many Americans hope he will be able to repeat himself when they inevitably return.