Smasher:Salem: Difference between revisions

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{{ArticleIcons|protected=due to a recent/ongoing controversy}}{{Infobox Smasher
{{Infobox Smasher
| name            = Salem  
| name            = Salem  
| image          = Salem2018SSBU.jpg
| image          = Salem2018SSBU.jpg
| mainssbu        = Snake
| mainssbu        = Hero
| 2ndmainssbu    = Hero
| 2ndmainssbu    = Snake
| otherssbu      = Shulk
| otherssbu      = Steve
| 2ndotherssbu    = Bayonetta
| 2ndotherssbu    = Shulk
| moreotherssbu  = {{SSBU|Lucina}}, {{SSBU|Link}}, {{SSBU|Greninja}}, {{SSBU|Peach}}, {{SSBU|Daisy}}, {{SSBU|Palutena}}, {{SSBU|Joker}}, {{SSBU|Zero Suit Samus}}, {{SSBU|Lucas}}, {{SSBU|Ganondorf}}, {{SSBU|Pit}}, {{SSBU|Marth}}, {{SSBU|Mr. Game & Watch}}, {{SSBU|Zelda}}
| retiredssbu    = Link
| 2ndretiredssbu  = Lucina
| mainssbb        = Zero Suit Samus
| mainssbb        = Zero Suit Samus
| otherssbb      = Snake
| 2ndotherssbb    = Marth
| mainpm          = Zelda
| mainpm          = Zelda
| otherpm        = Zero Suit Samus
| otherpm        = Ganondorf
| mainssb4        = Bayonetta
| mainssb4        = Bayonetta
| otherssb4      = Greninja
| retiredssb4    = Sheik
| 2ndotherssb4    = Samus
| 2ndretiredssb4  = Zero Suit Samus
| moreotherssb4  = {{SSB4|Zero Suit Samus}}, {{SSB4|Lucina}}, {{SSB4|Sheik}}, {{SSB4|Villager}}, {{SSB4|Captain Falcon}}, {{SSB4|Marth}}, {{SSB4|Robin}}
| mainssbm        = Peach
| mainssbm        = Peach
| otherssbm      = Marth
| 2ndotherssbm    = Sheik
| mainssb        = Kirby
| mainssb        = Kirby
| sponsor        = [[Most Valuable Gaming]]
| sponsor        = [[Most Valuable Gaming]]
| former sponsors = [[CLASH Tournaments]], [[Team Liquid]]
| former sponsors = [[CLASH Tournaments]], [[Team Liquid]]
| skillssbm      = Professional
| rankingssbb    =  
| skillssbb      = Top professional
| rankingssb4    = [[Panda Global Rankings 100]]: 6th
| skillssb4      = Top professional
| rankingssbu    =  
| skillpm        = Top professional
| bestresultssbb  = 1st / 338 at {{Trn|Apex 2013|g=SSBB}}
| skillssbu      = Top professional
| bestresultssb4  = 1st / 1,508 at {{Trn|EVO 2017|g=SSB4}}
| rankingssbb    = [[2016-2017 SSBBRank]]: 3rd
| bestresultssbu  = 5th / 802 at {{Trn|Pound 2019|g=SSBU}}
| rankingssb4    = [[PGR 100|Panda Global Rankings 100]]: 6th
| winningsssbb    = ~$4,293.90
| rankingssbu    = [[Fall 2019 PGRU]]: 30th
| winningsssb4    = ~$49,811.68<!--The e-Sports Earnings payouts are inaccurate.-->
| winningsssbb    = ~$4,218.90
| winningsssbu    = ~$14,001.50
| winningsssb4    = ~$42,371.53<!--The e-Sports Earnings payouts are inaccurate.-->
| realname        = Saleem Akiel Young
| realname        = Saleem Akiel Young
| birthday        = 1
| birthday        = 1
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}}
}}


'''Salem''' is an ''[[SSBU]]'' {{SSBU|Snake}} and {{SSBU|Hero}} main with strong {{SSBU|Shulk}}, {{SSBU|Bayonetta}}, and {{SSBU|Lucina}} [[Alternate character|secondaries]] from [[Tristate Area|Atlantic City, New Jersey]], who is currently residing in Orlando, Florida. He is considered the best active Snake player and the best Hero player in the world, one of the best Shulk and Bayonetta players in the world, and was previously the best {{SSBU|Link}} player in the world prior to dropping the character. Salem is currently ranked 30th on the [[Fall 2019 PGRU]].
'''Salem''' is a former Smasher from [[Tristate Area|Atlantic City, New Jersey]], who is currently residing in Orlando, Florida. He is best known for his performances in ''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]'' and {{forwiiu}}, and was a notable player during ''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''{{'}}s early years, up until his ban in 2021.


In ''[[Smash 4]]'', Salem is a {{SSB4|Bayonetta}} player with strong {{SSB4|Greninja}} and {{SSB4|Samus}} secondaries, and is widely considered the best Bayonetta player of all time as well as one of the best Bayonetta players in the world (along with {{Sm|Tweek}}, {{Sm|tamim}}, {{Sm|Lima}}, {{Sm|CaptainZack}}, and {{Sm|Abadango}}). Salem is currently ranked 6th on the [[PGR 100|Panda Global Rankings 100]]. He was formerly ranked 2nd on the [[Florida Smash 4 Power Rankings|Central Florida Smash 4 Power Rankings]] and 3rd on the [[New Jersey Power Rankings]]. Salem is considered to be one of the best ''Smash 4'' players in the world.
In ''Brawl'', Salem was widely considered the best {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} player of all-time. He broke out onto the scene with his surprising victory at {{Trn|Apex 2013}}, marking the first and only Zero Suit Samus major/supermajor victory in the game. Since then, he has remained Zero Suit Samus' primary representative in North America.


His static partner in doubles is {{Sm|Ryuga}} and they are considered to be one of the best doubles teams in the world. The two have achieved strong results together, such as 3rd at [[UGC Smash Open]], 4th at [[Super Smash Con 2017]], and 2nd at both [[Frostbite 2017]] and [[DreamHack Atlanta 2017]]. They have taken sets off of teams such as {{Sm|ZeRo}} and {{Sm|Nairo}}, {{Sm|VoiD}} and {{Sm|NAKAT}}, {{Sm|ESAM}} and MVD, and Abadango and {{Sm|Kameme}}. However, recently he began teaming with {{Sm|Dark Wizzy}}, and they have placed 1st at {{Trn|Smash Conference United}} and {{Trn|GENESIS 6}}.
Salem is perhaps better known for his ''Smash 4'' career, where he was not only considered the greatest {{SSB4|Bayonetta}} player of all-time, but also one of the greatest ''Smash 4'' players of all-time, ranking 6th on the [[Panda Global Rankings 100]]. In particular, Salem's performances in the second half of 2017 marked the closest someone came to dethroning {{Sm|ZeRo}}. He was the first player to double eliminate at-the-time best player ZeRo in a set outside of Grand Finals, doing so at {{Trn|Collision XIV}}, and was also one of two players to double-eliminate ZeRo in more than one tournament, achieving this again in grand finals of {{Trn|EVO 2017}} and {{Trn|Midwest Mayhem 10}}. In addition, his static partner in doubles was {{Sm|Ryuga}}, and they were considered to be one of the best doubles teams in the world, having placed 2nd at both {{Trn|Frostbite 2017}} and {{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2017}}, 3rd at {{Trn|UGC Smash Open}}, and 4th at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2017}}.  


In ''[[SSBB]]'', Salem is a {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}} player, and is widely considered the best Zero Suit Samus player in the world. Salem is currently ranked 3rd on the [[2016-2017 SSBBRank]]. He was ranked 6th on the final [[Tristate Power Rankings|Tristate Brawl Power Rankings]].
Salem was also active during ''Ultimate''{{'}}s early metagame and the first year of the online metagame. He initially began playing {{SSBU|Link}} but quickly dropped the character for {{SSBU|Snake}}, becoming one of the best Snake players in the world during this time. He also began picking up other characters, including {{SSBU|Shulk}} and {{SSBU|Hero}}, and became the best Hero player in the world during this time. He eventually dropped all the characters for {{SSBU|Steve}} in the online metagame, and became the best online Steve player in the final half of 2021. In addition to singles, Salem regularly teamed with {{Sm|Dark Wizzy}} in doubles, and they were considered one of the best doubles teams in the early metagame, notably winning {{Trn|Smash Conference United}} and {{Trn|GENESIS 6}}.


He is the first player to double eliminate ZeRo in a set outside of Grand Finals, doing so at [[Collision XIV]]. He is also one of two players to double-eliminate ZeRo in more than one tournament, achieving this again in grand finals of [[EVO 2017]].
Due to his involvements with {{Sm|CaptainZack}}'s controversies, he was banned from the [[Wi-Fi Warrior Rank]] in early-2021, and since then he has not been active in competitive play.


On October 8th, 2016, Salem was signed by [[Most Valuable Gaming]].<ref>{{citeweb|url=http://www.thescoreesports.com/smash/news/10873-mvg-sign-salem|title=MVG sign Salem}}</ref>
==Playstyle==
Similar to Dabuz and Hungrybox, Salem is notorious for his defensive playstyle in both ''[[Smash 4]]'' and ''[[Ultimate]]'', while in ''[[Brawl]]'' he is known for having an aggressive item-based playstyle.  


On February 9th 2018, Salem was signed on by [[Team Liquid]].<ref>{{citeweb|url=https://twitter.com/TeamLiquid/status/961991301767073792|title=Team Liquid signs Salem}}</ref>. A year later, on February 27th, 2019, Salem parted ways with Team Liquid.<ref>{{citeweb|url=https://twitter.com/TeamLiquid/status/1100853476622548992|title=Salem parted ways with Team Liquid}}</ref>
In ''Brawl'', Salem had a playstyle focused on racking up damage quickly with items that came from {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}}'s power suit and to combo setups from [[Paralyzer]] and her down smash and to kill with her side special, [[Plasma Whip]].
 
In ''Smash 4'', Salem played {{SSB4|Bayonetta}} and had a playstyle focused upon waiting patiently for the opponent to make a mistake, and to add on damage with [[Bullet Arts]] and [[Bullet Climax]]. However, if the opponent made a mistake and Salem could find an opening, he could take a stock within seconds due to Bayonetta's powerful combo game. It was akin to trying to defuse a time bomb, for if the opponent attempted to pressure Salem, he could take their stock, and if the opponent attempted to play defensively and out wait Salem, he would simply tack on damage until the opponent was forced to approach.  
 
In ''SSBU'', Salem's playstyle is dependent upon the placement of items as he played {{SSBU|Link}} and {{SSBU|Snake}}, with major focus upon Link's [[Remote Bomb]] and Snake's [[grenades]] and [[C4]]. With Link, Salem prioritizes stage control and traps, corralling the opponent into a situation where Salem has advantage and can press for control. With Snake, Salem is the most defensive of the current three top Snakes, being {{Sm|MVD}} and {{Sm|Ally}}, and will wait constantly for a combo opportunity utilizing the grenades or to constantly hit and run until Salem can KO utilizing Snake's down throw into a read or into an up tilt.
 
However, when put into a disadvantageous situation, Salem tends to rush his options and acts brashly, resulting in unoptimal decisions, which lead to him losing the lead. Salem works best when ahead, even slightly, and will push his advantage until his opponent mentally breaks and collapses, allowing Salem to take over.


==Tournament history==
==Tournament history==
{{cleanup|Reads like a real-time report; not every tournament and win needs to be listed}}
===''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''===
===''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''===
Before playing in the offline scene, he gained fame on the [[All is Brawl]] ladder as an incredible [[Wi-Fi]] player, dominating the ladder with Zero Suit Samus. He made his offline debut at [http://www.smashboards.com/threads/juice-gaming-presents-concentrate-ii-results.313154/ Concentrate II], placing 5th, where he defeated {{Sm|Nicole}}, {{Sm|Jbandrew}}, {{Sm|Will}}, and {{Sm|Kingtoon}}. He later attended [[Apex 2012]]; while only placing 33rd, he defeated {{Sm|Nick Riddle}} in bracket, then considered to be the best Zero Suit Samus player in the USA.
Before playing in the offline scene, he gained fame on the [[All is Brawl]] {{b|ladder|matchmaking}} as an incredible [[Wi-Fi]] player, dominating the ladder with Zero Suit Samus. He made his offline debut at [[Concentrate II]], placing 5th, where he defeated {{Sm|Nicole}}, {{Sm|Jbandrew}}, {{Sm|Will}}, and {{Sm|Kingtoon}}. He later attended [[Apex 2012]]; while only placing 33rd, he defeated {{Sm|Nick Riddle}} in bracket, then considered to be the best Zero Suit Samus player in the USA.


