A year in esports makes a world of difference. Last year, Super Smash Bros. for Wii U player Leonardo "MKLeo" Lopez, 15, was denied a visa to enter Genesis 3 in the United States. Instead, he could only watch from the sidelines at home in Mexico while Gonzalo "ZeRo" Barrios won the event. As heartbroken as he was, he knew his time would eventually come.

"As long as I kept working hard and attending local events, I knew that one day I would be able to compete in the U.S.," MKLeo said.

The hard work paid off. He became the spotlight of the Smash 4 scene after he defeated European champion Ramin "Mr. R." Delshad at Smash Factor 5 last July. Immediately after the win, he declared, "I will win Genesis 4."

Unrelated to his performances in Smash competitions, he was granted a U.S. visa later in the year and, in December, MKLeo won 2GGT: ZeRo Saga in Las Vegas, where he defeated ZeRo, Larry "Larry Lurr" Holland and James "Void" Makekau-Tyson. Shortly thereafter, he signed with Echo Fox and Most Valuable Gaming.

"I am grateful for the huge opportunity they have given me," MKLeo said about his new teams. "It will be an honor to represent them and a bit of a challenge to have the pressure of a big organization on my shoulders."

Now he sets his eyes on this weekend's Genesis 4, remembering the vow he made earlier last year.

He acknowledges that winning Genesis 4 could be harder than he thought, however.

"At the time I thought it would be easier, getting to where I am now ... I had a reality check in Brazil and in Canada [at Get On My Level 2016] ... but that only made me want it more. I will give it everything I have," he said.

MKLeo comes into Genesis 4 not only as an full-fledged competitor, but also as one of the favorites to win the event as the No. 2 seed.

"Normally, I don't usually care about seeding, but this time it could potentially lead to my fantasy winners finals: ZeRo against myself," MKLeo said.

The pieces are all there for MKLeo. He has an approved visa and the support of his teams, Echo Fox and Most Valuable Gaming. In 2016, he proved that he could contend with anyone and win a major. Can he pull everything together for Genesis 4?

Anibal Tamacas contributed to this report.