Zain defeats Hungrybox to win Smash Melee Singles at Genesis 7

While Juan “Hungrybox” Debiedma has been a dominant force over the Super Smash Bros. Melee scene as one of the Five Gods, a new exciting 2020 may have started at Genesis 7.

From his first match against Hungrybox in the winners bracket, Zain Naghmi looked to be a significant threat - knocking the former champion to the losers bracket in a 3-1 victory.

Never to be counted out, Hungrybox managed to crawl his way back for a spot in the grand finals - beating Aziz “Hax$” Al-Yami and fellow Melee veteran Joseph “Mang0” Marquez on the way up. 

The grand final rematch between Zain and Hungrybox didn’t disappoint. In the first game, Zain showed early dominance and looked on course for a comfortable win.

As the map switched to Dreamland, Hungrybox’s renowned favourite, things bounced back in his favour and went onto equalise with some tense edge counter scuffles.

Zain swiftly reclaimed the lead on Final Destination in the third game, only for Hungrybox to send it back to an equaliser with the threat of resetting the bracket.

Taking their last stand on Pokemon Stadium, Zain managed to narrowly escape Hungrybox’s advances and get the killer blow when they were both down to one stock. As he won the final 3-2, Zain jumped out his seat to rapturous cheers from the audience.

Zain wins the largest share from a $11,060 prize pool. You can check out the top eight ranking from the tournament below.

1. Zain Naghmi

2. Juan "Hungrybox" Debiedma

3. Joseph "Mang0" Marquez

4. Aziz “Hax$” Al-Yami

5. William “Leffen” Hjelte

5. Shephard “Fiction” Lima

7. N0ne

7. DaJuan “Shroomed” Jefferson

Zain has become known as one of the major threats to the Melee Five Gods, having previously taken out Mang0 and Hungrybox at Shine 2018.

It wasn't the only Smash tournament taking place this weekend, with EVO Japan staging a tournament attended by game director Masahiro Sakurai.