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==Tournament history==
==Tournament history==
===Before Bayonetta===
===''[[Smash 4]]''===
====Before Bayonetta====
In the early metagame of ''Smash 4'', CaptainZack was a solo-{{SSB4|Peach}} player. Despite his young age, he quickly established himself as one of the strongest players in his region, where he consistently placed top 2 at local monthies. Although he made a few appearances nationally, he still saw passable results, notably placing 33rd at {{Trn|CEO 2015}} and taking sets off of players such as {{Sm|Seagull Joe}} and {{Sm|8BitMan}}.  
In the early metagame of ''Smash 4'', CaptainZack was a solo-{{SSB4|Peach}} player. Despite his young age, he quickly established himself as one of the strongest players in his region, where he consistently placed top 2 at local monthies. Although he made a few appearances nationally, he still saw passable results, notably placing 33rd at {{Trn|CEO 2015}} and taking sets off of players such as {{Sm|Seagull Joe}} and {{Sm|8BitMan}}.  


===Bayonetta's release===
====Bayonetta's release====
The results with Peach, however, would be no match to his later results. Following Bayonetta's release as a DLC character, CaptainZack, being a fan of the character, decided to pick her up. Although his first tournament with her, {{Trn|CEO 2016}}, ended in disappointment, he saw his first top 8 placement at a national at {{Trn|Clutch City Clash}}, where he defeated {{Sm|Fatality}} and {{Sm|Mew2King}}, ultimately placing 4th. This placement, however, was overshadowed by his out-of-region breakout tournament at {{Trn|2GGT: Abadango Saga}}, where he upset {{Sm|Larry Lurr}} to ultimately place 9th. This run, along with other fantastic placements such as 17th at {{Trn|The Big House 6}} and 7th at {{Trn|UGC Smash Open}} and as subsequent wins over other top players such as {{Sm|Dabuz}} and {{Sm|ESAM}}, helped him debut at 20th place on the [[Panda Global Rankings v2]].
The results with Peach, however, would be no match to his later results. Following Bayonetta's release as a DLC character, CaptainZack, being a fan of the character, decided to pick her up. Although his first tournament with her, {{Trn|CEO 2016}}, ended in disappointment, he saw his first top 8 placement at a national at {{Trn|Clutch City Clash}}, where he defeated {{Sm|Fatality}} and {{Sm|Mew2King}}, ultimately placing 4th. This placement, however, was overshadowed by his out-of-region breakout tournament at {{Trn|2GGT: Abadango Saga}}, where he upset {{Sm|Larry Lurr}} to ultimately place 9th. This run, along with other fantastic placements such as 17th at {{Trn|The Big House 6}} and 7th at {{Trn|UGC Smash Open}} and as subsequent wins over other top players such as {{Sm|Dabuz}} and {{Sm|ESAM}}, helped him debut at 20th place on the [[Panda Global Rankings v2]].


===Challenging Salem's title===
====Challenging Salem's title====
Although CaptainZack had several high placements in the second season, they were no match for {{Sm|Salem}}, who not only had better placements, including a few victories at smaller PGR tournaments, but notably double-eliminated {{Sm|ZeRo}} at {{Trn|Collision XIV}}, among other top player victories. Ultimately, Salem was ranked 13th on the rankings, 7 places higher than CaptainZack, solidifying himself as the best Bayonetta player in the world.
Although CaptainZack had several high placements in the second season, they were no match for {{Sm|Salem}}, who not only had better placements, including a few victories at smaller PGR tournaments, but notably double-eliminated {{Sm|ZeRo}} at {{Trn|Collision XIV}}, among other top player victories. Ultimately, Salem was ranked 13th on the rankings, 7 places higher than CaptainZack, solidifying himself as the best Bayonetta player in the world.


However, in the third season, CaptainZack challenged Salem's title. CaptainZack started the season strong, placing 4th at {{Trn|GENESIS 4}}, defeating {{Sm|ANTi}}, {{Sm|komorikiri}}, and {{Sm|Abadango}}, as well as 5th at {{Trn|Frame Perfect Series 2}}, defeating {{Sm|kameme}} and {{Sm|Ranai}}. His best tournament run, however, was at {{Trn|2GGC: Civil War}}, one of the most stacked tournaments in ''Smash 4'' history, where he defeated kameme, {{Sm|Marss}}, and {{Sm|Mr.R}}, en route to a 4th place finish. His outstanding performance outshined Salem's initial results, who placed lower than CaptainZack at all three tournaments. Although Salem later caught up in the second half of the season, culminating in a 2nd place finish at {{Trn|2GGC: Nairo Saga}}, the damage was already done: by the end of the season, CaptainZack was ranked 7th, while Salem was ranked 4 places lower at 11th.
However, in the third season, CaptainZack challenged Salem's title. CaptainZack started the season strong, placing 4th at {{Trn|GENESIS 4}}, defeating {{Sm|ANTi}}, {{Sm|komorikiri}}, and {{Sm|Abadango}}, as well as 5th at {{Trn|Frame Perfect Series 2}}, defeating {{Sm|kameme}} and {{Sm|Ranai}}. His best tournament run, however, was at {{Trn|2GGC: Civil War}}, one of the most stacked tournaments in ''Smash 4'' history, where he defeated kameme, {{Sm|Marss}}, and {{Sm|Mr.R}}, en route to a 4th place finish. His outstanding performance outshined Salem's initial results, who placed lower than CaptainZack at all three tournaments. Although Salem later caught up in the second half of the season, culminating in a 2nd place finish at {{Trn|2GGC: Nairo Saga}}, the damage was already done: by the end of the season, CaptainZack was ranked 7th, while Salem was ranked 4 places lower at 11th.