Throughout 2012, Salem continued to enter tournaments and place well in stacked tournaments within the [[NY/NJ]] region, but it wasn't until a dominating performance at [[Apex 2013]] that he had a standout performance at a major, where he unexpectedly took the tournament. On his path to victory, he defeated top players such as {{Sm|mikeHAZE}}, {{Sm|Mr. R}}, {{Sm|Otori}}, the Apex 2012 champion, {{Sm|Dojo}}, {{Sm|Mikeneko}}, and {{Sm|Mew2King}} in both Winners' and Grand Finals, the latter of which is considered to be one of the most intense sets witnessed in ''Brawl'' tournament play. In Grand Finals, the set went to a last game, last hit situation, before Salem won following an extensive war of attrition. His win stunned the community; not only had he won one of the most prestigious ''Brawl'' tournaments at the time with a character not considered [[Tier list|top tier]], but he had also never won a tournament prior to then.
Throughout 2012, Salem continued to enter tournaments and place well in stacked tournaments within the [[NY/NJ]] region, but it wasn't until a dominating performance at [[Apex 2013]] that he had a standout performance at a major, where he unexpectedly took the tournament. On his path to victory, he defeated top players such as {{Sm|mikeHAZE}}, {{Sm|Mr. R}}, {{Sm|Otori}}, the Apex 2012 champion, {{Sm|Dojo}}, {{Sm|Mikeneko}}, and {{Sm|Mew2King}} in both Winners' and Grand Finals, the latter of which is considered to be one of the most intense sets witnessed in ''Brawl'' tournament play. In Grand Finals, the set went to a last game, last hit situation, before Salem won following an extensive war of attrition. His win stunned the community; not only had he won one of the most prestigious ''Brawl'' tournaments at the time with a character not considered [[Tier list|top tier]], but he had also never won a tournament prior to then.
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At the onset of ''SSB4'''s release, Salem initially co-mained {{SSB4|Sheik}} and {{SSB4|Zero Suit Samus}}. His first major tournament was [[Apex 2015]], but he drastically underperformed, failing to advance from Pools following being DQed in Winners and losing to {{Sm|falln}} in Losers Finals of his Pool. Reversing that poor performance later, he placed 9th place at [[KTAR XII]]. At [[EVO 2015]] he made it to Top 32 Losers before losing to {{Sm|Tyrant}}, placing 25th. He'd place decently at smaller tournaments, placing 7th at [[SKTAR 4]], 2nd at [[KTAR XVII]], 9th at [[Shots Fired 2]], and 5th at [[Do or DI]] and [[KTAR XVIII]]. Upon {{SSB4|Bayonetta}}'s release in February 2016, Salem switched to maining her.  
At the onset of ''SSB4'''s release, Salem initially co-mained {{SSB4|Sheik}} and {{SSB4|Zero Suit Samus}}. His first major tournament was [[Apex 2015]], but he drastically underperformed, failing to advance from Pools following being DQed in Winners and losing to {{Sm|falln}} in Losers Finals of his Pool. Reversing that poor performance later, he placed 9th place at [[KTAR XII]]. At [[EVO 2015]] he made it to Top 32 Losers before losing to {{Sm|Tyrant}}, placing 25th. He'd place decently at smaller tournaments, placing 7th at [[SKTAR 4]], 2nd at [[KTAR XVII]], 9th at [[Shots Fired 2]], and 5th at [[Do or DI]] and [[KTAR XVIII]]. Upon {{SSB4|Bayonetta}}'s release in February 2016, Salem switched to maining her.  


Salem would finally have his breakout performance in ''SSB4'' when he won [[Collision XIV]], double-eliminating ZeRo in close sets in Winners Quarters and Losers Semis, Nairo in Losers Finals, and defeating {{Sm|Tweek}} in Grand Finals. He then attended [https://smash.gg/tournament/smashadelphia-ii/events/wii-u-singles/brackets/57146 Smashadelphia II], where he defeated {{Sm|Sinji}}, {{Sm|Mr.E}}, and {{Sm|6WX}} convincingly to take the tournament. He then traveled to compete at [https://smash.gg/tournament/smash-conference-lxvii/events/wii-u-singles/brackets/70855 Smash Conference LXVII], dominantly defeating {{Sm|dyr}}, {{Sm|Fatality}}, and {{Sm|Mew2King}}. In Grand Finals Mew2King would reset the bracket, but Salem won the following set.  
Salem would finally have his breakout performance in ''SSB4'' when he won [[Collision XIV]], double-eliminating ZeRo in close sets in Winners Quarters and Losers Semis, Nairo in Losers Finals, and defeating {{Sm|Tweek}} in Grand Finals. He then attended [https://www.start.gg/tournament/smashadelphia-ii/event/wii-u-singles/brackets/57146 Smashadelphia II], where he defeated {{Sm|Sinji}}, {{Sm|Mr.E}}, and {{Sm|6WX}} convincingly to take the tournament. He then traveled to compete at [https://www.start.gg/tournament/smash-conference-lxvii/event/wii-u-singles/brackets/70855 Smash Conference LXVII], dominantly defeating {{Sm|dyr}}, {{Sm|Fatality}}, and {{Sm|Mew2King}}. In Grand Finals Mew2King would reset the bracket, but Salem won the following set.  


Before [[The Big House 6]], Salem entered [[Little Big House 2]], where he defeated {{Sm|Darkshad}} and {{Sm|Shogun}} to advance into bracket. In bracket, he defeated {{Sm|Kameme}}, 6WX, {{Sm|Dath}}, and {{Sm|Abadango}} in Grand Finals to win the tournament, thought to be a precursor for his performance at The Big House 6. At The Big House 6, he defeated {{Sm|MJG}} and {{Sm|Rich Brown}} to advance into Top 32. In Top 32 he fell to {{Sm|Dabuz}} in Winners. In Losers he defeated Kameme in the run-back before falling to Nairo, placing at a slightly underwhelming 9th.  
Before [[The Big House 6]], Salem entered [[Little Big House 2]], where he defeated {{Sm|Darkshad}} and {{Sm|Shogun}} to advance into bracket. In bracket, he defeated {{Sm|Kameme}}, 6WX, {{Sm|Dath}}, and {{Sm|Abadango}} in Grand Finals to win the tournament, thought to be a precursor for his performance at The Big House 6. At The Big House 6, he defeated {{Sm|MJG}} and {{Sm|Rich Brown}} to advance into Top 32. In Top 32 he fell to {{Sm|Dabuz}} in Winners. In Losers he defeated Kameme in the run-back before falling to Nairo, placing at a slightly underwhelming 9th.  


At [https://smash.gg/tournament/smash-conference-lxviii/events/wii-u-singles/brackets/74072 Smash Conference LXVIII], Salem fell to {{Sm|Saj}} in Bayonetta dittos. He then made an extensive Losers run defeating {{Sm|Child}}, {{Sm|Rideae}}, {{Sm|LordMix}}, {{Sm|8BitMan}}, Saj  in a close rematch, and reset the bracket against {{Sm|Manny}} to win the tournament. Salem later returned to Michigan where he won [https://smash.gg/tournament/smashfield-weeklies-61/events/wii-u-singles/brackets/80875/254979 Smashfield Weeklies 61], defeating {{Sm|Ryuga}} before falling to {{Sm|Ally}} in Winners Finals, defeating Ryuga again in Losers Finals, and defeating Ally in both sets of Grand Finals. Two days later, he attended [https://smash.gg/tournament/rebirth-ix/events/wii-u-singles/brackets/70858 Rebirth IX], where he defeated {{Sm|smasher1001}} and {{Sm|LOE1}}, before falling to {{Sm|Zinoto}} in Winners Finals. He then defeated {{Sm|Rayquaza07}} in Losers Finals, reset the bracket against Zinoto, but ultimately lost in a close second set, placing 2nd.
At [https://www.start.gg/tournament/smash-conference-lxviii/event/wii-u-singles/brackets/74072 Smash Conference LXVIII], Salem fell to {{Sm|Saj}} in Bayonetta dittos. He then made an extensive Losers run defeating {{Sm|Child}}, {{Sm|Rideae}}, {{Sm|LordMix}}, {{Sm|8BitMan}}, Saj  in a close rematch, and reset the bracket against {{Sm|Manny}} to win the tournament. Salem later returned to Michigan where he won [https://www.start.gg/tournament/smashfield-weeklies-61/event/wii-u-singles/brackets/80875/254979 Smashfield Weeklies 61], defeating {{Sm|Ryuga}} before falling to {{Sm|Ally}} in Winners Finals, defeating Ryuga again in Losers Finals, and defeating Ally in both sets of Grand Finals. Two days later, he attended [https://www.start.gg/tournament/rebirth-ix/event/wii-u-singles/brackets/70858 Rebirth IX], where he defeated {{Sm|smasher1001}} and {{Sm|LOE1}}, before falling to {{Sm|Zinoto}} in Winners Finals. He then defeated {{Sm|Rayquaza07}} in Losers Finals, reset the bracket against Zinoto, but ultimately lost in a close second set, placing 2nd.


Salem would next enter [[Olympus]], where he defeated 6WX to make Top 8. There, Salem defeated {{Sm|Larry Lurr}}, but then fell to {{Sm|Tweek}} in Winners Finals. In Losers Finals, Salem defeated Larry Lurr again, then dominantly took both sets of Grand Finals to take 1st. At [[KTAR XIX]], he defeated {{Sm|Gomamugitya}} to make Top 48. In Top 48, he defeated {{Sm|False}} before losing to Tweek. In Losers, he defeated Zinoto, {{Sm|WaDi}}, {{Sm|Samsora}}, {{Sm|Nairo}}, and {{Sm|MKLeo}} before falling to {{Sm|ZeRo}} in a run-back in Grand Finals. At [[UGC Smash Open]], Salem lost to {{Sm|ESAM}}, and entered Top 48 Losers. He then defeated {{Sm|Nero}} and {{Sm|Vinnie}}, before succumbing to {{Sm|Kameme}}, finishing at a disappointing 17th. To end the year, Salem entered [[2GGT: ZeRo Saga]], where he defeated Samsora to advance to Top 48. He was then defeated by {{Sm|Abadango}} and elimnated by {{Sm|Dabuz}}, falling at another 17th place.  
Salem would next enter [[Olympus]], where he defeated 6WX to make Top 8. There, Salem defeated {{Sm|Larry Lurr}}, but then fell to {{Sm|Tweek}} in Winners Finals. In Losers Finals, Salem defeated Larry Lurr again, then dominantly took both sets of Grand Finals to take 1st. At [[KTAR XIX]], he defeated {{Sm|Gomamugitya}} to make Top 48. In Top 48, he defeated {{Sm|False}} before losing to Tweek. In Losers, he defeated Zinoto, {{Sm|WaDi}}, {{Sm|Samsora}}, {{Sm|Nairo}}, and {{Sm|MKLeo}} before falling to {{Sm|ZeRo}} in a run-back in Grand Finals. At [[UGC Smash Open]], Salem lost to {{Sm|ESAM}}, and entered Top 48 Losers. He then defeated {{Sm|Nero}} and {{Sm|Vinnie}}, before succumbing to {{Sm|Kameme}}, finishing at a disappointing 17th. To end the year, Salem entered [[2GGT: ZeRo Saga]], where he defeated Samsora to advance to Top 48. He was then defeated by {{Sm|Abadango}} and eliminated by {{Sm|Dabuz}}, falling at another 17th place.  


Beginning 2017, Salem took [[Smash Conference LXIX]], double eliminating Samsora in Winners Finals and Grand Finals. At [[GENESIS 4]], Salem cruised through Winners, defeating {{Sm|9B}}, before being upset by {{Sm|Elegant}}. In Losers, he defeated {{Sm|You3}} before being eliminated by {{Sm|ZeRo}}, placing 25th.
Beginning 2017, Salem took [[Smash Conference LXIX]], double eliminating Samsora in Winners Finals and Grand Finals. At [[GENESIS 4]], Salem cruised through Winners, defeating {{Sm|9B}}, before being upset by {{Sm|Elegant}}. In Losers, he defeated {{Sm|You3}} before being eliminated by {{Sm|ZeRo}}, placing 25th.


At [[Frostbite 2017]], Salem defeated {{Sm|Chrim Foish}} 2-0 and {{Sm|Rayquaza07}} 2-0 to make it out of pools. In bracket he defeated {{Sm|Komorikiri}} 3-2 and {{Sm|Shuton}} 3-1 before being upset by {{Sm|Tsu-}} 1-3 in winnners semis. In the losers bracket he was eliminated by Dabuz 0-3 and finished in 5th place.
At [[Frostbite 2017]], Salem defeated {{Sm|Chrim Foish}} 2-0 and {{Sm|Rayquaza07}} 2-0 to make it out of pools. In bracket he defeated {{Sm|Komorikiri}} 3-2 and {{Sm|Shuton}} 3-1 before being upset by {{Sm|Tsu-}} 1-3 in winners semis. In the losers bracket he was eliminated by Dabuz 0-3 and finished in 5th place.


At [[Frame Perfect Series 2]], Salem defeated {{Sm|SuperGirlKels}} 2-0 to make it out of pools winners side. In bracket he was defeated by {{Sm|Ranai}} 0-3 and sent to losers. In losers he defeated {{Sm|Kome}} 3-0, {{Sm|Earth}} 3-1 and {{Sm|ESAM}} 3-2 before losing to {{Sm|Dabuz}} 1-3 and finishing in 7th place. One week later at [[2GGC: Civil War]] Salem was upset by {{Sm|Shuton}} 0-3 in winners Top 96 and sent to losers. In losers he defeated {{Sm|Vinnie}} 3-0 before losing to {{Sm|Zinoto}} 0-3 and finishing at a disappointing 25th place.
At [[Frame Perfect Series 2]], Salem defeated {{Sm|SuperGirlKels}} 2-0 to make it out of pools winners side. In bracket he was defeated by {{Sm|Ranai}} 0-3 and sent to losers. In losers he defeated {{Sm|Kome}} 3-0, {{Sm|Earth}} 3-1 and {{Sm|ESAM}} 3-2 before losing to {{Sm|Dabuz}} 1-3 and finishing in 7th place. One week later at [[2GGC: Civil War]] Salem was upset by {{Sm|Shuton}} 0-3 in winners Top 96 and sent to losers. In losers he defeated {{Sm|Vinnie}} 3-0 before losing to {{Sm|Zinoto}} 0-3 and finishing at a disappointing 25th place.
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At [[CEO 2017]] , Salem lost 0-3 to Nairo in winners quarters, but defeated {{Sm|MVD}} 3-2 in losers to make top 8 and secure a match with MKLeo in losers top 8. Despite being up 2-1 against his opponent's main Cloud, MKLeo counterpicked Corrin against him, and won the next two games using her to defeat Salem 2-3 and eliminate him at 7th place.
At [[CEO 2017]] , Salem lost 0-3 to Nairo in winners quarters, but defeated {{Sm|MVD}} 3-2 in losers to make top 8 and secure a match with MKLeo in losers top 8. Despite being up 2-1 against his opponent's main Cloud, MKLeo counterpicked Corrin against him, and won the next two games using her to defeat Salem 2-3 and eliminate him at 7th place.
===The rise===
===The rise===
At [[EVO 2017]], Salem lost to {{Sm|Larry Lurr}} in winners semis. Following this, he defeated {{Sm|KEN}} 2-0 in losers quarters, {{Sm|Tweek}} 2-1 in losers semis, and Larry Lurr 3-1 in losers finals to enter grand finals. Once there, he defeated ZeRo in two sets of grand finals (3-2 each) to win the largest tournament of the year, becoming the first Bayonetta to win a premier tournament. As a result, he is now considered the best Bayonetta player in the world, after briefly losing the title to {{Sm|CaptainZack}} during the beginning of the year.
At [[EVO 2017]], Salem lost to {{Sm|Larry Lurr}} in winners semis. Following this, he defeated {{Sm|KEN}} 2-0 in losers quarters, {{Sm|Tweek}} 2-1 in losers semis, and Larry Lurr 3-1 in losers finals to enter grand finals. Once there, he defeated ZeRo in two sets of grand finals (3-2 each) to win the largest tournament of the year, becoming the first Bayonetta to win a premier tournament. As a result, he was considered the best Bayonetta player in the world in 2017, after briefly losing the title to {{Sm|CaptainZack}} during the beginning of the year.


