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'''Northern California''', commonly abbreviated as '''NorCal''', is a ''Smash'' region located in the United States. It covers the northern half of the state  
'''Northern California''', commonly abbreviated as '''NorCal''', is a ''Smash'' region located in the United States. It covers the northern half of the state of California, including the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. While most regions are divided by state, California is split into northern and [[Southern California|southern portions]], as the state's large size has resulted in the development of two largely independent centers of ''Smash'' activity.
of California, including the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. While most regions are divided by state, California is split into northern and [[SoCal|southern portions]], as the state's large size has resulted in the development of two largely independent centers of ''Smash'' activity.


With a huge concentration of young people and college students, NorCal has been one of the most active ''Smash'' regions in the U.S. since the series' competitive beginnings. {{Sm|Matt Deezie}}'s [[Tournament Go]] series, considered the first major ''Smash'' tournaments, were held here, and thus the region can be considered the birthplace of competitive ''Smash''. NorCal is at present most famous for the {{b|GENESIS|tournament series}} tournaments, considered the premiere grassroots ''Smash'' supermajor today and one of the most iconic and prestigious tournament series in history. Its ''Melee'' scene is dominated by the "NorCal trio", consisting of three of the best players in the United States: {{Sm|PewPewU}}, {{Sm|SFAT}}, and {{Sm|Shroomed}}.
With a huge concentration of university-age students, NorCal has been one of the most active ''Smash'' regions in the United States since the series' competitive beginnings. {{Sm|Matt Deezie}}'s {{Trn|Tournament Go|series}} series, considered the first major ''Smash'' tournaments, were held here, and thus the region can be considered the birthplace of competitive ''Smash''. NorCal is at present best known for the {{Trn|GENESIS|series}} tournaments, considered one of the most iconic and prestigious tournament series in ''Smash'' history. Outside of GENESIS, however, the region's activity has historically been smaller compared to many of the United States' other large regions, including its neighbor SoCal. The rise of events held at the Guildhouse venue has somewhat alleviated that, as the venue holds one of the largest pre-major events in the community for the GENESIS series, as well as the major invitational series {{Trn|The Throne}}.
 
==''[[Super Smash Bros. Melee]]''==
===Notable players===
====Nationally ranked players====
''See also: [[NorCal Power Rankings]] and [[:Category:Northern California smashers]]''
 
These NorCal players are ranked on [[Melee It On Me]]'s [[2017 SSBMRank]].