===Losing steam===
====Losing steam====
Despite having a strong third season overall, his challenge started to become questionable in the second half. Following 2GGC: Civil War, he failed to qualify for top 8 at a supermajor until the final supermajor of the season, {{Trn|CEO 2017}}. Furthermore, he saw several losses to unranked players such as {{Sm|Twi}}, {{Sm|Sandstorm}}, and {{Sm|Lazyboredom}}; the latter loss started a struggle against mid- and low-tier characters such as {{SSB4|Little Mac}}.  
Despite having a strong third season overall, his challenge started to become questionable in the second half. Following 2GGC: Civil War, he failed to qualify for top 8 at a supermajor until the final supermajor of the season, {{Trn|CEO 2017}}. Furthermore, he saw several losses to unranked players such as {{Sm|Twi}}, {{Sm|Sandstorm}}, and {{Sm|Lazyboredom}}; the latter loss started a struggle against mid- and low-tier characters such as {{SSB4|Little Mac}}.  


While his outstanding first half and performance at CEO 2017 helped CaptainZack in the third season, he had no such help in the fourth season. He failed to qualify for top 8 at any supermajor during the season, and while he still had solid placements at regionals, they were unable to alleviate the damage done from the weaker national performances. Furthermore, he developed a bracket demon in {{Sm|ESAM}}, who had an 0-5 record against him by the end of the season. To top off the season, although CaptainZack qualified for the {{Trn|2GG Championship}}, he infamously lost to {{Sm|komorikiri}}'s {{SSB4|Roy}} and ultimately went 1-2 in round robins to place 11th. Conversely, Salem had the best season of his ''Smash 4'' career, where he not only saw consistent top 8 placements at supermajors, but even briefly challenged {{Sm|ZeRo}}'s title for best player in the world by winning {{Trn|EVO 2017}}, {{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2017}}, and {{Trn|2GGC: Fire Emblem Saga}}. Due to Salem's sudden resurgence and CaptainZack's decline, Salem took back the title of best Bayonetta and was ranked 2nd by the end of the season, 16 places above CaptainZack's 18th.
While his outstanding first half and performance at CEO 2017 helped CaptainZack in the third season, he had no such help in the fourth season. He failed to qualify for top 8 at any supermajor during the season, and while he still had solid placements at regionals, they were unable to alleviate the damage done from the weaker national performances. Furthermore, he developed a bracket demon in {{Sm|ESAM}}, who had an 0-5 record against him by the end of the season. To top off the season, although CaptainZack qualified for the {{Trn|2GG Championship}}, he infamously lost to {{Sm|komorikiri}}'s {{SSB4|Roy}} and ultimately went 1-2 in round robins to place 11th. Conversely, Salem had the best season of his ''Smash 4'' career, where he not only saw consistent top 8 placements at supermajors, but even briefly challenged {{Sm|ZeRo}}'s title for best player in the world by winning {{Trn|EVO 2017}}, {{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2017}}, and {{Trn|2GGC: Fire Emblem Saga}}. Due to Salem's sudden resurgence and CaptainZack's decline, Salem took back the title of best Bayonetta and was ranked 2nd by the end of the season, 16 places above CaptainZack's 18th.


===A brief return to form===
====A brief return to form====
Although he had a rough fourth season, CaptainZack started to bounce back in the fifth season. Despite starting the season with a lukewarm 17th at {{Trn|Frostbite 2018}} with a notable loss to {{SSB4|R.O.B.}} player {{Sm|SaSSy}}, CaptainZack saw his first national top 8 at {{Trn|Smash Masters League: Battle for Vegas}}, where he defeated {{Sm|VoiD}} and ultimately placed 7th. From there, he only appeared at a couple PGR tournaments before ending off the season with top 8 placements at the two largest tournaments of the season: at {{Trn|2GG: Hyrule Saga}}, he eliminated {{Sm|Samsora}} and {{Sm|MkLeo}} to finish 5th, while at {{Trn|CEO 2018}}, he defeated Salem and {{Sm|Abadango}} to place 4th. These two placements and top player wins alleviated a rather inactive season for CaptainZack and caused him to rise to 9th by the end of the season.
Although he had a rough fourth season, CaptainZack started to bounce back in the fifth season. Despite starting the season with a lukewarm 17th at {{Trn|Frostbite 2018}} with a notable loss to {{SSB4|R.O.B.}} player {{Sm|SaSSy}}, CaptainZack saw his first national top 8 at {{Trn|Smash Masters League: Battle for Vegas}}, where he defeated {{Sm|VoiD}} and ultimately placed 7th. From there, he only appeared at a couple PGR tournaments before ending off the season with top 8 placements at the two largest tournaments of the season: at {{Trn|2GG: Hyrule Saga}}, he eliminated {{Sm|Samsora}} and {{Sm|MkLeo}} to finish 5th, while at {{Trn|CEO 2018}}, he defeated Salem and {{Sm|Abadango}} to place 4th. These two placements and top player wins alleviated a rather inactive season for CaptainZack and caused him to rise to 9th by the end of the season.