At [[DreamHack Atlanta 2017]], Salem won in his pool to make top 64 winners. He then defeated {{Sm|ANTi}} and {{Sm|Nairo}} both 3-0 to enter top 8 winners. He lost to {{Sm|Tweek}} 1-3 in winners semis. In losers, he defeated ANTi again 3-0, Nairo again 3-1 and Tweek 3-1 in a runback. In grand finals, he faced {{Sm|VoiD}} where he defeated him 3-2 and 3-1 to win his second S-tier tournament (according to the Panda Global Rankings) in a row.
At [[DreamHack Atlanta 2017]], Salem won in his pool to make top 64 winners. He then defeated {{Sm|ANTi}} and {{Sm|Nairo}} both 3-0 to enter top 8 winners. He lost to {{Sm|Tweek}} 1-3 in winners semis. In losers, he defeated ANTi again 3-0, Nairo again 3-1 and Tweek 3-1 in a runback. In grand finals, he faced {{Sm|VoiD}} where he defeated him 3-2 and 3-1 to win his second S-tier tournament (according to the Panda Global Rankings) in a row.
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===The remainder of Smash 4===
===The remainder of Smash 4===
Salem's next tournament would be [[EVO 2018]] where he was sent into losers early by {{Sm|Mr E}}'s Lucina. He defeated {{Sm|Lea}} and {{Sm|Abadango}} 2-1, but he was eliminated by {{Sm|Ally}} ending his run at a disappointing 17th place (His lowest placement since [[CEO Dreamland]].
Salem's next tournament would be [[EVO 2018]] where he was sent into losers early by {{Sm|Mr E}}'s Lucina. He defeated {{Sm|Lea}} and {{Sm|Abadango}} 2-1, but he was eliminated by {{Sm|Ally}} ending his run at a disappointing 17th place (His lowest placement since [[CEO Dreamland]]).


Salem then went to [[Super Smash Con 2018]], he solidly cruised through pools and defeated {{Sm|SDX}} in top 32 winners before falling to {{Sm|Nairo}} 1-3, he then beat {{Sm|MagiMagi}} in a dominant 3-0 fashion before falling to {{Sm|Mistake}} ending his run at 7th place.
Salem then went to [[Super Smash Con 2018]], he solidly cruised through pools and defeated {{Sm|SDX}} in top 32 winners before falling to {{Sm|Nairo}} 1-3, he then beat {{Sm|MagiMagi}} in a dominant 3-0 fashion before falling to {{Sm|Mistake}} ending his run at 7th place.
Line 116: Line 120:
At [[The Big House 8]], Salem was sent into losers by {{Sm|ESAM}} in winners quarters, although he was able to defeat {{Sm|8BitMan}} to get into top 8, he then lost to {{Sm|yeti}}'s Toon Link 0-3 at 7th place.
At [[The Big House 8]], Salem was sent into losers by {{Sm|ESAM}} in winners quarters, although he was able to defeat {{Sm|8BitMan}} to get into top 8, he then lost to {{Sm|yeti}}'s Toon Link 0-3 at 7th place.


Salem's last Smash 4 tournament was At [[DreamHack Atlanta 2018]], he cruised through pools until he narrowly lost to VoiD in a last hit game 5 situation. Although he beat {{Sm|Karna}} 3-0. He narrowly lost to {{Sm|Wrath}} which ended up being his first loss ever versus a Sonic ending his run at 7th place.
Salem's last Smash 4 tournament was at [[DreamHack Atlanta 2018]], where he cruised through pools until he narrowly lost to VoiD in a last hit game 5 situation. Although he beat {{Sm|Karna}} 3-0. He narrowly lost to {{Sm|Wrath}} which ended up being his first loss ever versus a Sonic since picking up Bayo, ending his run at 7th place.
 
==Ranking==
===''[[Super Smash Bros. Brawl]]''===
====[[SSBBRank]]====
{|class="wikitable"
!Ranking!!Time period!!Rank!!Character(s)!!Notes
|-
|[[SSBBRank 2014]]||January 11th, 2013 - June 1st, 2014||18th||{{Head|Zero Suit Samus|g=SSBB|s=20px}}||
|-
|[[SSBBRank 2016-2017]]||May 20th, 2016 - November 26th, 2017||3rd||{{Head|Zero Suit Samus|g=SSBB|s=20px}}||
|}
 
==={{forwiiu}}===
====[[Panda Global Rankings]]====
{|class="wikitable"
!Ranking!!Time period!!Rank!!Character(s)!!Notes
|-
|[[PGR v2]]||May 13th - December 18th, 2016||13th||{{Head|Bayonetta|g=SSB4|s=20px}}||
|-
|[[PGR v3]]||January 7th - June 18th, 2017||11th||{{Head|Bayonetta|g=SSB4|s=20px}}{{Head|Samus|g=SSB4|s=20px}}||
|-
|[[PGR v4]]||June 24th - December 3rd, 2017||2nd||{{Head|Bayonetta|g=SSB4|s=20px}}||
|-
|[[PGR v5]]||December 23rd, 2017 - July 1st, 2018||5th||{{Head|Bayonetta|g=SSB4|s=20px}}||
|-
|[[PGR 100]]||January 20th, 2015 - November 18th, 2018||6th||{{Head|Bayonetta|g=SSB4|s=20px}}||
|}


==Playstyle==
====[[OrionRank]]====
Salem, along with Dabuz and Hungrybox, is notorious for his defensive playstyle in both Smash 4 and Ultimate, and having an aggressive item-based playstyle in Brawl.
{|class="wikitable"
!Ranking!!Time period!!Rank!!Character(s)!!Notes
|-
|[[OrionRank 2016]]||March 15th - December 18th, 2016||8th||{{Head|Bayonetta|g=SSB4|s=20px}}||
|-
|[[OrionRank 2017]]||December 24th, 2016 - December 24th, 2017||3rd||{{Head|Bayonetta|g=SSB4|s=20px}}{{Head|Greninja|g=SSB4|s=20px}}||
|-
|[[OrionRank Mid-Spring 2018]]||January 1st - May 1st, 2018||9th||{{Head|Bayonetta|g=SSB4|s=20px}}||
|-
|[[OrionRank 2018]]||January 1st - December 2nd, 2018||7th||{{Head|Bayonetta|g=SSB4|s=20px}}||
|}
 
===''[[Super Smash Bros. Ultimate]]''===
====[[Panda Global Rankings Ultimate]]====
{|class="wikitable"
!Ranking!!Time period!!Rank!!Character(s)!!Notes
|-
|[[Spring 2019 PGRU]]||February 1st - July 7th, 2019||22nd||{{Head|Snake|g=SSBU|s=20px}}{{Head|Shulk|g=SSBU|s=20px}}{{Head|Lucina|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||
|-
|[[Fall 2019 PGRU]]||July 13th - December 15th, 2019||30th||{{Head|Hero|g=SSBU|s=20px}}{{Head|Snake|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||
|}
 
====[[OrionRank|OrionRank Ultimate]]====
{|class="wikitable"
!Ranking!!Time period!!Rank!!Character(s)!!Notes
|-
|[[OrionRank Ultimate: Six Months In]]||January 5th - June 30th, 2019||16th||{{Head|Snake|g=SSBU|s=20px}}{{Head|Lucina|g=SSBU|s=20px}}{{Head|Shulk|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||
|-
|[[OrionRank 2019]]||January 5th - December 15th, 2019||17th||{{Head|Snake|g=SSBU|s=20px}}{{Head|Hero|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||
|}
 
====[[Wi-Fi Warrior Rank]]====
{|class="wikitable"
!Ranking!!Time period!!Rank!!Character(s)!!Notes
|-
|[[Wi-Fi Warrior Rank v6]]{{OnlineIcon}}||July 5th - December 27th, 2020||10th||{{Head|Steve|g=SSBU|s=20px}}{{Head|Hero|g=SSBU|s=20px}}{{Head|Snake|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||
|}


In ''[[Brawl]]'', Salem had a playstyle focused on racking up damage quickly with items that came from {{SSBB|Zero Suit Samus}}'s power suit and to combo setups from [[Paralyzer]] and her down smash and to kill with her side special, [[Plasma Whip]].
====OrionRank North America====
In ''[[SSB4]]'', Salem played {{SSB4|Bayonetta}} and had a playstyle focused upon waiting patiently for the opponent to make a mistake, and to add on damage with [[Bullet Arts]] and [[Bullet Climax]]. However, if the opponent made a mistake and Salem could find an opening, he could take a stock within seconds due to Bayonetta's powerful combo game. It was akin to trying to defuse a time bomb, for if the opponent attempted to pressure Salem, he could take their stock, and if the opponent attempted to play defensively and out wait Salem, he would simply tack on damage until the opponent was forced to approach.
{|class="wikitable"
In ''[[SSBU]]'', Salem's playstyle is dependent upon the placement of items as he played {{SSBU|Link}} and {{SSBU|Snake}}, with major focus upon Link's [[Remote Bomb]] and Snake's [[grenades]] and [[C4]]. With Link, Salem prioritizes stage control and traps, corralling the opponent into a situation where Salem has advantage and can press for control. With Snake, Salem is the most defensive of the current three top Snakes, being {{Sm|MVD}} and {{Sm|Ally}} and will wait constantly for a combo opportunity utilizing the grenades or to constantly hit and run until Salem can KO utilizing Snake's down throw into a read or into an up tilt.
!Ranking!!Time period!!Rank!!Character(s)!!Notes
However, when put into a disadvantageous situation, Salem tends to rush his options and acts brashly, resulting in unoptimal decisions, which lead to him loosing the lead. Salem works best when ahead, even slightly, and will push his advantage until his opponent mentally breaks and collapses, allowing Salem to take over.
|-
|[[OrionRank North America Top 200]]||January 2019 - March 2020||10th||{{Head|Hero|g=SSBU|s=20px}}{{Head|Snake|g=SSBU|s=20px}}||
|}


==Tournament placings==
==Tournament placings==
Line 131: Line 200:
!Tournament!!Date!!1v1 placement!!2v2 placement!!Partner
!Tournament!!Date!!1v1 placement!!2v2 placement!!Partner
|-
|-
|[https://smashboards.com/threads/collision-v-results.327341/ Collision V]||September 1st, 2012||13th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|Collision V|g=SSBM}}||September 1st, 2012||13th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[https://smashboards.com/threads/thanks-for-playing-4-results.344618/ Thanks for Playing 4]||December 21st, 2013||9th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[https://smashboards.com/threads/thanks-for-playing-4-results.344618/ Thanks for Playing 4]||December 21st, 2013||9th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[https://smash.gg/tournament/coffee-boys-10/events/melee-singles/brackets Coffee Boys 10]||January 15th-16th, 2017||25th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[https://www.start.gg/tournament/coffee-boys-10/event/melee-singles/brackets Coffee Boys 10]||January 15th-16th, 2017||25th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[http://nolimitgaming.challonge.com/snc7meleesingles Smash 'N' Chill Weekly #7]||February 28th, 2017||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[http://nolimitgaming.challonge.com/snc7meleesingles Smash 'N' Chill Weekly #7]||February 28th, 2017||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
Line 141: Line 210:
|[[EagleLAN 2017]]||April 29th, 2017||2nd||2nd||{{Sm|Waldo}}
|[[EagleLAN 2017]]||April 29th, 2017||2nd||2nd||{{Sm|Waldo}}
|-
|-
|[https://smash.gg/tournament/coffee-boys-14/events/melee-singles/brackets/133911 Coffee Boys 14]||May 14th, 2017||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[https://www.start.gg/tournament/coffee-boys-14/event/melee-singles/brackets/133911 Coffee Boys 14]||May 14th, 2017||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[https://smash.gg/tournament/congrats-again-another-north-florida-regional/events/melee-singles/standings Congrats Again: Another North Florida Regional]||June 3rd, 2017||13rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[https://www.start.gg/tournament/congrats-again-another-north-florida-regional/event/melee-singles/standings Congrats Again: Another North Florida Regional]||June 3rd, 2017||13th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|}
|}


Line 162: Line 231:
|[http://smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=327109 Impact IV]||August 25th, 2012||5th||2nd||{{Sm|Chibo}}
|[http://smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=327109 Impact IV]||August 25th, 2012||5th||2nd||{{Sm|Chibo}}
|-
|-
|[http://smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=327341 Collision V]||September 1st, 2012||5th||3rd||Chibo
|{{Trn|Collision V|g=SSBB}}||September 1st, 2012||5th||3rd||Chibo
|-
|-
|[https://smashboards.com/threads/phoenix-saga-5-results-ann-arbor-mi-12-1-12.330491/ Phoenix Saga 5]||December 1st, 2012||7th||5th||Meekspeedy
|[https://smashboards.com/threads/phoenix-saga-5-results-ann-arbor-mi-12-1-12.330491/ Phoenix Saga 5]||December 1st, 2012||7th||5th||Meekspeedy
Line 184: Line 253:
|[[KTAR 8]]||December 28th, 2013||17th||3rd||{{Sm|ZeRo}}
|[[KTAR 8]]||December 28th, 2013||17th||3rd||{{Sm|ZeRo}}
|-
|-
|[http://smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=345758 Collision 8]||January 11th, 2014||3rd||2nd||Vex Kasrani
|{{Trn|Collision 8|g=SSBB}}||January 11th, 2014||3rd||2nd||Vex Kasrani
|-
|-
|[[Apex 2014]]||January 17th-19th, 2014||9th||9th||Vex Kasrani
|[[Apex 2014]]||January 17th-19th, 2014||9th||9th||Vex Kasrani
Line 198: Line 267:
|[[Super Smash Con 2017]]||August 10th-13th, 2017||3rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[[Super Smash Con 2017]]||August 10th-13th, 2017||3rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}}||August 8th-11th, 2019||&mdash;||2nd||{{Sm|Chia}}
|{{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019|g=SSBB}}||August 8th-11th, 2019||&mdash;||2nd||{{Sm|Chia}}
|}
|}