==Smashers==
:''See also: [[:Category:Northern California smashers]]''
The following players are currently or were previously ranked. Their highest placement is listed.
===Globally ranked players===
{|class="wikitable sortable"
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!SSBMRank
!Tag!!Character(s)!!Best placement!!Notes
!Name
|-
!Characters
|{{Sm|AV|USA}}||{{PMHead|Lucas|s=20px}}{{PMHead|Kirby|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|P+}} [[PMRank 2022]]: 27th||
!Notes
|-
|{{Sm|Azel|USA}}||{{Head|Fox|g=SSBM|s=20px}}{{Head|Sheik|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2022]]: 50th||
|-
|{{Sm|Azusa|USA}}||{{Head|Peach|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2016]]: 57th||
|-
|{{Sm|Bizzarro Flame|USA}}||{{Head|Ganondorf|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2014]]: 94th||
|-
|{{Sm|Bob$|USA}}||{{Head|Dr. Mario|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2013]]: 90th||
|-
|{{Sm|Bobby Scar|USA}}||{{Head|Captain Falcon|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2013]]: 62nd||
|-
|{{Sm|Cactuar|USA}}||{{Head|Marth|g=SSBM|s=20px}}{{Head|Fox|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2015]]: 37th||
|-
|{{Sm|Darkatma|USA}}||{{Head|Sheik|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2013]]: 46th||
|-
|-
|9||{{Sm|SFAT}}||{{head|Fox|cl=Blue|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||One of the best Foxes in the country; also known for teaming with {{Sm|PewPewU}}, forming [[PewFat|one of the most dominant doubles teams in the world]].
|{{Sm|Darrell|USA}}||{{Head|Samus|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2014]]: 61st||
|-
|-
|13||{{Sm|Shroomed}}||{{head|Sheik|cl=White|g=SSBM|s=20px}}{{head|Marth|cl=Red|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||Known as the best {{SSBM|Dr. Mario}} in the world before switching to {{SSBM|Sheik}} in 2014.
|{{Sm|Hipstur|USA}}||{{Head|Fox|g=SSB|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSB}} [[2018 64 League Rankings]]: 62nd||Moved to NorCal from [[Nevada]] in 2016.
|-
|-
|21||{{Sm|PewPewU}}||{{head|Marth|g=SSBM|s=20px}}{{head|Fox|cl=Red|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||Considered one of the best Marth mains in the United States; also known for teaming with {{Sm|SFAT}}, forming [[PewFat|one of the most dominant doubles teams in the world]].
|{{Sm|HomeMadeWaffles|USA}}||{{Head|Falco|c2=Dr. Mario|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2013]]: 55th||One of the most notable commentators in ''Melee''.
|-
|-
|27||{{Sm|dizzkidboogie}}||{{head|Ice Climbers|cl=Red|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||
|{{Sm|Hyprid|USA}}||{{Head|Marth|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2014]]: 95th||
|-
|-
|35||{{Sm|Nintendude}}||{{head|Ice Climbers|cl=Red|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||Originally from [[Tristate Area|New York]], but currently lives in NorCal.
|{{Sm|Isai|USA}}||{{Head|Pikachu|g=SSB|s=20px}}{{Head|Fox|g=SSB|s=20px}}{{Head|Captain Falcon|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSB}} [[2023 Smash 64 Power Rankings]]: 1st<br>{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[RetroSSBMRank 2005]]: 3rd||
|-
|-
|50||{{Sm|Laudandus}}||{{head|Sheik|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||
|{{Sm|Ish|USA}}||{{Head|Wolf|g=SSBB|s=20px}}{{Head|Wolf|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBB}} [[2024 SSBBRank]]: 17th||
|-
|-
|59||{{Sm|Azusa}}||{{head|Peach|cl=White|g=SSBM|s=20px}}{{head|Falco|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||
|{{Sm|Ito|USA}}||{{Head|Meta Knight|g=SSB4|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSB4}} [[OrionRank 2016]]: 31st||
|-
|-
|61||{{Sm|Spark|p=Melee}}||{{head|Sheik|cl=Red|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||
|{{Sm|Ivayne|USA}}||{{PMHead|Falco|s=20px}}{{PMHead|Wolf|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|P+}} [[PMRank 2022]]: 13th||
|-
|-
|64||{{Sm|Cactuar}}||{{head|Marth|g=SSBM|s=20px}}{{head|Fox|cl=Green|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||
|{{Sm|Justin Junio|USA}}||{{Head|Falco|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[RetroSSBMRank 2001-2003]]: 6th||
|-
|-
|66||{{Sm|Zhu}}||{{head|Falco|cl=Blue|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||One of the best {{SSBM|Falco}}s in the United States.
|{{Sm|Kalamazhu|USA}}||{{Head|Peach|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[MPGR 2018]]: 37th||Originally from Michigan, and moved to NorCal in 2015.
|-
|-
|67||{{Sm|Darkatma}}||{{head|Sheik|g=SSBM|s=20px}}{{head|Peach|g=SSBM|s=20px}}{{head|Fox|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||
|{{Sm|Kurama|USA}}||{{Head|Mario|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBU}} [[UltRank 2022]]: 11th||The best Mario player in the world.
|-
|-
|70||{{Sm|Kalamazhu}}||{{head|Peach|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||Originally from Michigan, but currently lives in San Francisco.
|{{Sm|L|p=NorCal|USA}}||{{Head|Fox|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2017]]: 94th||
|-
|-
|77||{{Sm|HomeMadeWaffles}}||{{head|Falco|g=SSBM|s=20px}}{{head|Fox|cl=Red|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||More famous as one of the most iconic commentators of the grassroots ''Melee'' scene.
|{{Sm|Laudandus|USA}}||{{Head|Sheik|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2016]]: 33rd||
|-
|-
|82||{{Sm|Rocky|p=California}}||{{head|Falco|cl=Green|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||