CaptainZack would, however, return to inconsistency in the final season. Although he started off strong with a 2nd place finish at {{Trn|EVO 2018}}, the [[Tournament:EVO 2018#Controversy|lack of seriousness he showcased during Grand Finals]], which included a homie stock and holding [[Bullet Climax]] for two full minutes, seemed to have cursed his final few months. EVO 2018 was the last supermajor he placed in the top 8, and he saw some of his worst placements ever, including 49th at {{Trn|Shine 2018}} and 33rd at {{Trn|The Big House 8}}, with several losses to unranked players including {{Sm|MagiMagi}}, {{Sm|Kuma}}, and {{Sm|Blade}}. These performances; the rise of other Bayonetta players such as {{Sm|Lima}}, {{Sm|Mistake}}, and most notably {{Sm|Tweek}}; and Salem's consistency up until the game's final moments erased any chance for CaptainZack to reclaim the best Bayonetta title. Despite having failed that as well as a weak final season, thanks to his outstanding third and fifth seasons, CaptainZack was ranked 15th on Panda Global's [[PGR 100|all-time ''Smash 4'' rankings]].
However, CaptainZack returned to inconsistency in the final season. Although he started off strong with a 2nd place finish at {{Trn|EVO 2018}}, the [[Tournament:EVO 2018#Controversy|lack of seriousness he showcased during Grand Finals]], which included a homie stock and holding [[Bullet Climax]] for two full minutes, seemed to have cursed his final few months. EVO 2018 was the last supermajor he placed in the top 8, and he saw some of his worst placements ever, including 49th at {{Trn|Shine 2018}} and 33rd at {{Trn|The Big House 8}}, with several losses to unranked players including {{Sm|MagiMagi}}, {{Sm|Kuma}}, and {{Sm|Blade}}. These performances; the rise of other Bayonetta players such as {{Sm|Lima}}, {{Sm|Mistake}}, and most notably {{Sm|Tweek}}; and Salem's consistency up until the game's final moments erased any chance for CaptainZack to reclaim the best Bayonetta title. Despite having failed that as well as a weak final season, thanks to his outstanding third and fifth seasons, CaptainZack was ranked 15th on Panda Global's [[PGR 100|all-time ''Smash 4'' rankings]].
 
===''[[Ultimate]]''===
====Reclaiming the title====
As ''Ultimate'' rolled around, many people noted the severe buffs {{SSBU|Bayonetta}} received during the transition that hindered her KO power and notorious combo game. As a result, many of her best players, most notably {{Sm|Salem}} and {{Sm|Tweek}}, dropped Bayonetta in favor of other characters. Despite the nerfs, CaptainZack continued to play Bayonetta, and placed 17th at {{Trn|Let's Make Moves}} and 49th at {{Trn|Glitch 6}}. These results, while decent, were nevertheless a far cry from CaptainZack's performance throughout most of ''Smash 4''.
 
In hopes of changing things around, CaptainZack prioritized the superior character {{SSBU|Peach}} and her echo {{SSBU|Daisy}}, and initially saw some success, placing 9th at the first supermajor of the year, {{Trn|GENESIS 6}}. This success, however, did not last very long, and CaptainZack placed outside of top 32 at next three national tournaments he attended. Seeing how focusing on Peach and Daisy wasn't helping him, CaptainZack returned his attention to Bayonetta, and saw some of the best results of his ''Ultimate'' career, including 17th at {{Trn|MomoCon 2019}} and 13th at {{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5}} before ending off the season at a disappointing yet familiar 33rd at {{Trn|CEO 2019}}.
 
Despite an incredibly mixed season, CaptainZack managed to pull off success with Bayonetta, a character players have waved off as a threat of the past. While most other Bayonetta players such as {{Sm|Lima}} and {{Sm|tamim}} found success at a regional level, they either failed to travel throughout the season (Lima) or faltered at national tournaments (tamim). Although he also used Peach and Daisy, CaptainZack was able to find success with Bayonetta at both regionals and nationals during the season, defeating players such as {{Sm|Nairo}} and {{Sm|Salem}} along the way. With CaptainZack being ranked 32nd for ''Ultimate''{{'}}s first season, he was acclaimed as the best Bayonetta player in ''Ultimate'', allowing him to reclaim a title he had lost years ago.
 