Line 211: Line 280:
|[[KTAR 8]]||December 28th, 2013||5th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[[KTAR 8]]||December 28th, 2013||5th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[http://smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=345758 Collision 8]||January 11th, 2014||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|Collision 8|g=PM}}||January 11th, 2014||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[[Apex 2014]]||January 17th-19th, 2014||33rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[[Apex 2014]]||January 17th-19th, 2014||33rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
Line 226: Line 295:
|[[Sky's Smash 4 Invitational]]||November 20th-22nd, 2014||9th||5th||{{Sm|K9}}
|[[Sky's Smash 4 Invitational]]||November 20th-22nd, 2014||9th||5th||{{Sm|K9}}
|-
|-
|[http://smashboards.com/showthread.php?t=380514 Collision X]||November 29th, 2014||5th||5th||{{Sm|Chibo}}
|{{Trn|Collision X|g=SSB4}}||November 29th, 2014||5th||5th||{{Sm|Chibo}}
|-
|-
|[http://challonge.com/cxiu1 Collision XI]||January 3rd, 2015||9th||7th||Chibo
|{{Trn|Collision XI|g=SSB4}}||January 3rd, 2015||9th||7th||Chibo
|-
|-
|[[Apex 2015]]||January 30th-February 1st, 2015||129th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[[Apex 2015]]||January 30th-February 1st, 2015||129th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[http://smashboards.com/rankings/tri-smash-3-wii-u-singles.4945/event?id=8 Tri-Smash #3]||March 7th, 2015||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[https://smashboards.com/rankings/events/tri-smash-3-wii-u-singles.4945/?id=8 Tri-Smash #3]||March 7th, 2015||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[[KTAR XII]]||March 21st, 2015||9th||9th||Chibo
|[[KTAR XII]]||March 21st, 2015||9th||9th||Chibo
|-
|-
|[http://smashboards.com/rankings/smash-forward-03-singles.5765/event?id=8 Smash Forward 03]||April 18th, 2015||2nd||1st||Chibo
|[https://smashboards.com/rankings/events/smash-forward-03-singles.5765/?id=8 Smash Forward 03]||April 18th, 2015||2nd||1st||Chibo
|-
|-
|[[KTAR XIII]]||July 12th, 2015||17th||17th||{{Sm|Waldo}}
|[[KTAR XIII]]||July 12th, 2015||17th||17th||{{Sm|Waldo}}
Line 242: Line 311:
|[[EVO 2015]]||July 17th-19th, 2015||25th||33rd||Chibo
|[[EVO 2015]]||July 17th-19th, 2015||25th||33rd||Chibo
|-
|-
|[http://smashboards.com/rankings/the-mollywhop-17.8039/event?id=8 The MollyWhop #17]||August 12th, 2015||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[https://smashboards.com/rankings/events/the-mollywhop-17.8039/?id=8 The MollyWhop #17]||August 12th, 2015||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[[SKTAR 4]]||August 22nd-23rd, 2015||7th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[[SKTAR 4]]||August 22nd-23rd, 2015||7th||&mdash;||&mdash;
Line 250: Line 319:
|[[KTAR XVII]]||February 13th, 2016||2nd||3rd||Chibo
|[[KTAR XVII]]||February 13th, 2016||2nd||3rd||Chibo
|-
|-
|[http://bros-calamity.challonge.com/SnC03_20160219_S Smash & Clash 03]||February 19th, 2016||1st||5th||Sparky
|[http://bros-calamity.challonge.com/SnC03_20160219_S Smash & Clash 03]||February 19th, 2016||1st||5th||{{Sm|Sparky|p=Pennsylvania}}
|-
|-
|[http://bros-calamity.challonge.com/BLX_20160220_Singles Brotherly Love X]||February 20th, 2016||1st||1st||{{Sm|Vex Kasrani}}
|[http://bros-calamity.challonge.com/BLX_20160220_Singles Brotherly Love X]||February 20th, 2016||1st||1st||{{Sm|Vex Kasrani}}
Line 258: Line 327:
|[[Do or DI]]||March 11th-13th, 2016||5th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[[Do or DI]]||March 11th-13th, 2016||5th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[https://smash.gg/tournament/brotherly-love-xiv/brackets/12978/34099/114816 Brotherly Love XIV]||June 4th, 2016||1st||2nd||Chibo
|[https://start.gg/tournament/brotherly-love-xiv/brackets/12978/34099/114816 Brotherly Love XIV]||June 4th, 2016||1st||2nd||Chibo
|-
|-
|[[KTAR XVIII]]||June 11th, 2016||5th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[[KTAR XVIII]]||June 11th, 2016||5th||&mdash;||&mdash;
Line 266: Line 335:
|[[Collision XIV]]||September 3rd, 2016||1st||13th||Chibo
|[[Collision XIV]]||September 3rd, 2016||1st||13th||Chibo
|-
|-
|[https://smash.gg/tournament/smashadelphia-ii/brackets/15309/57146/186519 Smashadelphia II]||September 11th, 2016||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[https://start.gg/tournament/smashadelphia-ii/brackets/15309/57146/186519 Smashadelphia II]||September 11th, 2016||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[https://smash.gg/tournament/smash-conference-lxvii/brackets/17955/70855/226157 Smash Conference LXVII]||September 23rd, 2016||1st||1st||{{Sm|Mew2King}}
|[https://start.gg/tournament/smash-conference-lxvii/brackets/17955/70855/226157 Smash Conference LXVII]||September 23rd, 2016||1st||1st||{{Sm|Mew2King}}
|-
|-
|[[Little Big House 2]]||October 6th, 2016||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[[Little Big House 2]]||October 6th, 2016||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
Line 274: Line 343:
|[[The Big House 6]]||October 7th-9th, 2016||9th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[[The Big House 6]]||October 7th-9th, 2016||9th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[https://smash.gg/tournament/smash-conference-lxviii/events/wii-u-singles/brackets/74072 Smash Conference LXVIII]||October 14th, 2016||1st||1st||Mew2King
|[https://www.start.gg/tournament/smash-conference-lxviii/event/wii-u-singles/brackets/74072 Smash Conference LXVIII]||October 14th, 2016||1st||1st||Mew2King
|-
|-
|[https://smash.gg/tournament/smashfield-weeklies-61/events/wii-u-singles/brackets/80875 Smashfield Weeklies #61]||October 20th, 2016||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[https://www.start.gg/tournament/smashfield-weeklies-61/event/wii-u-singles/brackets/80875 Smashfield Weeklies #61]||October 20th, 2016||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[https://smash.gg/tournament/rebirth-ix/events/wii-u-singles/brackets/70858/226160 Rebirth IX]||October 22nd, 2016||2nd||3rd||{{Sm|GenericallyNamed}}
|[https://www.start.gg/tournament/rebirth-ix/event/wii-u-singles/brackets/70858/226160 Rebirth IX]||October 22nd, 2016||2nd||3rd||{{Sm|GenericallyNamed}}
|-
|-
|[[Olympus]]||October 28th-30th, 2016||1st||4th||{{Sm|Fatality}}
|[[Olympus]]||October 28th-30th, 2016||1st||4th||{{Sm|Fatality}}
Line 290: Line 359:
|[[Smash Conference LXIX]]||January 7th, 2017||1st||1st||{{Sm|8BitMan}}
|[[Smash Conference LXIX]]||January 7th, 2017||1st||1st||{{Sm|8BitMan}}
|-
|-
|[https://smash.gg/tournament/coffee-boys-10/events/wii-u-singles/brackets Coffee Boys 10]||January 15th, 2017||1st||1st||{{Sm|WoundedDragon}}
|[https://www.start.gg/tournament/coffee-boys-10/event/wii-u-singles/brackets Coffee Boys 10]||January 15th, 2017||1st||1st||{{Sm|WoundedDragon}}
|-
|-
|[[GENESIS 4]]||January 20th-22nd, 2017||25th||3rd||{{Sm|ANTi}}
|[[GENESIS 4]]||January 20th-22nd, 2017||25th||3rd||{{Sm|ANTi}}
|-
|[https://start.gg/tournament/coffee-boys-11/event/wii-u-singles/brackets/121965/351737 Coffee Boys 11]||February 19th, 2017||1st||1st||WoundedDragon
|-
|-
|[[Frostbite 2017]]||February 25th-26th, 2017||5th||2nd||Ryuga
|[[Frostbite 2017]]||February 25th-26th, 2017||5th||2nd||Ryuga
Line 310: Line 381:
|[[MomoCon 2017]]||May 25th-28th, 2017||7th||9th||{{Sm|Larry Lurr}}
|[[MomoCon 2017]]||May 25th-28th, 2017||7th||9th||{{Sm|Larry Lurr}}
|-
|-
|[https://smash.gg/tournament/coffee-boys-15/events/wii-u-singles/brackets/136402 Coffee Boys 15]||June 4th, 2017||1st||3rd||WoundedDragon
|[https://www.start.gg/tournament/coffee-boys-15/event/wii-u-singles/brackets/136402 Coffee Boys 15]||June 4th, 2017||1st||3rd||WoundedDragon
|-
|-
|[[2GGC: Nairo Saga]]||June 10th-11th, 2017||2nd||9th||{{Sm|Ally}}
|[[2GGC: Nairo Saga]]||June 10th-11th, 2017||2nd||9th||{{Sm|Ally}}
Line 318: Line 389:
|[[CEO 2017]]||June 16th-18th, 2017||7th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[[CEO 2017]]||June 16th-18th, 2017||7th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[[Subs Not Scrubs: Hackoru]]||June 21st, 2017||9th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[[Subs Not Scrubs: Hackoru]]{{OnlineIcon}}||June 21st, 2017||9th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[[Naifu Wars: World War 2]]||June 23rd, 2017||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[[Naifu Wars: World War 2]]{{OnlineIcon}}||June 23rd, 2017||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{b|UNLOCKED|tournament}}||July 1st, 2017||1st||1st||Mew2King
|{{b|UNLOCKED|tournament}}||July 1st, 2017||1st||1st||Mew2King
|-
|-
|[https://smash.gg/tournament/coffee-boys-16/events/wii-u-singles/brackets/141167 Coffee Boys 16]||July 9th, 2017||1st||1st||WoundedDragon
|[https://www.start.gg/tournament/coffee-boys-16/event/wii-u-singles/brackets/141167 Coffee Boys 16]||July 9th, 2017||1st||1st||WoundedDragon
|-
|-
|[[EVO 2017]]||July 14th-16th, 2017||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[[EVO 2017]]||July 14th-16th, 2017||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|Subs Not Scrubs|g=SSB4}}{{OnlineIcon}}||July 19th, 2017||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[[DreamHack Atlanta 2017]]||July 21st-23rd, 2017||1st||2nd||Ryuga
|[[DreamHack Atlanta 2017]]||July 21st-23rd, 2017||1st||2nd||Ryuga
Line 362: Line 435:
|[[PAX Arena at PAX South 2018]]||January 12th-14th, 2018||9th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[[PAX Arena at PAX South 2018]]||January 12th-14th, 2018||9th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|GENESIS 5}}||January 19th-21st, 2018||3rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|GENESIS 5|g=SSB4}}||January 19th-21st, 2018||3rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Frostbite 2018}}||February 9th-11th, 2018||4th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|Frostbite 2018|g=SSB4}}||February 9th-11th, 2018||4th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[https://smash.gg/tournament/overlords-of-orlando-a-florida-monthly-series/events/wii-u-singles/brackets/217764 Overlords of Orlando]||March 18th, 2018||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|[https://www.start.gg/tournament/overlords-of-orlando-a-florida-monthly-series/event/wii-u-singles/brackets/217764 Overlords of Orlando]||March 18th, 2018||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Smash Masters League: Battle for Vegas}}||March 24th-25th, 2018||9th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|Smash Masters League: Battle for Vegas|g=SSB4}}||March 24th-25th, 2018||9th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Collision XV}}||March 31st, 2018||7th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|Collision XV|g=SSB4}}||March 31st, 2018||7th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[https://smash.gg/tournament/immortal-tech-ft-liquid-salem-marss-mvg-light-dark-wizzy/events/smash-4-singles/brackets/203417 Immortal Tech]||April 28th, 2018||3rd||2nd||{{Sm|Pugwest}}
|[https://www.start.gg/tournament/immortal-tech-ft-liquid-salem-marss-mvg-light-dark-wizzy/event/smash-4-singles/brackets/203417 Immortal Tech]||April 28th, 2018||3rd||2nd||{{Sm|Pugwest}}
|-
|-
|[https://smash.gg/tournament/unrivaled-x-gon-give-it-to-ya-a-regional/events/wiiu-singles/brackets/259270 Unrivaled X: Gon' Give It To Ya]||May 12th, 2018||1st||1st||{{Sm|ScAtt}}
|{{Trn|Unrivaled X: Gon' Give It To Ya|g=SSB4}}||May 12th, 2018||1st||1st||{{Sm|ScAtt}}
|-
|-
|{{Trn|MomoCon 2018}}||May 24th-27th, 2018||2nd||7th||Mistake
|{{Trn|MomoCon 2018|g=SSB4}}||May 24th-27th, 2018||2nd||7th||Mistake
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 4}}||June 1st-3rd, 2018||2nd||5th||{{Sm|CaptainZack}}
|{{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 4|g=SSB4}}||June 1st-3rd, 2018||2nd||5th||{{Sm|CaptainZack}}
|-
|-
|{{Trn|2GG: Hyrule Saga}}||June 23rd-24th, 2018||9th||33rd||{{Sm|Zethsway}}
|{{Trn|2GG: Hyrule Saga|g=SSB4}}||June 23rd-24th, 2018||9th||33rd||{{Sm|Zethsway}}
|-
|-
|{{Trn|CEO 2018}}||June 29th-July 1st, 2018||9th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|CEO 2018|g=SSB4}}||June 29th-July 1st, 2018||9th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|EVO 2018}}||August 3rd-5th, 2018||17th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|EVO 2018|g=SSB4}}||August 3rd-5th, 2018||17th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Super Smash Con 2018}}||August 9th-12th, 2018||7th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|Super Smash Con 2018|g=SSB4}}||August 9th-12th, 2018||7th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Shine 2018}}||August 24th-26th, 2018||1st||4th||{{Sm|MuteAce}}
|{{Trn|Shine 2018|g=SSB4}}||August 24th-26th, 2018||1st||4th||{{Sm|MuteAce}}
|-
|-
|[[Curtain Call 2: Encore]]||September 1st, 2018||1st||1st||{{Sm|Dark Wizzy}}
|[[Curtain Call 2: Encore]]||September 1st, 2018||1st||1st||{{Sm|Dark Wizzy}}
Line 394: Line 467:
|[[The Big House 8]]||October 5th-7th, 2018||7th||4th||Dark Wizzy
|[[The Big House 8]]||October 5th-7th, 2018||7th||4th||Dark Wizzy
|-
|-
|[[Super Smash Fight Club 5]]||November 10, 2018||3rd||3rd||Dark Wizzy
|[[Super Smash Fight Club 5]]||November 10th, 2018||3rd||3rd||Dark Wizzy
|-
|-
|{{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2018}}||November 16th-18th, 2018||7th||1st||Dark Wizzy
|{{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2018|g=SSB4}}||November 16th-18th, 2018||7th||1st||Dark Wizzy
|}
|}