|{{Sm|Legit|USA}}||{{Head|Diddy Kong|g=SSB4|s=20px}}{{Head|Diddy Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSB4}} [[OrionRank 2018]]: 91st||
|-
|-
|94||{{Sm|L|p=NorCal}}||{{head|Fox|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||
|{{Sm|Lord|USA}}||{{Head|Captain Falcon|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2013]]: 29th||
|-
|-
|95||{{Sm|NMW}}||{{head|Captain Falcon|cl=Blue|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||
|{{Sm|Lui$|USA}}||{{Head|Mario|g=SSB4|s=20px}}{{Head|Palutena|g=SSBU|s=20px}}{{Head|Fox|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSB4}} [[OrionRank 2018]]: 75th<br>{{GameIcon|SSBU}} [[OrionRank Ultimate: Eclipse]]: 17th||
|-
|-
|99||{{Sm|Ralph}}||{{head|Falco|cl=Red|g=SSBM|s=20px}}{{head|Fox|cl=Red|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||
|{{Sm|Nickemwit|USA}}||{{Head|Captain Falcon|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[MPGR 2019]]: 58th||
|-
|{{Sm|Nintendude|USA}}||{{Head|Ice Climbers|g=SSBM|s=20px}}{{Head|Marth|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2016]]: 17th||Originally from [[Tristate|New York]] and moved to NorCal in 2015.
|-
|{{Sm|PewPewU|USA}}||{{Head|Marth|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2013]]: 12th||
|-
|{{Sm|Pikmon|USA}}||{{PMHead|Mr. Game & Watch|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|PM}} [[PMRank 2019]]: 8th||
|-
|{{Sm|Pink Shinobi|USA}}||{{Head|Peach|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[RetroSSBMRank 2009]]: HM||
|-
|{{Sm|PotatoesAreYum|USA}}||{{PMHead|Ganondorf|s=20px}}{{PMHead|Knuckles|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|P+}} [[PMRank 2022]]: 47th||
|-
|{{Sm|Ralph|USA}}||{{Head|Pikachu|g=SSBM|s=20px}}{{Head|Fox|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2022]]: 55th||
|-
|{{Sm|Rocky|p=California|USA}}||{{Head|Falco|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[MPGR 2018]]: 51st||
|-
|{{Sm|S2J|USA}}||{{Head|Captain Falcon|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2023]]: 16th||Originally from SoCal, and moved to NorCal in 2023.
|-
|{{Sm|Sabre|USA}}||{{PMHead|Ivysaur|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|P+}} [[PMRank 2022]]: 34th||
|-
|{{Sm|SFAT|USA}}||{{Head|Fox|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2016]]: 7th||
|-
|{{Sm|Shaky|USA}}||{{Head|Ness|g=SSB4|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSB4}} [[PGR v1]]: 16th||Originally from [[Florida]], and moved to NorCal by ''Smash 4'.
|-
|{{Sm|Sho|USA}}||{{Head|Meta Knight|g=SSB4|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSB4}} [[OrionRank 2017]]: 71st||Moved to [[Tristate Area|New York]] and began competing from there in 2023.
|-
|{{Sm|Shroomed|USA}}||{{Head|Sheik|g=SSBM|s=20px}}{{Head|Marth|g=SSBM|s=20px}}{{Head|Dr. Mario|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2013]]: 7th||
|-
|{{Sm|SilentSpectre|USA}}||{{Head|Captain Falcon|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2014]]: 47th||
|-
|{{Sm|SipMastah|USA}}||{{PMHead|Meta Knight|s=20px}}{{PMHead|Sonic|s=20px}}{{PMHead|Lucario|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|P+}} [[PMRank 2023]]: 8th||
|-
|{{Sm|Sky Williams|USA}}||{{Head|Wario|g=SSBB|s=20px}}{{Head|Yoshi|g=SSB4|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBB}} [[SSBBRank 2014]]: 83rd||Also known for being a controversial content creator, commentator, and tournament organizer.
|-
|{{Sm|Spark|USA}}||{{Head|Sheik|g=SSBM|s=20px}}{{PMHead|Sheik|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[MPGR 2019]]: 22nd||Moved to Arizona in 2022 and was last ranked as a NorCal player in 2019.
|-
|{{Sm|Strong Bad|USA}}||{{PMHead|Wario|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|PM}} PMRank 2017 [[PMRank 2016]]: 33rd||
|-
|{{Sm|Sultan of Samitude|USA}}||{{Head|Falco|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[RetroSSBMRank 2001-2003]]: 5th||
|-
|{{Sm|Tafokints|USA}}||{{Head|Sheik|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2013]]: 61st||Notable commentator.
|-
|{{Sm|The Doctor|USA}}||{{PMHead|Mario|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|P+}} [[PMRank 2022]]: 1st||
|-
|{{Sm|The King|USA}}||{{Head|Jigglypuff|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[RetroSSBMRank 2006]]: HM||
|-
|{{Sm|ThundeRzReiGN|USA}}||{{PMHead|Donkey Kong|s=20px}}{{PMHead|Captain Falcon|s=20px}}{{PMHead|Ganondorf|s=20px}}||PMRank 2017 [[PMRank 2017]]: 1st||
|-
|{{Sm|Toph|USA}}||{{Head|Fox|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[SSBMRank 2014]]: 91st||
|-
|{{Sm|Trevonte|USA}}||{{Head|Fox|g=SSBB|s=20px}}{{Head|Sheik|g=SSB4|s=20px}}{{Head|Palutena|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBB}} [[SSBBRank 2014]]: 95th||
|-
|{{Sm|Umarth|USA}}||{{Head|Marth|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[MPGR 2019]]: 87th||
|-
|{{Sm|varun|USA}}||{{Head|Wii Fit Trainer|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBU}} [[OrionRank Ultimate: Eclipse]]: 84th||
|-
|{{Sm|Xzax|USA}}||{{Head|Fox|g=SSB4|s=20px}}{{Head|Inkling|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSB4}} [[OrionRank 2016]]: 75th||Moved to NorCal from SoCal in mid-2016. Currently banned.
|-
|{{Sm|Zex|USA}}||{{Head|Meta Knight|g=SSBB|s=20px}}{{Head|Marth|g=SSBB|s=20px}}{{Head|Sheik|g=SSB4|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBB}} [[SSBBRank 2014]]: 67th||
|-
|{{Sm|Zhu|USA}}||{{Head|Falco|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}} [[RetroSSBMRank 2011]]: 7th||
|}
|}


