SSBM Rank: Let’s talk top 10

The recent release of the past year’s 10 best Melee players showcases many significant changes in the meta as well as the growth and fall of some of Melee’s finest. Today I’m going to review the top ten and express why I feel certain placements will have an impact on the next year of Melee, as well as just how I feel about them in general. This, in a way, is my opinion of and response to the top 10.

Number 10: S2j

This was a spot that many, including myself, expected Johnny Kim to fill from day 1. After his close set with Armada I knew this was going to be a good year for S2j. He and n0ne are my 2 favorite Falcons, so I’m excited to see S2j rise even higher this year. Who knows, maybe he’ll become the first since Silent Spectre to take a set off Armada with falcon?

Number 9: Sfat

I’m not gonna lie here, I hate Sfat. For me, he’s just got this cheesy “just another fox” attitude. Nothing that he does really stands out to me as special. I would much rather watch Mango, Armada, Leffen, etc when it comes to fox. However, I can’t deny him deserving the spot, of course. I am satisfied that that he dropped two spots lol.

Number 8: Wizzrobe

Here’s where it gets pretty exciting. This placement, combined with S2j’s 10th, marks the first time in recent history, if not ever, that there have been 2 solo falcons in the top 10.

Let that sink in.

That aside, Wizzy had an amazing year. He almost replaced silent spectre as well at summit, and he has been the only falcon to challenge hbox, having wins and many close sets with him. Who would’ve thought that the 8th best character in the game could be going toe to toe with the brick walls that are armada and hbox. For me, wizzy has provided some of the hypest sets of the year, and I have no doubt that he’ll keep ‘em coming.

Number 7: Axe

Allow me a moment to compose myself.

*takes deep breath*

Aight I’m good.

At the 7th position we are blessed with my father, Jefferey Williamson, the best and only Pikachu in the top 100, let alone the top 10. Axe is one of those players that brings something to the scene that you can’t find anywhere else. His Pikachu is an obvious reason for this, but his overall knowledge of his secondaries is extremely irable, and may someday rival that of Mew2King.

This year has been Axe’s best yet. He has a winning record on M2k, in a matchup that is widely considered to be negative for Pikachu. He has wins on mang0, wizzrobe, S2j, and a winning record over Sfat, disposing of him almost entirely with his Marth at summit. Axe has close sets with Armada and Hbox, my favorite of which being the game 5 set at smash con, where Axe displayed his young link in one of the most intense sets I’ve ever seen.

I’m calling it right now, this is the year Axe wins a major.

Number 6: Leffen

It’s been a wild year for Big Leff. He’s obviously an amazing player, but he is probably the most vulnerable of the top 6, which would explain why he is the lowest of those I would consider to be “the gods.” He was unable to break out and snag a big tournament win this season. He isn’t fully to blame for this, as his visa issues held him back early in the year. I would, however, like to give Leffen a big thanks for the most comical upset of the year. His loss to washed commentator Lovage was kinda hilarious. All jokes aside, I believe Leffen will step it up next year and possibly break into the top 5.

Number 5: Plup

After watching him rise, I can gladly proclaim that I am, a card carrying member of the Plup club. Whether he’s beating armada, winning a tournament over Hbox, or playing Luigi throughout his entire bracket, Plup is always a joy to watch. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him in the top 3 next year.

Number 4: Mew2King

Despite his consistently solid placements, I don’t see M2k returning to his throne. He just doesn’t look convincing against the top 3 for me. Yes he has wins on them, but he also has loses where he shouldn’t. A top 3 player shouldn’t be dropping sets to Wizzy, S2j, and Axe in winning match ups. I don’t think M2k is truly on a decline, but I do see his placement stagnating. I do hope for his success though, as his Marth is my favorite to watch.

Number 3: Mang0

The Kid, the buster, the legend, Joseph Marquez is here, and he’s going to save us from the floaty felons that have been dominating the scene - or he would, if he could be consistent. I love Mang0 as much as anyone else, but my guy has got to step it up next year. If it can’t be Axe, I want Mang0 to have the number one spot, but lately Juan and Adam just haven’t been budging. Mang0 does deserve his spot here, and no higher. Despite his victory at Royal Flush, Armada has got the best of the buster this year. After an early lead over Hbox, Mang0 has fallen to him and Leffen too many times for my liking. He’s also down in sets vs Chudat lmaoooo. If Mang0 is going to win it for the people, he’s gotta show the top 2 what’s up.

Number 2: Armada

What more can possibly be said about the Swedish Sniper. The man is a veritable fortress. With no losses outside of the top 6, you would think that this guy would remain number 1, as he has been for so long. I just don’t know how he does it with peach. I’ve tried to play peach and I just can’t understand the character. But the way Armada does it is nothing short of perfection (excluding when he went for offstage fair against Mang0 at Royal Flush game 5 joeeeeeeee). It honestly pains me to see him in the number 2 spot, and I don’t even call myself an Armada fan.

Lastly, at the Number 1 spot, we have Hundvsij

...

we have Hungrsjskix

Sorry this is really hard for me to say.

*ahem*

At number one, we have, Hungrybox.

Look, you can’t deny this man his spot. He’s disgustingly consistent, incredibly clutch, and will probably be the death of melee. Yea you heard me. Who here can honestly tell me they enjoy the way Hbox plays. I know there’s going to be a few Jims who are like “oh he’s so methodical and calculated. I wouldn’t expect a scrub like you to understand the brilliance behind his play.”

Well let me tell ya something.

I don’t care how intelligent spamming back airs and camping the ledge and getting a rest kill is to you. Because there’s one fact you can’t deny.

It’s fucking boring.

If what Hungrybox does is what you want from Melee, then you’re looking in the wrong place. For me, Melee isn’t supposed to be slow methodical. Yet have you seen Hbox vs a floaty? That shit lasts for like 40 mins and has you on the edge of your seat, then game 5 stock 3 he gets a rest and it’s over. He doesn’t waver. Was I entertained during that fight? Yes, I can’t deny I was. But not because of anything Hbox was doing. I was excited because Wizzrobe, Axe, M2k, or even Armada was doing everything they could to come out on top, but they got hit with a back air at 50 or some other lame shit and it’s over. Its not entertaining, it’s stressful.

Alright I’m gonna take a step back though. Hungrybox has worked hard for his placement, and he deserves it. This man deals with hate from people like me constantly, just because he’s good at a Melee. I honestly feel bad for him sometimes, it must be rough.

Then he up throw rests Mang0 for free and I’m over him :/

Number 0: PPMD

Oh beloved Kevin Nanny, how we wait for your return. We are in a time of great need. Jigglypuff has taken over. Falco is dying. We need to stack it up once more. Please PP, this is our most desperate hour. You’re our only hope.

Well that’s it, that’s the top 10 best Melee players. Did your favorite player place where you wanted? I’m pretty happy with my dad, but hey, maybe someone is super stoked about Hbox (gag). Anyway, I’m super hype for Melee in 2018, especially Genesis 5 which starts tomorrow woooo.

Peace :v: