The popular console game was released almost two decades ago, but Super Smash Bros. continues to bring people together. On October 6, MVHS Smash club held its first tournament of the year. Students filed into the Student Union to play Super Smash Bros. Melee on the GameCubes or Super Smash Bros. on the Wii Us spread around on the tables. The mood varied as the matches played out with mentalities ranging from casual to competitive.
While some played against another opponent, others chose to watch matches instead. After about half an hour of setting up and practice before the games, the tournament began.
Even though junior Angus Jyu isn’t an officer, he took control of the tournament, making sure everyone who wanted to play signed up. He also took part in his matches and, at the same time, kept the bracket updated.
“Something about organizing tournaments just has that appeal to me. Getting everyone together, uniting over our common interest [and] looking forward to the competition,” Jyu said. “There’s not too much pressure to win, it’s mostly just to have fun [and hang] out with people that have a common interest as you.”
Physics teacher and Smash club advisor Michael Lordan agrees with Jyu. Even as an adult, he enjoys watching the students partake in matches as well as playing against them.
“The people who partake in [Smash club], they’re definitely interested in it,” Lordan said. “It’s definitely something they’re excited about and look forward to, so I’m happy to make that possible.”
Lordan playing matches with the students is evident in the game being able to bring players of all ages together. Everyone who participated in the tournament had the opportunity to play, yet not everyone plays competitively. Each player has their own view on how to enjoy the game, especially since anyone can become engrossed in the game.
“Smash club is not just limited to people who’ve been playing Super Smash Bros. for a long time,” Jyu said. “Anybody of any age and any experience [can play] because Smash is such an accessible game, and because it’s so easy to pick up and play, and eventually find yourself being so engaged.”
Sophomore Ethan Malone, a club member since his freshman year, appreciates the tournaments the club holds and looks forward to seeing how the club will develop further throughout the year.
“It feels nice that I got to play the game for the first time in a while against other people because I usually just play with my friends online,” Malone said. “[Smash club] is awesome. A lot of good players left, but I think we could still get the ball rolling this year.”