===Major tournaments hosted===
===Nationally ranked players===
''See also: [[:Category:Northern California tournaments]]''
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Tag!!Character(s)!!Best placement!!Notes
|-
|{{Sm|King Koopa|USA}}||{{Head|Bowser|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBU}} [[OrionRank North America Top 200]]: 154th||
|-
|{{Sm|Klaatu|USA}}||{{Head|Olimar|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBU}} [[OrionRank North America Top 200]]: 125th||
|-
|{{Sm|Legit|USA}}||{{Head|Diddy Kong|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBU}} [[OrionRank North America Top 200]]: 172nd||
|-
|{{Sm|Mudomo|USA}}||{{Head|Pichu|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBU}} [[OrionRank North America Top 200]]: 183rd||
|-
|{{Sm|Willow|USA}}||{{Head|Luigi|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||{{GameIcon|SSBU}} [[OrionRank 2022/North America|OrionRank 2022 North America]]: 178th||Moved to SoCal in 2022.
|}


A list of significant regional and national ''Melee'' events hosted in NorCal; nationals are highlighted in bold.
===Other notable players===
{|class="wikitable"
!Tag!!Character(s)!!Notes
|-
|{{Sm|Boback|USA}}||{{Head|Ice Climbers|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||One of the TOs for {{Trn|GENESIS|series}}.
|-
|{{Sm|Dr. Z|USA}}||{{Head|Jigglypuff|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||One of the TOs for {{Trn|GENESIS|series}}.
|-
|{{Sm|Germ|USA}}||{{Head|Link|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||One of the best Link players in the world.
|-
|{{Sm|Tang|USA}}||{{Head|Fox|g=SSBM|s=20px}}||One of the members who participated in the [[Wombo Combo]].
|}
 
==Tournaments==
:''See also: [[:Category:Northern California tournaments]]''
 
===Notable tournament series===
Tournament series that have achieved recognition outside their local region.
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Tournament!!Games!!Type!!Status
|-
|{{Trn|GENESIS|series}}||{{GameIcon|SSB}}{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}{{GameIcon|SSB4-U}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Annual||Ongoing
|-
|{{Trn|Guildhouse}}||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Weekly/Monthly||Ongoing
|-
|{{Trn|NorCal Regionals|series}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||Annual||
|-
|{{Trn|The Throne}}||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Annual||Ongoing
|-
|{{Trn|Tournament Go|series}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||Unscheduled||Discontinued
|-
|{{Trn|Who's Your Pappy}}||{{GameIcon|SSB4-U}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||Unscheduled||
|}