Line 403: Line 476:
!Tournament!!Date!!1v1 placement!!2v2 placement!!Partner
!Tournament!!Date!!1v1 placement!!2v2 placement!!Partner
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Smash Conference United}}||January 5th-6th, 2019||3rd||1st||{{Sm|Dark Wizzy}}
|{{Trn|Smash Conference United|g=SSBU}}||January 5th-6th, 2019||3rd||1st||{{Sm|Dark Wizzy}}
|-
|{{Trn|Glitch 6|g=SSBU}}||January 19th-20th, 2019||7th||5th||Dark Wizzy
|-
|{{Trn|GENESIS 6|g=SSBU}}||February 1st-3rd, 2019||13th||1st||Dark Wizzy
|-
|{{Trn|Frostbite 2019|g=SSBU}}||February 22nd-24th, 2019||65th||9th||Dark Wizzy
|-
|{{Trn|Ultimate Nimbus|g=SSBU}}||March 3rd, 2019||3rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|Ultimate Gamer Miami|g=SSBU}}||March 9th-10th, 2019||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|Fandom Legends: Smash Ultimate|g=SSBU}}||April 9th, 2019||5th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|2GG: Prime Saga|g=SSBU}}||April 13th-14th, 2019||65th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|Pound 2019|g=SSBU}}||April 19th-21st, 2019||5th||7th||Dark Wizzy
|-
|{{Trn|Goodwill of Orange County's Charity Invitational|g=SSBU}}||April 27th-28th, 2019||7th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|Thunder Smash|g=SSBU}}||May 5th, 2019||3rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|[https://www.start.gg/tournament/gote-4thekids-2019-charity-pro-am-sponsored-by-mortv/event/smash-ultimate-singles/overview GoTE 4TheKids 2019]||May 18th-19th, 2019||5th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|MomoCon 2019|g=SSBU}}||May 23rd-26th, 2019||7th||5th||Dark Wizzy
|-
|{{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5|g=SSBU}}||May 31st-June 2nd, 2019||17th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Glitch 6}}||January 19th-20th, 2019||7th||5th||Dark Wizzy
|{{Trn|CEO 2019|g=SSBU}}||June 28th-30th, 2019||13th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|GENESIS 6}}||February 1st-3rd, 2019||13th||1st||Dark Wizzy
|{{Trn|Aurora Blitz 2|g=SSBU}}||July 13th-14th, 2019||1st||1st||Dark Wizzy
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Frostbite 2019}}||February 22nd-24th, 2019||65th||9th||Dark Wizzy
|{{Trn|Paradigm Shift 2019|g=SSBU}}||July 20th-21st, 2019||1st||3rd||Dark Wizzy
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Ultimate Nimbus}}||March 3rd, 2019||3rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|EVO 2019|g=SSBU}}||August 2nd-4th, 2019||33rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Ultimate Gamer Miami}}||March 9th-10th, 2019||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019|g=SSBU}}||August 8th-11th, 2019||49th||7th||Dark Wizzy
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Fandom Legends: Smash Ultimate}}||April 9th, 2019||5th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|Shine 2019|g=SSBU}}||August 23rd-25th, 2019||49th||9th||{{Sm|Mew2King}}
|-
|-
|{{Trn|2GG: Prime Saga}}||April 13th-14th, 2019||65th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|Port Priority 5|g=SSBU}}||September 7th-8th, 2019||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Pound 2019}}||April 19th-21st, 2019||5th||7th||Dark Wizzy
|{{Trn|Glitch 7 - Minus World|g=SSBU}}||September 14th-15th, 2019||13th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Goodwill of Orange County's Charity Invitational}}||April 27th-28th, 2019||7th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|Mainstage|g=SSBU}}||September 20th-22nd, 2019||7th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Thunder Smash}}||May 5th, 2019||3rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|The Big House 9|g=SSBU}}||October 4th-6th, 2019||33rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|[https://smash.gg/tournament/gote-4thekids-2019-charity-pro-am-sponsored-by-mortv/events/smash-ultimate-singles/overview GoTE 4TheKids 2019]||May 18th-19th, 2019||5th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|Thunder Smash 3: Clash of the Pandas|g=SSBU}}||October 12th-13th, 2019||4th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|MomoCon 2019}}||May 23rd-26th, 2019||7th||5th||Dark Wizzy
|{{Trn|2GG: Nightmare on Smashville|g=SSBU}}||October 20th, 2019||3rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Smash 'N' Splash 5}}||May 31st-June 2nd, 2019||17th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|Overlords of Orlando: OCTOBERLORDS|g=SSBU}}||October 26th, 2019||1st||1st||Dark Wizzy
|-
|-
|{{Trn|CEO 2019}}||June 28th-30th, 2019||13th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2019|g=SSBU}}||November 15th-17th, 2019||17th||3rd||Dark Wizzy
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Aurora Blitz 2}}||July 13th-14th, 2019||1st||1st||Dark Wizzy
|{{Trn|Tampa Never Sleeps 8|g=SSBU}}||January 18th-19th, 2020||2nd||4th||{{Sm|ScAtt}}
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Paradigm Shift 2019}}||July 20th-21st 2019||1st||3rd||Dark Wizzy
|{{Trn|GENESIS 7|g=SSBU}}||January 24th-26th, 2020||25th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|EVO 2019}}||August 2nd-4th, 2019||33rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|Frostbite 2020|g=SSBU}}||February 21st-23rd, 2020||25th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}}||August 8th-11th, 2019||49th||7th||Dark Wizzy
|{{Trn|VA Esports Online Open|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||April 20th, 2020||33rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Shine 2019}}||August 23rd-25th, 2019||49th||9th||{{Sm|Mew2King}}
|{{Trn|Pound Online|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||April 24th-26th, 2020||17th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Port Priority 5}}||September 7th-8th, 2019||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|The Quarantine Series: Major Tournament 1|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||May 2nd, 2020||49th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Glitch 7 - Minus World}}||September 14th-15th, 2019||13th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|The Box|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||May 8th-10th, 2020||33rd (DQ)||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Mainstage}}||September 20th-22nd, 2019||7th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|Mazer Gaming Gives Back|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||May 15th, 2020||65th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|The Big House 9}}||October 4th-6th, 2019||33rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|King of WiFi Random Characters|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||May 30th, 2020||97th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Thunder Smash 3: Clash of the Pandas}}||October 12th-13th, 2019||4th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|Frame Perfect Series: ONLINE|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||August 22nd, 2020||3rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|2GG: Nightmare on Smashville}}||October 20th, 2019||3rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|Frame Perfect Series 2: ONLINE|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||September 18th, 2020||13th||&mdash;||&mdash;  
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Overlords of Orlando: OCTOBERLORDS}}||October 26th, 2019||1st||1st||Dark Wizzy
|{{Trn|Frame Perfect Series 3: ONLINE|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||November 8th, 2020||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|DreamHack Atlanta 2019}}||November 15th-17th, 2019||17th||3rd||Dark Wizzy
|{{Trn|Ultimate 32|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||November 14th-15th, 2020||9th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|Tampa Never Sleeps 8}}||January 18th-19th, 2020||2nd||4th||{{Sm|ScAtt}}
|{{Trn|M-Kolosseum 4|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||November 21st, 2020||25th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|-
|{{Trn|GENESIS 7}}||January 24th-26th, 2020||25th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|{{Trn|Jingle Jairs|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||December 5th, 2020||2nd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|Flex on 'Em 2|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||December 12th, 2020||2nd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|HABBY Birthday 2020|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||December 19th-20th, 2020||5th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|Mammoth's Ding Dong Ditch|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||December 27th, 2020||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|Frame Perfect Series 4: ONLINE|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||January 17th, 2021||3rd||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|Smash the Router 4|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||January 23rd, 2021||9th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|The Host Up Invitational|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||Januray 30th, 2021||1st||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|The Airlock|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||February 13th, 2021||17th (DQ)||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|{{Trn|Starlight’s Smash Bash!|g=SSBU}}{{OnlineIcon}}||March 13th, 2021||7th||&mdash;||&mdash;
|-
|[https://challonge.com/phoenixfeud Phoenix Feud]{{OnlineIcon}}||March 22nd, 2024||2nd / 28||&mdash;||&mdash;
|}
|}
==Controversies==
===Opinions on ''Melee''===
Salem is controversially known to heavily dislike the ''Melee'' community, which has led to feuds between him and ''Melee'' players, particularly {{Sm|Leffen}}. A notable incident occurred December 23rd, 2018, when Salem argued that "Melee isn't part of the actual Smash community" which he based off of "years of research."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://knowyourmeme.com/photos/1444056-years-of-research|title=Salem's Melee Tweets}}</ref> Two days later he would post a TwitLonger where he would explain his comments but apologize for "further divid[ing] the Smash community."<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1sqopcg|title=Years of Research TwitLonger}}</ref> Nevertheless, his comments were ridiculed and have since become memes in the community.
Both Leffen and Salem were seeded to meet in bracket at multiple tournaments, but upsets or DQs often prevented them from meeting. They finally met in bracket at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}}, where Leffen beat Salem 2-1 in front of a large crowd.
The controversy arose once again when Salem refused to shake {{Sm|Armada}}'s hand at {{Trn|Mainstage}} after defeating him, a decision which many smashers viewed as unsportsmanlike.
===CaptainZack situation===
In early June 2020, amidst a wave of sexual harassment allegations in the community, {{Sm|CaptainZack}} came out with his testimony against {{Sm|Nairo}}. In the provided screenshots, Salem was seen encouraging CaptainZack to have sexual encounters with Nairo, and although his name was blocked out, people were able to confirm it was Salem through evidence in the conversation<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1srabvk|title=Evidence against Salem}}</ref>. Following this reveal, Salem's sponsor MVG announced that they would provide him with professional help and give Salem some time for self-reassessment before allowing Salem to rejoin the team.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/MVGLeague/status/1282044107796418560|title=MVG's statement}}</ref>. Six months later, MVG reevaluated Salem and decided to keep him on the roster after stating he had shown commitment to his self-reassessment.<ref>{{citeweb|url=https://twitter.com/MVGLeague/status/1341198364252237824|title=MVG's reevaluation}}</ref>
Following Nairo's video, on February 28th, 2021, Salem would release a TwitLonger explaining his side of the CaptainZack story, including Zack's relationship with Nairo, {{Sm|MattyG}}, and Ally. On Zack, Salem stated that Zack was interested in Nairo, which he didn't think much of because he believed Nairo was also underage. He also stated that Zack ended up lying about the relationship which led Salem to believe Zack made the whole story up. On MattyG, Salem stated that Zack and MattyG also had a relationship and detailed an argument between the two. On Ally, Salem stated that he didn't know much about the relationship other than a few comments made by Zack, and therefore assumed nothing would come out of it. He concluded his TwitLonger by stating that he believed Nairo and even Ally should be unbanned while Zack should be permanently banned.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1srjr9k|title=Salem's first TwitLonger}}</ref> The TwitLonger was criticized for being riddled with grammar mistakes and filled with anecdotes that were not related to the situation, as well as Salem promoting his coaching at the end. A few lines, specifically one that mentions Zero Suit Samus, were also mocked.
Due to the negative reception and following bans from tournaments hosted by {{Sm|Cagt}}, {{Sm|Grayola}}, and {{Sm|L4st}},<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/Cagt3000/status/1373380739912335366|title=Salem's Wi-Fi Ban}}</ref> Salem would post another TwitLonger on March 20th, 2021. He reiterated that he did not know Nairo's true age, noted how Samsora wanted him to take down a thread on the situation back in July and expanded more on Zack's relationship with MattyG, which he stated was bad for both sides.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/SalemBane_/status/1373460657979396098|title=Salem on Zack and MattyG's relationship}}</ref> He ended off stating that MattyG threatened to post a video of Salem giving CaptainZack alcohol if his name was dropped.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1srkk1c|title=Salem's second TwitLonger}}</ref>
Salem's statement on Nairo's age was widely criticized as well; many people refused to believe that Salem, who had known Nairo since ''Brawl'', would not know how old Nairo was in 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/WeezyCW/status/1373459547592011779|title=Criticism on not knowing Nairo's age}}</ref> Following his second TwitLonger, Salem would be permanently banned from the [[Wi-Fi Warrior Rank]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/WiFiWarriorRank/status/1374448244814610442|title=Salem's WWR Ban}}</ref>