====The downfall====
The first season, however, was also the last time CaptainZack saw national success. Following a decent performance at {{Trn|EVO 2019}}, [[Smasher:CaptainZack#Blackmailing/Bracket Manipulation|allegations of manipulation and blackmail surfaced]], and many prominent tournament organizations banned CaptainZack from competing. Although he was allowed to spectate at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}}, CaptainZack stopped entering tournaments and would be considered largely inactive. His only notable appearance since then was at the online tournament {{Trn|Soaked Series Invitational}}, where he entered under the tag "Secretary" and used mostly Bayonetta to place 17th. He would later return to the scene by attending Louisiana locals, consistently placing in the top 2, however [[Smasher:CaptainZack#Manipulated Claims on Nairo|following more manipulation allegations]], he would be banned there as well. Since then, he has not made any appearance in the community.


==Controversies==
==Controversies==

Revision as of 16:33, July 22, 2021

Not to be confused with Smasher:CaptainJack.
CaptainZack "Secretary"
CaptainZackSBR3.jpg
Character info
Melee main Peach
Brawl mains Olimar, Zero Suit Samus
Other Brawl character Peach
Smash 4 mains Bayonetta, Peach
Other Smash 4 character Wii Fit Trainer
Ultimate mains Bayonetta, Peach, Daisy
Other Ultimate characters Byleth, Palutena
Project M main Zelda
Team info
Former sponsor(s) Phoenix1, Polar Ace
Former crews No Limit Gaming, DMG Alliance
Rankings and results info
Most recent ranking Super Smash Bros. 4 Panda Global Rankings 100: 15th
Personal and other info
Real name Zack Lauth
Birth date (age 23)
Location New Orleans, Louisiana United States
Miscellaneous info
Skill Super Smash Bros. Brawl Professional (retired)
Super Smash Bros. 4 Top professional (retired)
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Top professional Template:Banned

CaptainZack is a former Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Bayonetta, Peach, and Daisy player from New Orleans, Louisiana, he was considered the best Bayonetta player in the world prior to his inactivity and eventual ban from the competitive scene, trying to use her in competitive play even though he is critical of her drastic nerfs from Smash 4. He was formerly ranked 32nd on the Spring 2019 PGRU and has wins on Ally, Nairo, Wishes, Salem, Dark Wizzy, Prodigy, Goblin, Umeki, and Captain L.

In Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, he is considered one of the best Bayonetta players in the world (along with Tweek, Salem, tamim, Lima, and Abadango) as well as one of the best Peach players in the world (along with Samsora, Umeki, and Kie). CaptainZack was ranked 15th on the Panda Global Rankings 100 and was formerly ranked 2nd on the Louisiana Smash 4 Power Rankings. He has taken sets off of top players such as Nairo, MkLeo, Dabuz, Ally, Salem, Larry Lurr, Mr.R, VoiD, komorikiri, and Abadango.

He is known (and partly infamous) for his colourful personality, in and out of the game. He makes frequent usage of taunts, as well as dances, many of which come from the Bayonetta series itself.

On June 6th, 2017, CaptainZack was sponsored by Phoenix1[2], making him their second SSB4 player after Tweek, and third Smash player overall following Duck. On May 17, 2018, he announced he was officially a free agent, thanking Phoenix1 for changing his life. On March 13th, 2019, CaptainZack joined Polar Ace.[3] Polar Ace dropped him on August 2nd, 2019 amid bracket manipulation and blackmail controversies. [4] He has since been embroiled in controversies surrounding his relationships with several adults while underaged, including with former professionals Nairo and Ally. Many of these relationships involved further blackmailing and extortion from CaptainZack. He was ultimately banned from the competitive Smash scene as a result of his actions.

Tournament history

Smash 4

Before Bayonetta

In the early metagame of Smash 4, CaptainZack was a solo-Peach player. Despite his young age, he quickly established himself as one of the strongest players in his region, where he consistently placed top 2 at local monthies. Although he made a few appearances nationally, he still saw passable results, notably placing 33rd at CEO 2015 and taking sets off of players such as Seagull Joe and 8BitMan.

Bayonetta's release

The results with Peach, however, would be no match to his later results. Following Bayonetta's release as a DLC character, CaptainZack, being a fan of the character, decided to pick her up. Although his first tournament with her, CEO 2016, ended in disappointment, he saw his first top 8 placement at a national at Clutch City Clash, where he defeated Fatality and Mew2King, ultimately placing 4th. This placement, however, was overshadowed by his out-of-region breakout tournament at 2GGT: Abadango Saga, where he upset Larry Lurr to ultimately place 9th. This run, along with other fantastic placements such as 17th at The Big House 6 and 7th at UGC Smash Open and as subsequent wins over other top players such as Dabuz and ESAM, helped him debut at 20th place on the Panda Global Rankings v2.

Challenging Salem's title

Although CaptainZack had several high placements in the second season, they were no match for Salem, who not only had better placements, including a few victories at smaller PGR tournaments, but notably double-eliminated ZeRo at Collision XIV, among other top player victories. Ultimately, Salem was ranked 13th on the rankings, 7 places higher than CaptainZack, solidifying himself as the best Bayonetta player in the world.