===Notable tournaments===
Tournaments that featured at least one game at a superregional level.
{|class="wikitable sortable"
{|class="wikitable sortable"
!Name
!Tournament!!Date!!Entrants!!Supermajor!!Major!!Superregional!!Other
!Entrants
|-
!Date
|{{Trn|Tournament Go 4}}||January 19th, 2003|||~90||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;||&mdash;
!Notes
|-
|{{Trn|Tournament Go 5}}||August 2nd-3rd, 2003||~90-110||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|Tournament Go 6}}||August 21st-22nd, 2004||112||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|MLG San Francisco 2004}}||September 11th-12th, 2004||50||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|MLG San Francisco 2005}}||February 26th-27th, 2005||100+||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|NorCal Tournament 2}}||October 28th, 2006||129||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|AxisGaming}}||August 30th, 2008||303+||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|West Coast Smash League}}||December 20th-21st, 2008||180+||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}
|-
|{{Trn|GENESIS}}||July 10th-12th, 2009||290||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|Good Shit German}}||July 24th-25th, 2010||84+||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||{{GameIcon|SSB}}
|-
|{{Trn|Don't Go Down There Jeff}}||December 18th-19th, 2010||108||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|GENESIS 2}}||July 15th-17th, 2011||300+||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSB}}{{GameIcon|PM}}
|-
|{{Trn|Rule 6: NorCal Regional}}||July 29th, 2012||92||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|NorCal Regionals 2013}}||April 26th-28th, 2013||73||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|The Next Episode}}||March 22nd-23rd, 2014||147||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|NorCal Regionals 2014}}||April 18th-20th, 2014||52+||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|Do You Fox Wit It?}}||November 15th-16th, 2014||211+||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||{{GameIcon|SSB4-3DS}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Tournament Go 1]]'''||||April 6th, 2002||The first tournament in the historic [[Tournament Go]] series; considered the very first ''Melee'' major and one of the first organized ''Smash'' tournaments.
|{{Trn|NorCal Regionals 2015}}||April 3rd-5th, 2015||200+||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||{{GameIcon|SSB4-U}}{{GameIcon|PM}}
|-
|-
|'''[[Tournament Go 2]]'''||||June 15th, 2002||
|{{Trn|I'm Not Yelling!}}||April 11th-12th, 2015||372||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|'''[[Tournament Go 3]]'''||~20||August 24th, 2002||
|{{Trn|HTC Throwdown}}||September 19th, 2015||514||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|'''[[Tournament Go 4]]'''||~90||January 19th, 2003||Marked the first appearance of {{Sm|Ken}} at major NorCal tournament, despite Ken being from SoCal.
|{{Trn|Oaklands Very Own}}||January 2nd, 2016||100||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;
|-
|-
|'''[[Tournament Go 5]]'''||~90-110||August 2nd-3rd, 2003||One of the first two-day ''Smash'' tournaments; Maryland/Virginia player {{Sm|Azen}} notably flew to the West Coast for the event, marking one of the first cross-country travels for a ''Smash'' tournament.
|{{Trn|FinalBOSS}}||January 9th-10th, 2016||174||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|PM}}||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|'''[[Tournament Go 6]]'''||112||August 21st-22nd, 2004||The last tournament in the Tournament Go series; notably featured international competition, with {{Sm|Captain Jack}} and {{Sm|Takuto}} travelling to the U.S. from Japan for the event.
|{{Trn|GENESIS 3}}||January 15th-17th, 2016||3,592||{{GameIcon|SSB}}{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSB4-U}}||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|'''[[MLG San Francisco 2004]]'''||50||September 11th-12th, 2004||
|{{Trn|SSS: Blood For Blood}}||October 15th, 2016||502||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;
|-
|-
|'''[[MLG San Francisco 2005]]'''||100+||February 26th-27th, 2005||
|{{Trn|Norcal Validated}}||January 14th, 2017||183||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[[NorCal Tournament 2]]||129||October 28th, 2006||
|{{Trn|Cashed Out}}||January 21st, 2017||28||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|PM}}||&mdash;
|-
|-
|'''[[GENESIS]]'''||290||July 10th-12th, 2009||Considered the first-ever "supermajor," drawing huge international attendance for both ''Melee'' and ''Brawl''; at the time, the largest ''Melee'' tournament ever. {{Sm|Mango}}'s grand finals victory over {{Sm|Armada}} has helped shape one of the most famous rivalries and storylines in ''Smash''.
|{{Trn|GENESIS 4}}||January 20th-22nd, 2017||3,575||{{GameIcon|SSB}}{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSB4-U}}||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[[R3]]||70||December 19th-20th, 2009||
|{{Trn|GENESIS: RED}}||July 9th, 2017||279||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[[Good Shit German]]||84||July 24th-25th, 2010||
|{{Trn|Who's Your Pappy 10}}||October 22nd, 2017||191||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSB4-U}}||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[[Don't Go Down There Jeff]]||108||December 18th-19th, 2010||
|{{Trn|Fair and Balanced}}||November 18th, 2017||98||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|PM}}||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|'''[[GENESIS 2]]'''||228||July 15th-17th, 2011||A ''Smash'' supermajor; {{Sm|Armada}} defeated {{Sm|Mango}} in grand finals, a reversal of the previous GENESIS.
|{{Trn|GENESIS 5}}||January 19th-21st, 2018||2,031||{{GameIcon|SSB}}{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSB4-U}}||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[[Rule 6: NorCal Regional]]||92||July 29th, 2012||
|{{Trn|Noods Noods Noods: Oakland Edition}}||April 7th, 2018||343||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSB4-U}}||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[[NorCal Regionals 2013]]||73||April 26th-28th, 2013||
|{{Trn|Super Smash Sundays 64 - The Return}}||April 29th, 2018||149||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[[The Next Episode]]||147||March 22nd-23rd, 2014||
|{{Trn|Wombo Combo: 10 Year Anniversary}}||December 8th, 2018||220||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[[NorCal Regionals 2014]]||52||April 18th-20th, 2014||
|{{Trn|Neon Genesix Evangelion}}||February 1st, 2019||32||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|PM}}||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[[NorCal Regionals 2015]]||77||April 3rd-5th, 2015||
|{{Trn|GENESIS 6}}||February 1st-3rd, 2019||2,775||{{GameIcon|SSB}}{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|'''[[I'm Not Yelling!]]'''||316||April 11th-12th, 2015||
|{{Trn|GENESIS 7}}||January 24th-26th, 2020||2,639||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSB}}
|-
|-
|'''[[HTC Throwdown]]'''||386||September 19th-20th, 2015||
|{{Trn|GENESIS 8}}||April 15th-17th, 2022||3,464||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSB}}
|-
|-
|'''[[GENESIS 3]]'''||1,828||January 15th-17th, 2016||The largest grassroots ''Smash'' tournament and the third-largest ''Melee'' tournament of all time; replaced [[Apex]] as the premiere ''Smash'' series international tournament. Originally scheduled for 2013, but postponed due to conflicting interest with [[EVO 2013]].
|{{Trn|GENESIS 9}}||January 20th-22nd, 2023||2,407||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSB}}
|-
|-
|[[NorCal Regionals 2016]]||38||March 25th-27th, 2016||
|{{Trn|GENESIS: BLACK at Guildhouse}}||December 2nd-3rd, 2023||316||&mdash;||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}
|-
|-
|[[SSS: Blood For Blood]]||443||October 15th, 2016||
|{{Trn|Watch The Throne}}||December 8th-10th, 2023||16||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||&mdash;||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|'''[[GENESIS 4]]'''||1,704||January 20th-22nd, 2017||
|{{Trn|GENESIS X}}||February 16th-18th, 2024||3,021||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBB}}||{{GameIcon|SSB}}
|-
|-
|'''[[GENESIS 5]]'''||1,365||January 19th-21st, 2018||
|{{Trn|The Throne II}}||November 8th-10th, 2024||16||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|GENESIS X2}}||February 14th-16th, 2025||1,992||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||&mdash;||{{GameIcon|SSB}}{{GameIcon|SSBB}}||&mdash;
|}
|}