==Trivia==
==Trivia==
*Salem had never won any tournaments, locals included, prior to his [[Apex 2013]] victory; a similar scenario occurred at [[Apex 2012]], being the first tournament {{Sm|Otori}} ever won.
*Salem had never won any tournaments, locals included, prior to his [[Apex 2013]] victory; a similar scenario occurred at [[Apex 2012]], being the first tournament {{Sm|Otori}} ever won.
*For his victory in EVO 2017, the official twitter of PlatinumGames, the creator of the Bayonetta games, [https://twitter.com/platinumgames/status/887116134956244993 sent him congratulations] for winning with Bayonetta.
*For his victory in EVO 2017, the official twitter of PlatinumGames, the creator of the Bayonetta games, [https://twitter.com/platinumgames/status/887116134956244993 sent him congratulations] for winning with Bayonetta.
*Salem was recognized by Forbes in their "30 Under 30 - Games" 2018 list, with his EVO 2017 performance being featured.<ref>{{citeweb|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/saleem-young/|title=Forbes recognizes Salem in their "30 Under 30 - Games" 2018 list}}</ref>
*Salem was recognized by Forbes in their "30 Under 30 - Games" 2018 list, with his EVO 2017 performance being featured.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/profile/saleem-young/|title=Forbes recognizes Salem in their "30 Under 30 - Games" 2018 list}}</ref>
**{{Sm|Hungrybox}} was similarly recognized for their "30 Under 30 - Games" 2017 list.
**{{Sm|Hungrybox}} was similarly recognized for their "30 Under 30 - Games" 2017 list.
*Salem is controversially known to heavily dislike the ''Melee'' community, which has led to feuds between him and ''Melee'' players such as {{Sm|Leffen}}. Salem's statements "Melee is not part of the Smash community" and "years of research" have also become memes in the Smash community.
**Both Leffen and Salem were seeded to meet in bracket at multiple tournaments, but upsets or DQs often prevented them from meeting. They finally met in bracket at {{Trn|Super Smash Con 2019}}, where Leffen beat Salem 2-1 in front of a large crowd.
**There was also controversy with him and retired ''Melee'' player, {{Sm|Armada}}, in which Salem did not shake his hand after he won 3-0 in their ''Ultimate'' bracket at {{Trn|Mainstage}}, a decision which many smashers viewed as unsportsmanlike.


==External links==  
==External links==  
*[https://twitter.com/9lives_Salem Twitter account]
*[https://twitter.com/SalemBane_ Twitter account]
*[https://www.twitch.tv/salem_aran Twitch channel]
*[https://www.twitch.tv/salem_aran Twitch channel]
*[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCG5prQlRVRe42C5BP87SDuQ YouTube channel]
*[http://smashboards.com/members/salem.121621/ Smashboards public profile]
*[http://smashboards.com/members/salem.121621/ Smashboards public profile]
*[https://ssbworld.com/players/96/salem SSBWorld profile]
*[https://ssbworld.com/players/96/salem SSBWorld profile]
Line 492: Line 624:
{{reflist}}
{{reflist}}


[[Category:Retired players]]
[[Category:New Jersey smashers]]
[[Category:Florida smashers]]
[[Category:Florida smashers]]
[[Category:Zero Suit Samus professionals (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Zero Suit Samus players (SSBB)]]
[[Category:Zelda professionals (PM)]]
[[Category:Zelda players (PM)]]
[[Category:Bayonetta professionals (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Bayonetta players (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Sheik professionals (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Sheik players (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Zero Suit Samus professionals (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Zero Suit Samus players (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Samus professionals (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Steve players (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Lucina professionals (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Hero players (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Greninja professionals (SSB4)]]
[[Category:Snake players (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Snake professionals (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Shulk players (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Hero professionals (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Lucina players (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Shulk professionals (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Link players (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Bayonetta professionals (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Lucina professionals (SSBU)]]
[[Category:Link professionals (SSBU)]]
[[Category:VIP players]]
[[Category:VIP players]]
[[Category:2014 SSBBRank ranked players]]
[[Category:2016-2017 SSBBRank ranked players]]
[[Category:PGR v2 ranked players]]
[[Category:PGR v3 ranked players]]
[[Category:PGR v4 ranked players]]
[[Category:PGR v5 ranked players]]
[[Category:PGR 100 ranked players]]
[[Category:Spring 2019 PGRU ranked players]]
[[Category:Fall 2019 PGRU ranked players]]
[[Category:Netplay smashers]]

Latest revision as of 19:42, December 19, 2024

Salem
Salem2018SSBU.jpg
Character info
Smash 64 main Kirby
Melee main Peach
Brawl main Zero Suit Samus
Smash 4 main Bayonetta
Retired Smash 4 characters Sheik, Zero Suit Samus
Ultimate mains Hero, Snake
Other Ultimate characters Steve, Shulk
Retired Ultimate characters Link, Lucina
Project M main Zelda
Other Project M character Ganondorf
Team info
Sponsor(s) Most Valuable Gaming
Former sponsor(s) CLASH Tournaments, Team Liquid
Rankings and results info
Most recent ranking Super Smash Bros. 4 Panda Global Rankings 100: 6th
Best tournament result Super Smash Bros. Brawl 1st / 338 at Apex 2013
Super Smash Bros. 4 1st / 1,508 at EVO 2017
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate 5th / 802 at Pound 2019
Winnings Super Smash Bros. Brawl ~$4,293.90
Super Smash Bros. 4 ~$49,811.68
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate ~$14,001.50
Personal and other info
Real name Saleem Akiel Young
Birth date (age 30)
Location Orlando, Florida United States

Salem is a former Smasher from Atlantic City, New Jersey, who is currently residing in Orlando, Florida. He is best known for his performances in Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. for Wii U, and was a notable player during Super Smash Bros. Ultimate's early years, up until his ban in 2021.

In Brawl, Salem was widely considered the best Zero Suit Samus player of all-time. He broke out onto the scene with his surprising victory at Apex 2013, marking the first and only Zero Suit Samus major/supermajor victory in the game. Since then, he has remained Zero Suit Samus' primary representative in North America.

Salem is perhaps better known for his Smash 4 career, where he was not only considered the greatest Bayonetta player of all-time, but also one of the greatest Smash 4 players of all-time, ranking 6th on the Panda Global Rankings 100. In particular, Salem's performances in the second half of 2017 marked the closest someone came to dethroning ZeRo. He was the first player to double eliminate at-the-time best player ZeRo in a set outside of Grand Finals, doing so at Collision XIV, and was also one of two players to double-eliminate ZeRo in more than one tournament, achieving this again in grand finals of EVO 2017 and Midwest Mayhem 10. In addition, his static partner in doubles was Ryuga, and they were considered to be one of the best doubles teams in the world, having placed 2nd at both Frostbite 2017 and DreamHack Atlanta 2017, 3rd at UGC Smash Open, and 4th at Super Smash Con 2017.

Salem was also active during Ultimate's early metagame and the first year of the online metagame. He initially began playing Link but quickly dropped the character for Snake, becoming one of the best Snake players in the world during this time. He also began picking up other characters, including Shulk and Hero, and became the best Hero player in the world during this time. He eventually dropped all the characters for Steve in the online metagame, and became the best online Steve player in the final half of 2021. In addition to singles, Salem regularly teamed with Dark Wizzy in doubles, and they were considered one of the best doubles teams in the early metagame, notably winning Smash Conference United and GENESIS 6.

Due to his involvements with CaptainZack's controversies, he was banned from the Wi-Fi Warrior Rank in early-2021, and since then he has not been active in competitive play.

Playstyle[edit]

Similar to Dabuz and Hungrybox, Salem is notorious for his defensive playstyle in both Smash 4 and Ultimate, while in Brawl he is known for having an aggressive item-based playstyle.

In Brawl, Salem had a playstyle focused on racking up damage quickly with items that came from Zero Suit Samus's power suit and to combo setups from Paralyzer and her down smash and to kill with her side special, Plasma Whip.

In Smash 4, Salem played Bayonetta and had a playstyle focused upon waiting patiently for the opponent to make a mistake, and to add on damage with Bullet Arts and Bullet Climax. However, if the opponent made a mistake and Salem could find an opening, he could take a stock within seconds due to Bayonetta's powerful combo game. It was akin to trying to defuse a time bomb, for if the opponent attempted to pressure Salem, he could take their stock, and if the opponent attempted to play defensively and out wait Salem, he would simply tack on damage until the opponent was forced to approach.

In SSBU, Salem's playstyle is dependent upon the placement of items as he played Link and Snake, with major focus upon Link's Remote Bomb and Snake's grenades and C4. With Link, Salem prioritizes stage control and traps, corralling the opponent into a situation where Salem has advantage and can press for control. With Snake, Salem is the most defensive of the current three top Snakes, being MVD and Ally, and will wait constantly for a combo opportunity utilizing the grenades or to constantly hit and run until Salem can KO utilizing Snake's down throw into a read or into an up tilt.

However, when put into a disadvantageous situation, Salem tends to rush his options and acts brashly, resulting in unoptimal decisions, which lead to him losing the lead. Salem works best when ahead, even slightly, and will push his advantage until his opponent mentally breaks and collapses, allowing Salem to take over.

Tournament history[edit]

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Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

Before playing in the offline scene, he gained fame on the All is Brawl ladder as an incredible Wi-Fi player, dominating the ladder with Zero Suit Samus. He made his offline debut at Concentrate II, placing 5th, where he defeated Nicole, Jbandrew, Will, and Kingtoon. He later attended Apex 2012; while only placing 33rd, he defeated Nick Riddle in bracket, then considered to be the best Zero Suit Samus player in the USA.

Throughout 2012, Salem continued to enter tournaments and place well in stacked tournaments within the NY/NJ region, but it wasn't until a dominating performance at Apex 2013 that he had a standout performance at a major, where he unexpectedly took the tournament. On his path to victory, he defeated top players such as mikeHAZE, Mr. R, Otori, the Apex 2012 champion, Dojo, Mikeneko, and Mew2King in both Winners' and Grand Finals, the latter of which is considered to be one of the most intense sets witnessed in Brawl tournament play. In Grand Finals, the set went to a last game, last hit situation, before Salem won following an extensive war of attrition. His win stunned the community; not only had he won one of the most prestigious Brawl tournaments at the time with a character not considered top tier, but he had also never won a tournament prior to then.

At Apex 2014, Salem advanced through his pool, defeating Mekos. He then defeated V115, before losing to ESAM in Winners'. He proceeded to defeat Pwii and Koolaid, before losing to ADHD in a close set, placing 9th overall, outplacing Nick Riddle once again.

Project M[edit]

Salem dabbled with Project M, maining Zelda. At Apex 2014 he advanced to bracket, but lost to Eli right away. He then beat Vectorman before falling to Atomsk placing 33rd. At SKTAR 3 he made a long Losers run beating Ringworm, NinjaLink, Wes, Internet Explorer, MVD, Porkchops, and Larry Lurr, before losing to ZeRo to place 13th.

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U[edit]

At the onset of SSB4's release, Salem initially co-mained Sheik and Zero Suit Samus. His first major tournament was Apex 2015, but he drastically underperformed, failing to advance from Pools following being DQed in Winners and losing to falln in Losers Finals of his Pool. Reversing that poor performance later, he placed 9th place at KTAR XII. At EVO 2015 he made it to Top 32 Losers before losing to Tyrant, placing 25th. He'd place decently at smaller tournaments, placing 7th at SKTAR 4, 2nd at KTAR XVII, 9th at Shots Fired 2, and 5th at Do or DI and KTAR XVIII. Upon Bayonetta's release in February 2016, Salem switched to maining her.

Salem would finally have his breakout performance in SSB4 when he won Collision XIV, double-eliminating ZeRo in close sets in Winners Quarters and Losers Semis, Nairo in Losers Finals, and defeating Tweek in Grand Finals. He then attended Smashadelphia II, where he defeated Sinji, Mr.E, and 6WX convincingly to take the tournament. He then traveled to compete at Smash Conference LXVII, dominantly defeating dyr, Fatality, and Mew2King. In Grand Finals Mew2King would reset the bracket, but Salem won the following set.

Before The Big House 6, Salem entered Little Big House 2, where he defeated Darkshad and Shogun to advance into bracket. In bracket, he defeated Kameme, 6WX, Dath, and Abadango in Grand Finals to win the tournament, thought to be a precursor for his performance at The Big House 6. At The Big House 6, he defeated MJG and Rich Brown to advance into Top 32. In Top 32 he fell to Dabuz in Winners. In Losers he defeated Kameme in the run-back before falling to Nairo, placing at a slightly underwhelming 9th.

At Smash Conference LXVIII, Salem fell to Saj in Bayonetta dittos. He then made an extensive Losers run defeating Child, Rideae, LordMix, 8BitMan, Saj in a close rematch, and reset the bracket against Manny to win the tournament. Salem later returned to Michigan where he won Smashfield Weeklies 61, defeating Ryuga before falling to Ally in Winners Finals, defeating Ryuga again in Losers Finals, and defeating Ally in both sets of Grand Finals. Two days later, he attended Rebirth IX, where he defeated smasher1001 and LOE1, before falling to Zinoto in Winners Finals. He then defeated Rayquaza07 in Losers Finals, reset the bracket against Zinoto, but ultimately lost in a close second set, placing 2nd.

