Mango and Melee Itself

By E. Schoop

As history repeated for a third time last Sunday, there was a sense of disbelief. This was supposed to happen, but it wasn’t. If 2014 was year of the GOAT, then 2015 seemed to be the year of the buster, with Mango disappointing relative to the soaring highs he’d achieved the previous 12 months. In the back of everyone’s minds, Armada vs Hungrybox was the logical conclusion. Wishful thinking need not apply, despite the spectacular events leading up to the third day. Of course, thou shalt not sleep on the kid.



The top 8 of Genesis 3 has been cemented as the pinnacle of Melee. One can argue the outcome of Armada winning was the buzzkill to an otherwise thrilling run courtesy of Joseph Marquez, but as someone who was there, it didn’t matter. The WWE-style ending of Mango winning wasn’t in the cards, but that wasn’t the point of everyone’s elation. Melee’s own Steve Austin was back in top form, going full-on berserker mode reminiscent of the first two Genesises. This, isolated from all the other elements, raised the energy of the packed venue to an incredible, something that hasn’t been felt since Big House 4, and not nearly at a fever pitch like this.



Maybe there’s something in his home state that propels this kind of fervor, but Mango himself wasn’t the only attraction. Every single set was completely bonkers, each player having their own storyline. Ice getting top 8 at a supermajor for the first time since Evo 2013. Nintendude solidifying himself as the best Ice Climbers in the world with his first big top 8 finish. SFAT having the tournament of his life and representing his home region by getting 5th. PPMD only being bested by the 1st and 2nd place finishers, as well as showcasing he’s on his way to peak strength. Axe once again showing how Pikachu isn’t close to being figured out as a mid-tier while making a personal best 4th at supermajor. Hungrybox phenomenally performing in a way that concretely suggests he’ll be a contender at every single tourney he attends.



And then, there were two. Fate can’t even begin to describe how majestic it was seeing the Swede and the American Hero meet once again in a Norcal battle. With Waffles and Phil commentating, nothing could be substituted for these moments. It literally felt like everyone in the venue were just appreciating the game, in all its glory, played by the best twosome to ever hold a controller. With Genesis 3 so early in the year, it’s affirmed the community of how monumental 2016 can be, and with Leffen (hopefully) getting his visa, having the 6 gods at Pound/CEO/Evo could be the catalyst to the game’s best year ever.



But more importantly, Mango is back. His spiritually enlightening play in San Jose was just what we all needed, and time and time again, he proves he’s the spirit and driving force of Melee. With apologies to Daigo, Faker, Boxer, Dendi, the OGRE twins, and the many figureheads of other video games, Mango is the most beloved gamer of all time. His position as a borderline cult leader in the Mango Nation is absolute, and every time he exhibits his limitless skill it seems like Melee gains a new thousand fans. Yet, the great thing is that, unlike the other times he’s begat this sort of enduring legacy, the ever-waiting titan that is Adam Lindgren dares him to step it up another level. We can only hope that he rises to the challenge.