==''[[Project M]]''==
===Largest singles events===
===Notable Players===
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
====Nationally Ranked Players====
!Rank!!Tournament!!Date!!Game!!Attendance!!Winner!!Character(s)
 
|-
These players are ranked on the [[PMRank 2016]].
|'''1'''||{{Trn|GENESIS 6}}||February 1st-3rd, 2019||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||2,105||{{Sm|MkLeo|Mexico}}||{{Head|Ike|g=SSBU|s=16px}}{{Head|Lucina|g=SSBU|s=16px}}
 
|-
{|class="wikitable sortable"
|'''2'''||{{Trn|GENESIS 8}}||April 15th-17th, 2022||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||1,959||{{Sm|MkLeo|Mexico}}||{{Head|Byleth|g=SSBU|s=16px}}{{Head|Corrin|g=SSBU|s=16px}}
!PMRank
|-
!Name
|'''3'''||{{Trn|GENESIS 3}}||January 15th-17th, 2016||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||1,828||{{Sm|Armada|Sweden}}||{{Head|Peach|g=SSBM|s=16px}}{{Head|Fox|g=SSBM|s=16px}}
!Characters
|-
!Notes
|'''4'''||{{Trn|GENESIS 4}}||January 20th-22nd, 2017||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||1,704||{{Sm|Armada|Sweden}}||{{Head|Peach|g=SSBM|s=16px}}
|-
|'''5'''||{{Trn|GENESIS 7}}||January 24th-26th, 2020||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||1,699||{{Sm|Marss|USA}}||{{Head|Zero Suit Samus|g=SSBU|s=16px}}
|-
|'''6'''||{{Trn|GENESIS 8}}||April 15th-17th, 2022||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||1,552||{{Sm|Zain|USA}}||{{Head|Marth|g=SSBM|s=16px}}
|-
|-
|1||{{Sm|ThundeRzReiGN}}||{{Head|Donkey Kong|g=SSBB|s=20px|l=Donkey Kong (PM)}}{{Head|Captain Falcon|g=SSBB|s=20px|l=Captain Falcon (PM)}}||The best player in the world, having multiple national wins.
|'''7'''||{{Trn|GENESIS X}}||February 16th-18th, 2024||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||1,544||{{Sm|Cody Schwab|USA}}||{{Head|Fox|g=SSBM|s=16px}}
|-
|-
|22||{{Sm|Boringman}}||{{Head|Meta Knight|g=SSBB|s=20px|l=Meta Knight (PM)}}{{Head|Mario|g=SSBB|s=20px|l=Mario (PM)}}||Is Power Ranked in both NorCal and SoCal.
|'''8'''||{{Trn|GENESIS X}}||February 16th-18th, 2024||{{GameIcon|SSBU}}||1,506||{{Sm|Zomba|USA}}||{{Head|ROB|g=SSBU|s=16px}}
|-
|-
|33||{{Sm|Strong Bad}}||{{Head|Wario|g=SSBB|s=20px|l=Wario (PM)}}||Formerly lived in the DFW region, but moved to NorCal for Wavedash Games.
|'''9'''||{{Trn|GENESIS 5}}||January 19th-21st, 2018||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||1,365||{{Sm|Plup|USA}}||{{Head|Sheik|g=SSBM|s=16px}}{{Head|Fox|g=SSBM|s=16px}}
|-
|-
|41||{{Sm|Pikmon}}||{{Head|Mr. Game & Watch|g=SSBB|s=20px|l=Mr. Game & Watch (PM)}}||Formerly lived in Washington, but now lives in NorCal.
|'''10'''||{{Trn|GENESIS 9}}||January 20th-22nd, 2023||{{GameIcon|SSBM}}||1,253||{{Sm|Jmook|USA}}||{{Head|Sheik|g=SSBM|s=16px}}
|}
|}


====Other Notable Players====
==See also==
*{{Sm|Ivayne}}{{Head|Wolf|g=SSBB|s=20px|l=Wolf (PM)}}:Said to be "The most underrated player in Project M" by {{Sm|Sosa}}.
*[[NorCal Power Rankings]]
*{{Sm|The Doctor}}{{Head|Mario|g=SSBB|s=20px|l=Mario (PM)}}:Rising Mario player. Has multiple wins on PMRanked players like {{Sm|StereoKiDD}} and {{Sm|Strong Bad}}.
*{{Sm|Sugydye}}{{Head|Mr. Game & Watch|g=SSBB|s=20px|l=Mr. Game & Watch (PM)}}
*{{Sm|Spark|p=Melee}}{{Head|Sheik|g=SSBB|s=20px|l=Sheik (PM)}}-Skilled ''Melee'' Sheik player who is proficient in Project M as well.