Salem would next enter Olympus, where he defeated 6WX to make Top 8. There, Salem defeated Larry Lurr, but then fell to Tweek in Winners Finals. In Losers Finals, Salem defeated Larry Lurr again, then dominantly took both sets of Grand Finals to take 1st. At KTAR XIX, he defeated Gomamugitya to make Top 48. In Top 48, he defeated False before losing to Tweek. In Losers, he defeated Zinoto, WaDi, Samsora, Nairo, and MKLeo before falling to ZeRo in a run-back in Grand Finals. At UGC Smash Open, Salem lost to ESAM, and entered Top 48 Losers. He then defeated Nero and Vinnie, before succumbing to Kameme, finishing at a disappointing 17th. To end the year, Salem entered 2GGT: ZeRo Saga, where he defeated Samsora to advance to Top 48. He was then defeated by Abadango and eliminated by Dabuz, falling at another 17th place.

Beginning 2017, Salem took Smash Conference LXIX, double eliminating Samsora in Winners Finals and Grand Finals. At GENESIS 4, Salem cruised through Winners, defeating 9B, before being upset by Elegant. In Losers, he defeated You3 before being eliminated by ZeRo, placing 25th.

At Frostbite 2017, Salem defeated Chrim Foish 2-0 and Rayquaza07 2-0 to make it out of pools. In bracket he defeated Komorikiri 3-2 and Shuton 3-1 before being upset by Tsu- 1-3 in winners semis. In the losers bracket he was eliminated by Dabuz 0-3 and finished in 5th place.

At Frame Perfect Series 2, Salem defeated SuperGirlKels 2-0 to make it out of pools winners side. In bracket he was defeated by Ranai 0-3 and sent to losers. In losers he defeated Kome 3-0, Earth 3-1 and ESAM 3-2 before losing to Dabuz 1-3 and finishing in 7th place. One week later at 2GGC: Civil War Salem was upset by Shuton 0-3 in winners Top 96 and sent to losers. In losers he defeated Vinnie 3-0 before losing to Zinoto 0-3 and finishing at a disappointing 25th place.

At KTAR XX, Salem was defeated by Tweek 2-3 in winners quarters and dropped into losers. He then defeated Light 3-1, 6WX 3-0, and Nairo 3-1 in losers before once again falling to Tweek 2-3 and finishing in 4th place.

At CEO Dreamland, Salem defeated Sharpyzard and Wormynugget 2-0 to make it out of pools. In bracket he lost to Marss and ANTi 2-3 finishing in 17th place.

At 2GGC: Nairo Saga, Salem lost in an upset to JK in winners' semis of his pool. Following this, he went on one of the most extended losers runs in Smash 4 history. After beating TLTC 2-0 and Horse 3-1 to make it out of his pool on losers' side, he defeated quiK 3-1, Twi 3-0, Mr. R 3-1, Tweek 3-2, and KEN 3-0 to make it into Top 8 losers' side. Once there, he defeated Elegant 3-1, Ally 3-1 in losers' quarters, Nairo 3-0 in losers' semis, and MKLeo 3-2 in losers' final, before falling to ZeRo in Grand Finals 2-3. In the process of the run, Salem defeated three of the top four seeds of the tournament, and at 2nd place, achieved the highest ever placement of a Bayonetta main at a supernational tournament until EVO 2017 a month later.

At CEO 2017 , Salem lost 0-3 to Nairo in winners quarters, but defeated MVD 3-2 in losers to make top 8 and secure a match with MKLeo in losers top 8. Despite being up 2-1 against his opponent's main Cloud, MKLeo counterpicked Corrin against him, and won the next two games using her to defeat Salem 2-3 and eliminate him at 7th place.

The rise[edit]

At EVO 2017, Salem lost to Larry Lurr in winners semis. Following this, he defeated KEN 2-0 in losers quarters, Tweek 2-1 in losers semis, and Larry Lurr 3-1 in losers finals to enter grand finals. Once there, he defeated ZeRo in two sets of grand finals (3-2 each) to win the largest tournament of the year, becoming the first Bayonetta to win a premier tournament. As a result, he was considered the best Bayonetta player in the world in 2017, after briefly losing the title to CaptainZack during the beginning of the year.

At DreamHack Atlanta 2017, Salem won in his pool to make top 64 winners. He then defeated ANTi and Nairo both 3-0 to enter top 8 winners. He lost to Tweek 1-3 in winners semis. In losers, he defeated ANTi again 3-0, Nairo again 3-1 and Tweek 3-1 in a runback. In grand finals, he faced VoiD where he defeated him 3-2 and 3-1 to win his second S-tier tournament (according to the Panda Global Rankings) in a row.

Losing the title to Tweek[edit]

In 2018, Salem got 3rd at GENESIS 5 after losing to MkLeo's Marth 0-3 and Mistake 0-3 in the Bayonetta ditto. At Frostbite 2018, he was sent into top 24 losers after being defeated by Fatality 3-2, Salem then defeated Captain Zack 3-2, Shoyo James 3-2, and Tyroy 3-0 putting him in the losers side of top 8. Salem then defeated komorikiri 3-0 and defeated Fatality 3-1 after he sent Salem into losers. Salem's losers run finally ended when he was defeated by Tweek 1-3 in the Bayonetta ditto allowing him to place 4th.

Salem would later go on to Smash Masters League: Battle for Vegas where he ended up losing to Nairo and Fatality 2-3 earning him 9th place once again being outplaced by Tweek and Mistake.

Salem later attended MomoCon 2018. There he defeated Wrath 3-0 and Mistake 3-2 in the Bayonetta ditto to advance into top 8 where he defeated Nairo 3-0 before losing to Tweek 0-3 in the Bayonetta ditto. After defeating komorikiri 3-2 in a very close set, he had another close set with Tweek but lost 3-2 ending his run at 2nd.

In early June, he attended Smash 'N' Splash 4. He did not drop a single game in his pools which allowed him to qualify for top 64 winners where he defeated Gackt and Shoyo James in a dominant 3-0 fashion before having a close set with tyroy where he won 3-2 allowing him to move on to top 8 on the winners side. For the first time in a year, Salem managed to beat MkLeo's Marth 3-0 dominantly. In Winners Finals, he barely lost to VoiD 2-3. Later on, he beat MkLeo once again in losers finals 3-1 before losing to VoiD again in Grand Finals 1-3 ending his fantastic run at 2nd place.

Salem's final two tournaments for season 5 of the PGR were at 2GG: Hyrule Saga and CEO 2018. At Hyrule Saga, he defeated Darkshad 3-1 and Shuton 3-0 before losing to Tweek 0-3 and losing to MKLeo 1-3 after Leo was sent into losers early by zaki. This ended his run at 9th place. He had a simular run at CEO 2018 where he defeated MVD 3-0 and Larry Lurr 3-1 before losing to Dabuz and CaptainZack 0-3.

As a result of these placements, he ended up getting 5th on the PGR V5 while losing the title of the best Bayonetta to Tweek who got ranked 2nd.

The remainder of Smash 4[edit]

Salem's next tournament would be EVO 2018 where he was sent into losers early by Mr E's Lucina. He defeated Lea and Abadango 2-1, but he was eliminated by Ally ending his run at a disappointing 17th place (His lowest placement since CEO Dreamland).

Salem then went to Super Smash Con 2018, he solidly cruised through pools and defeated SDX in top 32 winners before falling to Nairo 1-3, he then beat MagiMagi in a dominant 3-0 fashion before falling to Mistake ending his run at 7th place.

He then went on to win Shine 2018 where he defeated ANTi 3-2, Dark Wizzy 3-1, Tweek 3-2, and then double eliminated Mistake in winners and grand finals to take the tournament resulting in Salem's first tournament win of 2018.

At The Big House 8, Salem was sent into losers by ESAM in winners quarters, although he was able to defeat 8BitMan to get into top 8, he then lost to yeti's Toon Link 0-3 at 7th place.

Salem's last Smash 4 tournament was at DreamHack Atlanta 2018, where he cruised through pools until he narrowly lost to VoiD in a last hit game 5 situation. Although he beat Karna 3-0. He narrowly lost to Wrath which ended up being his first loss ever versus a Sonic since picking up Bayo, ending his run at 7th place.

Ranking[edit]

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

SSBBRank[edit]

Ranking Time period Rank Character(s) Notes
SSBBRank 2014 January 11th, 2013 - June 1st, 2014 18th Zero Suit Samus (SSBB)
SSBBRank 2016-2017 May 20th, 2016 - November 26th, 2017 3rd Zero Suit Samus (SSBB)

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U[edit]

Panda Global Rankings[edit]

Ranking Time period Rank Character(s) Notes
PGR v2 May 13th - December 18th, 2016 13th Bayonetta (SSB4)
PGR v3 January 7th - June 18th, 2017 11th Bayonetta (SSB4)Samus (SSB4)
PGR v4 June 24th - December 3rd, 2017 2nd Bayonetta (SSB4)
PGR v5 December 23rd, 2017 - July 1st, 2018 5th Bayonetta (SSB4)
PGR 100 January 20th, 2015 - November 18th, 2018 6th Bayonetta (SSB4)

OrionRank[edit]

Ranking Time period Rank Character(s) Notes
OrionRank 2016 March 15th - December 18th, 2016 8th Bayonetta (SSB4)
OrionRank 2017 December 24th, 2016 - December 24th, 2017 3rd Bayonetta (SSB4)Greninja (SSB4)
OrionRank Mid-Spring 2018 January 1st - May 1st, 2018 9th Bayonetta (SSB4)
OrionRank 2018 January 1st - December 2nd, 2018 7th Bayonetta (SSB4)

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]

Panda Global Rankings Ultimate[edit]

Ranking Time period Rank Character(s) Notes
Spring 2019 PGRU February 1st - July 7th, 2019 22nd Snake (SSBU)Shulk (SSBU)Lucina (SSBU)
Fall 2019 PGRU July 13th - December 15th, 2019 30th Hero (SSBU)Snake (SSBU)

OrionRank Ultimate[edit]

Ranking Time period Rank Character(s) Notes
OrionRank Ultimate: Six Months In January 5th - June 30th, 2019 16th Snake (SSBU)Lucina (SSBU)Shulk (SSBU)
OrionRank 2019 January 5th - December 15th, 2019 17th Snake (SSBU)Hero (SSBU)

Wi-Fi Warrior Rank[edit]

Ranking Time period Rank Character(s) Notes
Wi-Fi Warrior Rank v6Online July 5th - December 27th, 2020 10th Steve (SSBU)Hero (SSBU)Snake (SSBU)

OrionRank North America[edit]

Ranking Time period Rank Character(s) Notes
OrionRank North America Top 200 January 2019 - March 2020 10th Hero (SSBU)Snake (SSBU)

Tournament placings[edit]

Super Smash Bros. Melee[edit]

Tournament Date 1v1 placement 2v2 placement Partner
Collision V September 1st, 2012 13th — —
Thanks for Playing 4 December 21st, 2013 9th — —
Coffee Boys 10 January 15th-16th, 2017 25th — —
Smash 'N' Chill Weekly #7 February 28th, 2017 1st — —
EagleLAN 2017 April 29th, 2017 2nd 2nd Waldo
Coffee Boys 14 May 14th, 2017 1st — —
Congrats Again: Another North Florida Regional June 3rd, 2017 13th — —

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

Tournament Date 1v1 placement 2v2 placement Partner
Concentrate II October 30th, 2011 5th 2nd ANTi
Apex 2012 January 6th-8th, 2012 33rd 65th Meekspeedy
Winter Shore Smashing January 14th, 2012 2nd — —
Clash of the Titans 6 June 2nd, 2012 5th 5th Bizkit
SKTAR July 14th-15th, 2012 17th — —
Impact IV August 25th, 2012 5th 2nd Chibo
Collision V September 1st, 2012 5th 3rd Chibo
Phoenix Saga 5 December 1st, 2012 7th 5th Meekspeedy
Uprise 11 December 29th, 2012 9th 7th Blazer
Apex 2013 January 11th-13th, 2013 1st — —
Winter Brawl 7 February 23rd-24th, 2013 2nd — —
Rescue 2 March 2nd, 2013 3rd 2nd Vex Kasrani
Rescue 3 July 27th, 2013 7th 9th Xzax
SKTAR 2 August 3rd-4th, 2013 33rd 7th Vex Kasrani
Smashacre Gluttony August 10th, 2013 3rd 3rd Xzax
Thanks for Playing 4 December 21st, 2013 2nd — —
KTAR 8 December 28th, 2013 17th 3rd ZeRo
Collision 8 January 11th, 2014 3rd 2nd Vex Kasrani
Apex 2014 January 17th-19th, 2014 9th 9th Vex Kasrani
SKTAR 3 May 31st-June 1st, 2014 17th — —
Apex 2015 January 30th-February 1st, 2015 4th 2nd Mew2King
Revival of Brawl November 26th, 2016 1st 2nd Vincessant
CEO Dreamland April 14th-16th, 2017 3rd 1st Mew2King
Super Smash Con 2017 August 10th-13th, 2017 3rd — —
Super Smash Con 2019 August 8th-11th, 2019 — 2nd Chia

Project M[edit]

Tournament Date 1v1 placement 2v2 placement Partner
Winter Brawl 7 February 23rd-24th, 2013 2nd — —
Thanks for Playing 4 December 21st, 2013 3rd 1st ZeRo
KTAR 8 December 28th, 2013 5th — —
Collision 8 January 11th, 2014 1st — —
Apex 2014 January 17th-19th, 2014 33rd — —
SKTAR 3 May 31st-June 1st, 2014 13th 13th Xzax
Project Clash 14 October 27th, 2016 17th — —

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U[edit]