However, in the third season, CaptainZack challenged Salem's title. CaptainZack started the season strong, placing 4th at GENESIS 4, defeating ANTi, komorikiri, and Abadango, as well as 5th at Frame Perfect Series 2, defeating kameme and Ranai. His best tournament run, however, was at 2GGC: Civil War, one of the most stacked tournaments in Smash 4 history, where he defeated kameme, Marss, and Mr.R, en route to a 4th place finish. His outstanding performance outshined Salem's initial results, who placed lower than CaptainZack at all three tournaments. Although Salem later caught up in the second half of the season, culminating in a 2nd place finish at 2GGC: Nairo Saga, the damage was already done: by the end of the season, CaptainZack was ranked 7th, while Salem was ranked 4 places lower at 11th.

Losing steam

Despite having a strong third season overall, his challenge started to become questionable in the second half. Following 2GGC: Civil War, he failed to qualify for top 8 at a supermajor until the final supermajor of the season, CEO 2017. Furthermore, he saw several losses to unranked players such as Twi, Sandstorm, and Lazyboredom; the latter loss started a struggle against mid- and low-tier characters such as Little Mac.

While his outstanding first half and performance at CEO 2017 helped CaptainZack in the third season, he had no such help in the fourth season. He failed to qualify for top 8 at any supermajor during the season, and while he still had solid placements at regionals, they were unable to alleviate the damage done from the weaker national performances. Furthermore, he developed a bracket demon in ESAM, who had an 0-5 record against him by the end of the season. To top off the season, although CaptainZack qualified for the 2GG Championship, he infamously lost to komorikiri's Roy and ultimately went 1-2 in round robins to place 11th. Conversely, Salem had the best season of his Smash 4 career, where he not only saw consistent top 8 placements at supermajors, but even briefly challenged ZeRo's title for best player in the world by winning EVO 2017, DreamHack Atlanta 2017, and 2GGC: Fire Emblem Saga. Due to Salem's sudden resurgence and CaptainZack's decline, Salem took back the title of best Bayonetta and was ranked 2nd by the end of the season, 16 places above CaptainZack's 18th.

A brief return to form

Although he had a rough fourth season, CaptainZack started to bounce back in the fifth season. Despite starting the season with a lukewarm 17th at Frostbite 2018 with a notable loss to R.O.B. player SaSSy, CaptainZack saw his first national top 8 at Smash Masters League: Battle for Vegas, where he defeated VoiD and ultimately placed 7th. From there, he only appeared at a couple PGR tournaments before ending off the season with top 8 placements at the two largest tournaments of the season: at 2GG: Hyrule Saga, he eliminated Samsora and MkLeo to finish 5th, while at CEO 2018, he defeated Salem and Abadango to place 4th. These two placements and top player wins alleviated a rather inactive season for CaptainZack and caused him to rise to 9th by the end of the season.

However, CaptainZack returned to inconsistency in the final season. Although he started off strong with a 2nd place finish at EVO 2018, the lack of seriousness he showcased during Grand Finals, which included a homie stock and holding Bullet Climax for two full minutes, seemed to have cursed his final few months. EVO 2018 was the last supermajor he placed in the top 8, and he saw some of his worst placements ever, including 49th at Shine 2018 and 33rd at The Big House 8, with several losses to unranked players including MagiMagi, Kuma, and Blade. These performances; the rise of other Bayonetta players such as Lima, Mistake, and most notably Tweek; and Salem's consistency up until the game's final moments erased any chance for CaptainZack to reclaim the best Bayonetta title. Despite having failed that as well as a weak final season, thanks to his outstanding third and fifth seasons, CaptainZack was ranked 15th on Panda Global's all-time Smash 4 rankings.

Ultimate

Reclaiming the title

As Ultimate rolled around, many people noted the severe buffs Bayonetta received during the transition that hindered her KO power and notorious combo game. As a result, many of her best players, most notably Salem and Tweek, dropped Bayonetta in favor of other characters. Despite the nerfs, CaptainZack continued to play Bayonetta, and placed 17th at Let's Make Moves and 49th at Glitch 6. These results, while decent, were nevertheless a far cry from CaptainZack's performance throughout most of Smash 4.

In hopes of changing things around, CaptainZack prioritized the superior character Peach and her echo Daisy, and initially saw some success, placing 9th at the first supermajor of the year, GENESIS 6. This success, however, did not last very long, and CaptainZack placed outside of top 32 at next three national tournaments he attended. Seeing how focusing on Peach and Daisy wasn't helping him, CaptainZack returned his attention to Bayonetta, and saw some of the best results of his Ultimate career, including 17th at MomoCon 2019 and 13th at Smash 'N' Splash 5 before ending off the season at a disappointing yet familiar 33rd at CEO 2019.

Despite an incredibly mixed season, CaptainZack managed to pull off success with Bayonetta, a character players have waved off as a threat of the past. While most other Bayonetta players such as Lima and tamim found success at a regional level, they either failed to travel throughout the season (Lima) or faltered at national tournaments (tamim). Although he also used Peach and Daisy, CaptainZack was able to find success with Bayonetta at both regionals and nationals during the season, defeating players such as Nairo and Salem along the way. With CaptainZack being ranked 32nd for Ultimate's first season, he was acclaimed as the best Bayonetta player in Ultimate, allowing him to reclaim a title he had lost years ago.