[[Category:Competitive play]]
[[Category:American regions]]
[[Category:Smash regions]]

Latest revision as of 20:30, February 20, 2025

Northern California, commonly abbreviated as NorCal, is a Smash region located in the United States. It covers the northern half of the state of California, including the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. While most regions are divided by state, California is split into northern and southern portions, as the state's large size has resulted in the development of two largely independent centers of Smash activity.

With a huge concentration of university-age students, NorCal has been one of the most active Smash regions in the United States since the series' competitive beginnings. Matt Deezie's Tournament Go series, considered the first major Smash tournaments, were held here, and thus the region can be considered the birthplace of competitive Smash. NorCal is at present best known for the GENESIS tournaments, considered one of the most iconic and prestigious tournament series in Smash history. Outside of GENESIS, however, the region's activity has historically been smaller compared to many of the United States' other large regions, including its neighbor SoCal. The rise of events held at the Guildhouse venue has somewhat alleviated that, as the venue holds one of the largest pre-major events in the community for the GENESIS series, as well as the major invitational series The Throne.

SmashersEdit

See also: Category:Northern California smashers

The following players are currently or were previously ranked. Their highest placement is listed.

Globally ranked playersEdit

Tag Character(s) Best placement Notes
  AV      PMRank 2022: 27th
  Azel      SSBMRank 2022: 50th
  Azusa     SSBMRank 2016: 57th
  Bizzarro Flame     SSBMRank 2014: 94th
  Bob$     SSBMRank 2013: 90th
  Bobby Scar     SSBMRank 2013: 62nd
  Cactuar      SSBMRank 2015: 37th
  Darkatma     SSBMRank 2013: 46th
  Darrell     SSBMRank 2014: 61st
  Hipstur     2018 64 League Rankings: 62nd Moved to NorCal from Nevada in 2016.
  HomeMadeWaffles     SSBMRank 2013: 55th One of the most notable commentators in Melee.
  Hyprid     SSBMRank 2014: 95th
  Isai       2023 Smash 64 Power Rankings: 1st
  RetroSSBMRank 2005: 3rd
  Ish      2024 SSBBRank: 17th
  Ito     OrionRank 2016: 31st
  Ivayne      PMRank 2022: 13th
  Justin Junio     RetroSSBMRank 2001-2003: 6th
  Kalamazhu     MPGR 2018: 37th Originally from Michigan, and moved to NorCal in 2015.
  Kurama     UltRank 2022: 11th The best Mario player in the world.
  L     SSBMRank 2017: 94th
  Laudandus     SSBMRank 2016: 33rd
  Legit      OrionRank 2018: 91st
  Lord     SSBMRank 2013: 29th
  Lui$       OrionRank 2018: 75th
  OrionRank Ultimate: Eclipse: 17th
  Nickemwit     MPGR 2019: 58th
  Nintendude      SSBMRank 2016: 17th Originally from New York and moved to NorCal in 2015.
  PewPewU     SSBMRank 2013: 12th
  Pikmon     PMRank 2019: 8th
  Pink Shinobi     RetroSSBMRank 2009: HM
  PotatoesAreYum      PMRank 2022: 47th
  Ralph      SSBMRank 2022: 55th
  Rocky     MPGR 2018: 51st
  S2J     SSBMRank 2023: 16th Originally from SoCal, and moved to NorCal in 2023.
  Sabre     PMRank 2022: 34th
  SFAT     SSBMRank 2016: 7th
  Shaky     PGR v1: 16th Originally from Florida, and moved to NorCal by Smash 4'.
  Sho     OrionRank 2017: 71st Moved to New York and began competing from there in 2023.
  Shroomed       SSBMRank 2013: 7th
  SilentSpectre     SSBMRank 2014: 47th
  SipMastah       PMRank 2023: 8th
  Sky Williams      SSBBRank 2014: 83rd Also known for being a controversial content creator, commentator, and tournament organizer.
  Spark      MPGR 2019: 22nd Moved to Arizona in 2022 and was last ranked as a NorCal player in 2019.
  Strong Bad     PMRank 2017 PMRank 2016: 33rd
  Sultan of Samitude     RetroSSBMRank 2001-2003: 5th
  Tafokints     SSBMRank 2013: 61st Notable commentator.
  The Doctor     PMRank 2022: 1st
  The King     RetroSSBMRank 2006: HM
  ThundeRzReiGN     PMRank 2017 PMRank 2017: 1st
  Toph     SSBMRank 2014: 91st
  Trevonte       SSBBRank 2014: 95th
  Umarth     MPGR 2019: 87th
  varun     OrionRank Ultimate: Eclipse: 84th
  Xzax      OrionRank 2016: 75th Moved to NorCal from SoCal in mid-2016. Currently banned.
  Zex       SSBBRank 2014: 67th
  Zhu     RetroSSBMRank 2011: 7th

Nationally ranked playersEdit

Tag Character(s) Best placement Notes
  King Koopa     OrionRank North America Top 200: 154th
  Klaatu     OrionRank North America Top 200: 125th
  Legit     OrionRank North America Top 200: 172nd
  Mudomo     OrionRank North America Top 200: 183rd
  Willow     OrionRank 2022 North America: 178th Moved to SoCal in 2022.