Tournament Date 1v1 placement 2v2 placement Partner
Sky's Smash 4 Invitational November 20th-22nd, 2014 9th 5th K9
Collision X November 29th, 2014 5th 5th Chibo
Collision XI January 3rd, 2015 9th 7th Chibo
Apex 2015 January 30th-February 1st, 2015 129th — —
Tri-Smash #3 March 7th, 2015 1st — —
KTAR XII March 21st, 2015 9th 9th Chibo
Smash Forward 03 April 18th, 2015 2nd 1st Chibo
KTAR XIII July 12th, 2015 17th 17th Waldo
EVO 2015 July 17th-19th, 2015 25th 33rd Chibo
The MollyWhop #17 August 12th, 2015 1st — —
SKTAR 4 August 22nd-23rd, 2015 7th — —
Smash & Clash 02 February 12th, 2016 1st 1st Chibo
KTAR XVII February 13th, 2016 2nd 3rd Chibo
Smash & Clash 03 February 19th, 2016 1st 5th Sparky
Brotherly Love X February 20th, 2016 1st 1st Vex Kasrani
Shots Fired 2 March 5th-6th, 2016 9th 17th Chibo
Do or DI March 11th-13th, 2016 5th — —
Brotherly Love XIV June 4th, 2016 1st 2nd Chibo
KTAR XVIII June 11th, 2016 5th — —
EVO 2016 July 15th-17th, 2016 33rd — —
Collision XIV September 3rd, 2016 1st 13th Chibo
Smashadelphia II September 11th, 2016 1st — —
Smash Conference LXVII September 23rd, 2016 1st 1st Mew2King
Little Big House 2 October 6th, 2016 1st — —
The Big House 6 October 7th-9th, 2016 9th — —
Smash Conference LXVIII October 14th, 2016 1st 1st Mew2King
Smashfield Weeklies #61 October 20th, 2016 1st — —
Rebirth IX October 22nd, 2016 2nd 3rd GenericallyNamed
Olympus October 28th-30th, 2016 1st 4th Fatality
KTAR XIX November 19th, 2016 2nd 17th Chibo
UGC Smash Open December 2nd-4th, 2016 17th 3rd Ryuga
2GGT: ZeRo Saga December 16th-18th, 2016 17th 3rd 6WX
Smash Conference LXIX January 7th, 2017 1st 1st 8BitMan
Coffee Boys 10 January 15th, 2017 1st 1st WoundedDragon
GENESIS 4 January 20th-22nd, 2017 25th 3rd ANTi
Coffee Boys 11 February 19th, 2017 1st 1st WoundedDragon
Frostbite 2017 February 25th-26th, 2017 5th 2nd Ryuga
Smash N Chill Weekly #7 February 28th, 2017 4th — —
Frame Perfect Series 2 March 18th-19th, 2017 7th 25th WoundedDragon
2GGC: Civil War March 24th-26th, 2017 25th 5th Mew2King
KTAR XX April 1st-2nd, 2017 4th 5th Salem's Friend
CEO Dreamland April 14th-16th, 2017 17th 7th Mew2King
EagleLAN 2017 April 29th, 2017 1st 1st Waldo
MomoCon 2017 May 25th-28th, 2017 7th 9th Larry Lurr
Coffee Boys 15 June 4th, 2017 1st 3rd WoundedDragon
2GGC: Nairo Saga June 10th-11th, 2017 2nd 9th Ally
Mega Smash Mondays 100 June 12th, 2017 9th — —
CEO 2017 June 16th-18th, 2017 7th — —
Subs Not Scrubs: HackoruOnline June 21st, 2017 9th — —
Naifu Wars: World War 2Online June 23rd, 2017 1st — —
UNLOCKED July 1st, 2017 1st 1st Mew2King
Coffee Boys 16 July 9th, 2017 1st 1st WoundedDragon
EVO 2017 July 14th-16th, 2017 1st — —
Subs Not ScrubsOnline July 19th, 2017 1st — —
DreamHack Atlanta 2017 July 21st-23rd, 2017 1st 2nd Ryuga
Super Smash Con 2017 August 10th-13th, 2017 7th 4th Ryuga
2GGC: SCR Saga August 19th-20th, 2017 7th 2nd Mistake
Shine 2017 August 25th-27th, 2017 4th 9th JK
PAX Arena at PAX West 2017 September 1st-4th, 2017 3rd — —
GameTyrant Expo 2017 September 29th-October 1st, 2017 9th — —
Little Big House 3 October 5th, 2017 7th — —
The Big House 7 October 6th-8th, 2017 5th 7th Ryuga
2GGC: Fire Emblem Saga October 14th-15th, 2017 1st 3rd Ryuga
DreamHack Denver 2017 October 20th-22nd, 2017 2nd — —
Too Hot to Handle October 28th-29th, 2017 5th 17th WoundedDragon
2GGC: MkLeo Saga November 4th, 2017 9th 9th Komorikiri
Tipped Off 12 November 11th-12th, 2017 1st 1st Mew2King
Midwest Mayhem 10 November 25th, 2017 1st 1st Tweek
2GG Championship December 1st-3rd, 2017 3rd — —
Smash 4 Boot Camp December 7th-10th, 2017 1st 5th MVD
PAX Arena at PAX South 2018 January 12th-14th, 2018 9th — —
GENESIS 5 January 19th-21st, 2018 3rd — —
Frostbite 2018 February 9th-11th, 2018 4th — —
Overlords of Orlando March 18th, 2018 1st — —
Smash Masters League: Battle for Vegas March 24th-25th, 2018 9th — —
Collision XV March 31st, 2018 7th — —
Immortal Tech April 28th, 2018 3rd 2nd Pugwest
Unrivaled X: Gon' Give It To Ya May 12th, 2018 1st 1st ScAtt
MomoCon 2018 May 24th-27th, 2018 2nd 7th Mistake
Smash 'N' Splash 4 June 1st-3rd, 2018 2nd 5th CaptainZack
2GG: Hyrule Saga June 23rd-24th, 2018 9th 33rd Zethsway
CEO 2018 June 29th-July 1st, 2018 9th — —
EVO 2018 August 3rd-5th, 2018 17th — —
Super Smash Con 2018 August 9th-12th, 2018 7th — —
Shine 2018 August 24th-26th, 2018 1st 4th MuteAce
Curtain Call 2: Encore September 1st, 2018 1st 1st Dark Wizzy
The Big House 8 October 5th-7th, 2018 7th 4th Dark Wizzy
Super Smash Fight Club 5 November 10th, 2018 3rd 3rd Dark Wizzy
DreamHack Atlanta 2018 November 16th-18th, 2018 7th 1st Dark Wizzy

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate[edit]

Tournament Date 1v1 placement 2v2 placement Partner
Smash Conference United January 5th-6th, 2019 3rd 1st Dark Wizzy
Glitch 6 January 19th-20th, 2019 7th 5th Dark Wizzy
GENESIS 6 February 1st-3rd, 2019 13th 1st Dark Wizzy
Frostbite 2019 February 22nd-24th, 2019 65th 9th Dark Wizzy
Ultimate Nimbus March 3rd, 2019 3rd — —
Ultimate Gamer Miami March 9th-10th, 2019 1st — —
Fandom Legends: Smash Ultimate April 9th, 2019 5th — —
2GG: Prime Saga April 13th-14th, 2019 65th — —
Pound 2019 April 19th-21st, 2019 5th 7th Dark Wizzy
Goodwill of Orange County's Charity Invitational April 27th-28th, 2019 7th — —
Thunder Smash May 5th, 2019 3rd — —
GoTE 4TheKids 2019 May 18th-19th, 2019 5th — —
MomoCon 2019 May 23rd-26th, 2019 7th 5th Dark Wizzy
Smash 'N' Splash 5 May 31st-June 2nd, 2019 17th — —
CEO 2019 June 28th-30th, 2019 13th — —
Aurora Blitz 2 July 13th-14th, 2019 1st 1st Dark Wizzy
Paradigm Shift 2019 July 20th-21st, 2019 1st 3rd Dark Wizzy
EVO 2019 August 2nd-4th, 2019 33rd — —
Super Smash Con 2019 August 8th-11th, 2019 49th 7th Dark Wizzy
Shine 2019 August 23rd-25th, 2019 49th 9th Mew2King
Port Priority 5 September 7th-8th, 2019 1st — —
Glitch 7 - Minus World September 14th-15th, 2019 13th — —
Mainstage September 20th-22nd, 2019 7th — —
The Big House 9 October 4th-6th, 2019 33rd — —
Thunder Smash 3: Clash of the Pandas October 12th-13th, 2019 4th — —
2GG: Nightmare on Smashville October 20th, 2019 3rd — —
Overlords of Orlando: OCTOBERLORDS October 26th, 2019 1st 1st Dark Wizzy
DreamHack Atlanta 2019 November 15th-17th, 2019 17th 3rd Dark Wizzy
Tampa Never Sleeps 8 January 18th-19th, 2020 2nd 4th ScAtt
GENESIS 7 January 24th-26th, 2020 25th — —
Frostbite 2020 February 21st-23rd, 2020 25th — —
VA Esports Online OpenOnline April 20th, 2020 33rd — —
Pound OnlineOnline April 24th-26th, 2020 17th — —
The Quarantine Series: Major Tournament 1Online May 2nd, 2020 49th — —
The BoxOnline May 8th-10th, 2020 33rd (DQ) — —
Mazer Gaming Gives BackOnline May 15th, 2020 65th — —
King of WiFi Random CharactersOnline May 30th, 2020 97th — —
Frame Perfect Series: ONLINEOnline August 22nd, 2020 3rd — —
Frame Perfect Series 2: ONLINEOnline September 18th, 2020 13th — —
Frame Perfect Series 3: ONLINEOnline November 8th, 2020 1st — —
Ultimate 32Online November 14th-15th, 2020 9th — —
M-Kolosseum 4Online November 21st, 2020 25th — —
Jingle JairsOnline December 5th, 2020 2nd — —
Flex on 'Em 2Online December 12th, 2020 2nd — —
HABBY Birthday 2020Online December 19th-20th, 2020 5th — —
Mammoth's Ding Dong DitchOnline December 27th, 2020 1st — —
Frame Perfect Series 4: ONLINEOnline January 17th, 2021 3rd — —
Smash the Router 4Online January 23rd, 2021 9th — —
The Host Up InvitationalOnline Januray 30th, 2021 1st — —
The AirlockOnline February 13th, 2021 17th (DQ) — —
Starlight’s Smash Bash!Online March 13th, 2021 7th — —
Phoenix FeudOnline March 22nd, 2024 2nd / 28 — —

Controversies[edit]

Opinions on Melee[edit]

Salem is controversially known to heavily dislike the Melee community, which has led to feuds between him and Melee players, particularly Leffen. A notable incident occurred December 23rd, 2018, when Salem argued that "Melee isn't part of the actual Smash community" which he based off of "years of research."[1] Two days later he would post a TwitLonger where he would explain his comments but apologize for "further divid[ing] the Smash community."[2] Nevertheless, his comments were ridiculed and have since become memes in the community.

Both Leffen and Salem were seeded to meet in bracket at multiple tournaments, but upsets or DQs often prevented them from meeting. They finally met in bracket at Super Smash Con 2019, where Leffen beat Salem 2-1 in front of a large crowd.

The controversy arose once again when Salem refused to shake Armada's hand at Mainstage after defeating him, a decision which many smashers viewed as unsportsmanlike.

CaptainZack situation[edit]

In early June 2020, amidst a wave of sexual harassment allegations in the community, CaptainZack came out with his testimony against Nairo. In the provided screenshots, Salem was seen encouraging CaptainZack to have sexual encounters with Nairo, and although his name was blocked out, people were able to confirm it was Salem through evidence in the conversation[3]. Following this reveal, Salem's sponsor MVG announced that they would provide him with professional help and give Salem some time for self-reassessment before allowing Salem to rejoin the team.[4]. Six months later, MVG reevaluated Salem and decided to keep him on the roster after stating he had shown commitment to his self-reassessment.[5]

Following Nairo's video, on February 28th, 2021, Salem would release a TwitLonger explaining his side of the CaptainZack story, including Zack's relationship with Nairo, MattyG, and Ally. On Zack, Salem stated that Zack was interested in Nairo, which he didn't think much of because he believed Nairo was also underage. He also stated that Zack ended up lying about the relationship which led Salem to believe Zack made the whole story up. On MattyG, Salem stated that Zack and MattyG also had a relationship and detailed an argument between the two. On Ally, Salem stated that he didn't know much about the relationship other than a few comments made by Zack, and therefore assumed nothing would come out of it. He concluded his TwitLonger by stating that he believed Nairo and even Ally should be unbanned while Zack should be permanently banned.[6] The TwitLonger was criticized for being riddled with grammar mistakes and filled with anecdotes that were not related to the situation, as well as Salem promoting his coaching at the end. A few lines, specifically one that mentions Zero Suit Samus, were also mocked.

Due to the negative reception and following bans from tournaments hosted by Cagt, Grayola, and L4st,[7] Salem would post another TwitLonger on March 20th, 2021. He reiterated that he did not know Nairo's true age, noted how Samsora wanted him to take down a thread on the situation back in July and expanded more on Zack's relationship with MattyG, which he stated was bad for both sides.[8] He ended off stating that MattyG threatened to post a video of Salem giving CaptainZack alcohol if his name was dropped.[9]

Salem's statement on Nairo's age was widely criticized as well; many people refused to believe that Salem, who had known Nairo since Brawl, would not know how old Nairo was in 2017.[10] Following his second TwitLonger, Salem would be permanently banned from the Wi-Fi Warrior Rank.[11]

Trivia[edit]

  • Salem had never won any tournaments, locals included, prior to his Apex 2013 victory; a similar scenario occurred at Apex 2012, being the first tournament Otori ever won.
  • For his victory in EVO 2017, the official twitter of PlatinumGames, the creator of the Bayonetta games, sent him congratulations for winning with Bayonetta.
  • Salem was recognized by Forbes in their "30 Under 30 - Games" 2018 list, with his EVO 2017 performance being featured.[12]
    • Hungrybox was similarly recognized for their "30 Under 30 - Games" 2017 list.

External links[edit]

Gameplay videos[edit]

Super Smash Bros. Brawl[edit]

Super Smash Bros. for Wii U[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Salem's Melee Tweets.
  2. ^ Years of Research TwitLonger.
  3. ^ Evidence against Salem.
  4. ^ MVG's statement.
  5. ^ MVG's reevaluation.
  6. ^ Salem's first TwitLonger.
  7. ^ Salem's Wi-Fi Ban.
  8. ^ Salem on Zack and MattyG's relationship.
  9. ^ Salem's second TwitLonger.
  10. ^ Criticism on not knowing Nairo's age.
  11. ^ Salem's WWR Ban.
  12. ^ Forbes recognizes Salem in their "30 Under 30 - Games" 2018 list.
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