The downfall

The first season, however, was also the last time CaptainZack saw national success. Following a decent performance at EVO 2019, allegations of manipulation and blackmail surfaced, and many prominent tournament organizations banned CaptainZack from competing. Although he was allowed to spectate at Super Smash Con 2019, CaptainZack stopped entering tournaments and would be considered largely inactive. His only notable appearance since then was at the online tournament Soaked Series Invitational, where he entered under the tag "Secretary" and used mostly Bayonetta to place 17th. He would later return to the scene by attending Louisiana locals, consistently placing in the top 2, however following more manipulation allegations, he would be banned there as well. Since then, he has not made any appearance in the community.

Controversies

Blackmailing/Bracket Manipulation

On August 2nd, 2019, around the time of Ally's controversy, a since-deactivated Twitter account going by the name of "The Truth" posted that CaptainZack pressured Ally into dating him, and that he blackmailed Ally into intentionally losing games to Zackray at 2GG: Prime Saga and Nairo at MomoCon 2019. A few hours later, CaptainZack, in a Twitlonger, confirmed the rumors about manipulating Ally, and revealed more information about their relationship. He also stated that he was forcing Ally to drop games in hopes that Ally would leave him, and that he was getting more and more upset as Ally was able to have continued success.[5] He was subsequently dropped by his team, Polar Ace, as a result of the incident.

Due to the incident, Zack was also banned from competing at Super Smash Con 2019. He was, however, allowed to attend as a spectator, and confirmed the decision on Twitter.[6] 2GGaming also banned him from all 2GG tournaments on August 5th.[7] 2GG notably organized both of the tournaments in which Zack admitted to manipulating brackets.

On January 16th, 2020, the SSBConductPanel released a statement where they advised an indefinite ban for CaptainZack with a chance to appeal after 5 years[8]. This decision was met with significant backlash, with many players such as MVD and Fatality pointing out that Mew2Queen only had half of CaptainZack's sentencing for sexual harassment. The controversial ban was brought up again in late June 2020 amidst a number of bans on other Smashers, and the hashtag "UnbanCaptainZack" trended on Twitter. The SSBConductPanel released a statement on June 29th defending their decision, which caused more backlash as people noted that they did not go into the details of the decision. The panel later made another statement saying that they could not provide anything else because it involved private information[9]. VGBootCamp made a post the following day saying that they were going to ignore the panel's ruling and only giving CaptainZack a one-year ban[10]. This decision was also controversial, with people such as The Crimson Blur, who has seen the aforementioned private information, and Glyphmoney, who was part of the panel's investigation on Promaelia, disagreeing with the decision[11][12]. On July 5, 2020, D. Disciple revealed text messages between Ally and CaptainZack confirming that CaptainZack threatened to expose Ally if he did not lose to Zackray, contradicting CaptainZack's opening Twitlonger statement.[13]

Manipulated Claims on Nairo

Further information: Smasher:Nairo#Sexual misconduct allegations, ban, and repudiation of allegations

On September 14th, 2020, several claims in CaptainZack's accusation of Nairo were brought into question when tamim released a TwitLonger. In it, he claimed that Zack manipulated his TwitLonger on Nairo by filling it with lies; notably, he claimed that CaptainZack initiated the first sexual contact with Nairo, who was allegedly still asleep at that time. tamim also pointed out how Zack twisted the wording to make it look like Nairo was paying Zack hush money when it was, in fact, Zack who requested money from Nairo. Furthermore, tamim said that CaptainZack was "a very sneaky and devious person" and had attempted to seduce and manipulate several other adults besides Ally and Nairo [14]. tamim also claimed that Zack wasn't worried about facing retribution for being in a relationship with Ally because he was a minor.

Two days later, CaptainZack would reach out to tamim where he confirmed a few things stated in tamim's TwitLonger, including asking Nairo for money and the minor excuse. tamim also stated that CaptainZack no longer planned to be part of the community[15]. Despite this claim, CaptainZack continued to attend Louisiana locals until he was banned in October.[16]

Tournament placings

Super Smash Bros. Melee

Tournament Date 1v1 placement 2v2 placement Partner
Monthly Godlike 1 July 19th, 2014 13th
Monthly Godlike 2 August 23rd, 2014 13th
Monthly Godlike 3 September 20th, 2014 9th
Monthly Godlike 4 October 18th, 2014 7th
Monthly Godlike 5 November 22nd, 2014 5th
Monthly Godlike 6 January 3rd, 2015 9th
Monthly Godlike 7 March 7th, 2015 25th
Monthly Godlike 8 March 28th, 2015 9th 5th JSalt
Monthly Godlike 9 April 25th, 2015 4th
Monthly Godlike 10 May 30th, 2015 9th 4th JSalt
Monthly Godlike 11 June 13th, 2015 4th
The People's Tournament II July 4th-5th, 2015 13th 3rd JSalt
Monthly Godlike 12 July 26th, 2015 7th
Monthly Godlike 13 August 29th, 2015 9th 3rd JSalt
MLG World Finals 2015 October 16th-18th, 2015 17th 5th xylo