Other notable playersEdit

Tag Character(s) Notes
  Boback   One of the TOs for GENESIS.
  Dr. Z   One of the TOs for GENESIS.
  Germ   One of the best Link players in the world.
  Tang   One of the members who participated in the Wombo Combo.

TournamentsEdit

See also: Category:Northern California tournaments

Notable tournament seriesEdit

Tournament series that have achieved recognition outside their local region.

Tournament Games Type Status
GENESIS       Annual Ongoing
Guildhouse   Weekly/Monthly Ongoing
NorCal Regionals   Annual
The Throne   Annual Ongoing
Tournament Go   Unscheduled Discontinued
Who's Your Pappy    Unscheduled

Notable tournamentsEdit

Tournaments that featured at least one game at a superregional level.

Tournament Date Entrants Supermajor Major Superregional Other
Tournament Go 4 January 19th, 2003 ~90 —   — —
Tournament Go 5 August 2nd-3rd, 2003 ~90-110 —   — —
Tournament Go 6 August 21st-22nd, 2004 112   — — —
MLG San Francisco 2004 September 11th-12th, 2004 50 — —   —
MLG San Francisco 2005 February 26th-27th, 2005 100+ — —   —
NorCal Tournament 2 October 28th, 2006 129 — —   —
AxisGaming August 30th, 2008 303+ —   — —
West Coast Smash League December 20th-21st, 2008 180+ — —    
GENESIS July 10th-12th, 2009 290    — — —
Good Shit German July 24th-25th, 2010 84+ — —    
Don't Go Down There Jeff December 18th-19th, 2010 108 — —   —
GENESIS 2 July 15th-17th, 2011 300+    — —   
Rule 6: NorCal Regional July 29th, 2012 92 — —   —
NorCal Regionals 2013 April 26th-28th, 2013 73 — —   —
The Next Episode March 22nd-23rd, 2014 147 — —   —
NorCal Regionals 2014 April 18th-20th, 2014 52+ — —   —
Do You Fox Wit It? November 15th-16th, 2014 211+ — —    
NorCal Regionals 2015 April 3rd-5th, 2015 200+ — —     
I'm Not Yelling! April 11th-12th, 2015 372 —   — —
HTC Throwdown September 19th, 2015 514 —   — —
Oaklands Very Own January 2nd, 2016 100 — —   —
FinalBOSS January 9th-10th, 2016 174 —   — —
GENESIS 3 January 15th-17th, 2016 3,592     — — —
SSS: Blood For Blood October 15th, 2016 502 — —   —
Norcal Validated January 14th, 2017 183 — —   —
Cashed Out January 21st, 2017 28 — —   —
GENESIS 4 January 20th-22nd, 2017 3,575     — — —
GENESIS: RED July 9th, 2017 279 — —   —
Who's Your Pappy 10 October 22nd, 2017 191 — —   —
Fair and Balanced November 18th, 2017 98 —   — —
GENESIS 5 January 19th-21st, 2018 2,031     — — —
Noods Noods Noods: Oakland Edition April 7th, 2018 343 — —    —
Super Smash Sundays 64 - The Return April 29th, 2018 149 — —   —
Wombo Combo: 10 Year Anniversary December 8th, 2018 220 — —   —
Neon Genesix Evangelion February 1st, 2019 32 — —   —
GENESIS 6 February 1st-3rd, 2019 2,775     — — —
GENESIS 7 January 24th-26th, 2020 2,639    — —  
GENESIS 8 April 15th-17th, 2022 3,464    — —  
GENESIS 9 January 20th-22nd, 2023 2,407    — —  
GENESIS: BLACK at Guildhouse December 2nd-3rd, 2023 316 — —    
Watch The Throne December 8th-10th, 2023 16   — — —
GENESIS X February 16th-18th, 2024 3,021    —    
The Throne II November 8th-10th, 2024 16 —   — —
GENESIS X2 February 14th-16th, 2025 1,992    —    —

Largest singles eventsEdit

Rank Tournament Date Game Attendance Winner Character(s)
1 GENESIS 6 February 1st-3rd, 2019   2,105   MkLeo   
2 GENESIS 8 April 15th-17th, 2022   1,959   MkLeo   
3 GENESIS 3 January 15th-17th, 2016   1,828   Armada   
4 GENESIS 4 January 20th-22nd, 2017   1,704   Armada  
5 GENESIS 7 January 24th-26th, 2020   1,699   Marss  
6 GENESIS 8 April 15th-17th, 2022   1,552   Zain  
7 GENESIS X February 16th-18th, 2024   1,544   Cody Schwab  
8 GENESIS X February 16th-18th, 2024   1,506   Zomba  
9 GENESIS 5 January 19th-21st, 2018   1,365   Plup   
10 GENESIS 9 January 20th-22nd, 2023   1,253   Jmook  

See alsoEdit

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