Super Smash Bros. Brawl

Tournament Date 1v1 placement 2v2 placement Partner
Open World Monthy #6 May 10th, 2014 7th
Golden Chariot June 14th, 2014 5th
MGL1 July 19th, 2014 3rd
BAG3 November 29th, 2015 4th
CEO Dreamland April 14th-16th, 2017 17th 2nd Nairo
Showdown: Battle Royale 2 September 23rd-24th, 2017 2nd

Project M

Tournament Date 1v1 placement 2v2 placement Partner
Grudge of Louisiana 2 January 31st, 2015 7th
Monthly Godlike 8 March 28th, 2015 9th 2nd Magi_
Monthly Godlike 9 April 25th, 2015 3rd 1st Lee Martin
Monthly Godlike 10 May 30th, 2015 4th 2nd Magi_
Monthly Godlike 11 June 13th, 2015 3rd
The People's Tournament II July 4th-5th, 2015 9th 5th Magi_
Monthly Godlike 12 July 26th, 2015 5th
Monthly Godlike 13 August 29th, 2015 5th
BAG 3 November 29th, 2015 5th

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U

Tournament Date 1v1 placement 2v2 placement Partner
World War Wii 10 January 24th, 2015 5th
Monthly Godlike 8 March 28th, 2015 2nd
Monthly Godlike 9 April 25th, 2015 2nd
Monthly Godlike 10 May 30th, 2015 2nd
Monthly Godlike 11 June 13th, 2015 1st
CEO 2015 June 26th-28th, 2015 33rd ? JJROCKETS
The People's Tournament II July 4th-5th, 2015 5th 2nd Samsora
Monthly Godlike 12 July 26th, 2015 2nd ? ?
Monthly Godlike 13 August 29th, 2015 5th
MLG World Finals 2015 October 16th-18th, 2015 25th 7th Samsora
TGC 6 February 6th, 2016 13th 13th ShadowFoxXD
TGC 7 April 9th, 2016 17th 5th Samsora
NOLA Smash 5/14/16 May 15th, 2016 1st
TGC 8 June 4th, 2016 4th 5th Samsora
Smash Fight Club 47 June 5th, 2016 1st
CEO 2016 June 24th-26th, 2016 97th 25th Samsora
Clutch City Clash August 6th-7th, 2016 5th 2nd LordMix
BWW Smash 4 August 13th, 2016 1st
NOLA Smash Tournament 13 @ Dibbz September 17th, 2016 2nd
2GGT: Abadango Saga September 24th, 2016 9th 9th Zan
The Big House 6 October 7th-9th, 2016 17th 9th Pink Fresh
Aftershock 2016 November 5th-6th, 2016 2nd 1st Samsora
NOLA Smash Tournament 15 @ Dibbz November 12th, 2016 2nd
KTAR XIX November 19th, 2016 13th 9th Pink Fresh
UGC Smash Open December 2nd-4th, 2016 7th 13th Pink Fresh
2GGT: ZeRo Saga December 16th-18th, 2016 25th 13th Pink Fresh
Ignition #64 January 4th, 2017 1st
Poplar Creek Bowl Weekly #81 January 5th, 2017 4th 2nd Ned
Midwest Mayhem 6: SoCal Invasion January 7th, 2017 5th 5th H-Man
GENESIS 4 January 20th-22nd, 2017 4th 7th Pink Fresh
2GGC: Midwest Mayhem Saga February 11th, 2017 13th 7th Ryuga
Frostbite 2017 February 25th-26th, 2017 17th 9th Tweek
Frame Perfect Series 2 March 18th-19th, 2017 5th 5th Kirihara
PG Key to 2GGC: Civil War March 5th-8th, 2017 2nd
2GGC: Civil War March 24th-26th, 2017 4th 25th Pink Fresh
South Louisiana Major 2017 April 1st, 2017 2nd
NOLA Smash Tournament 20 @ Dibbz April 8th, 2017 1st
CEO Dreamland April 14th-16th, 2017 9th 3rd Tweek
DreamHack Austin 2017 April 28th-30th, 2017 9th 4th Samsora
Glitch 3 May 6th, 2017 2nd 3rd Pink Fresh
Royal Flush May 12th-14th, 2017 17th 2nd Pink Fresh
2GGC: Greninja Saga May 20th, 2017 9th 2nd Locus
MomoCon 2017 May 26th-28th, 2017 17th 13th LordMix
2GGC: Nairo Saga June 10th-11th, 2017 33rd 9th Pink Fresh
Mega Smash Mondays 100 June 12th, 2017 5th
CEO 2017 June 16th-18th, 2017 5th
Climax 2 June 24th, 2017 3rd 1st Cosmos
Ignition #88 June 28th, 2017 3rd
Backthrow Thursdays #16 June 29th, 2017 1st 1st Sheen
Midwest Mayhem 9: Old vs New July 1st, 2017 4th 7th Sheen
EVO 2017 July 14th-16th, 2017 17th
DreamHack Atlanta 2017 July 21st-23rd, 2017 13th 4th Tweek
Low Tier City 5 August 5th-6th, 2017 5th 1st Tweek
Super Smash Con 2017 August 10th-13th, 2017 33rd 33rd Pink Fresh
2GGC: SCR Saga August 19th-20th, 2017 5th 5th Locus
Shine 2017 August 25th-27th, 2017 17th 17th Pink Fresh
PAX Arena at PAX West 2017 September 1st-4th, 2017 9th
Friday Night Smash Delight #58: A Mini Showdown September 22nd-23rd, 2017 7th
Showdown: Battle Royale 2 September 23rd-24th, 2017 17th 2nd Samsora
GameTyrant Expo 2017 September 29th-October 1st, 2017 25th 9th Mistake
The Big House 7 October 6th-8th, 2017 13th 4th Mistake
2GGC: Fire Emblem Saga October 14th-15th, 2017 17th 9th YOC
Too Hot to Handle October 28th-29th, 2017 4th 1st MattyG
2GGC: MkLeo Saga November 4th, 2017 17th 3rd Tweek
Super FamiCon 2017 November 17th-19th, 2017 3rd 2nd MattyG
2GG Championship December 1st-3rd, 2017 11th
Overclocked December 16th, 2017 3rd 9th HazMatt
PAX Arena at PAX South 2018 January 12th-14th, 2018 4th
Frostbite 2018 February 9th-11th, 2018 17th 3rd Tweek
Midwest Mayhem 11 March 10th, 2018 4th 1st MkLeo
Smash Masters League: Battle for Vegas March 24th-25th, 2018 7th
Glitch 4 April 28th, 2018 2nd 5th Mistake
Denti's Bizarre Adventure 8 May 12th, 2018 5th 1st Mistake
MomoCon 2018 May 24th-27th, 2018 2nd Samsora
Smash 'N' Splash 4 June 1st-3rd, 2018 25th 5th Salem
2GG: Hyrule Saga June 23rd-24th, 2018 5th 7th Ally
CEO 2018 June 29th-July 1st, 2018 4th 5th Tweek
Showdown: Battle Royale 3 July 14th-15th, 2018 5th 2nd Ally
Low Tier City 6 July 27th-29th, 2018 4th 4th Mistake
EVO 2018 August 3rd-5th, 2018 2nd
Super Smash Con 2018 August 9th-12th, 2018 13th 9th Pink Fresh
Shine 2018 August 24th-26th, 2018 49th
DreamHack Montreal 2018 September 7th-9th 2018 5th 1st Ally
The Big House 8 October 5th-7th 2018 33rd 5th Mistake
DreamHack Atlanta 2018 November 16th-18th, 2018 9th 2nd Samsora

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

Tournament Date 1v1 placement 2v2 placement Partner
Let's Make Moves December 29th, 2018 17th 7th Pink Fresh
Glitch 6 January 20th, 2019 49th 5th Pink Fresh
GENESIS 6 February 1st-3rd, 2019 9th 5th Ally
Xanzy's Dream Land 2 February 16th, 2019 3rd
Frostbite 2019 February 22nd-24th, 2019 65th 9th Ally
Ultimate Gamer Miami March 9th-10th, 2019 7th
Battle of BC 3 March 30th-31st, 2019 3rd 1st Pandarian
Fandom Legends: Smash Ultimate April 9th, 2019 10th
2GG: Prime Saga April 13th-14th, 2019 33rd 9th Mr. R
Pound 2019 April 19th-21st, 2019 33rd 33rd Pink Fresh
Smashpoint May 10th-12th, 2019 13th 2nd Diablo
MomoCon 2019 May 23rd-26th, 2019 17th 4th Tweek
Smash 'N' Splash 5 May 31st-June 2nd, 2019 13th 5th Samsora
CEO 2019 June 28th-30th, 2019 33rd
Mechacon 2319 July 27th, 2019 1st
EVO 2019 August 2nd-4th, 2019 33rd
Soaked Series Invitational February 29th-March 1st, 2020 17th
BESTNEXPO: MASH OFF April 24th, 2020 13th
NOLA Smash Weekly #175 September 30th, 2020 2nd

Trivia

  • While commentating at TGC 7, CaptainZack revealed that his tag isn't a reference to CaptainJack as commonly thought. Instead, it originates from his usage of Olimar in Brawl.
  • CaptainZack is also a very skilled Pokkén Tournament DX player, placing first at the PAX West 2017 Pokkén Tournament DX event. He plays Chandelure.
  • Along with Lima and tamim, CaptainZack has a negative reputation for being one of the "villains" in the Smash community due to maining Bayonetta as well as being considered "disrespectful" when he plays the game. This has led to some disrespecting and harassing him, such as being booed when he plays, especially at EVO 2018 due to his controversial grand finals set with Lima.
  • CaptainZack is famous for acting out Bayonetta's taunts and dances during tournaments as shown at 2GGC: Civil War, CEO 2017, CEO 2018, and EVO 2018. This has since become controversial as many have stated that he does this to disrespect his competitors while others say he does it to represent his love for the Bayonetta franchise.

References

External links