FTC Esports and Sports Broadcasting Club co-host Super Smash Clash
Reporting and photography by Isabella Escobar
The Sports Broadcasting Club and the FTC Sound Esports teamed up to present the Super Smash Clash, an exciting Super Smash Bros. tournament held in the Downbeat and live-streamed on the Esports Twitch channel on December 9th. Students munched on food and drinks and fun side activities that included casual matches and the chance to play the classic predecessor of the competitive game, Super Smash Melee.
Participants looking to test their skills in the main event could join the bracket-style competition. Winners who qualified for the top two spots were awarded a $50 Best Buy card for first place and a $25 Best Buy card for second place.
Max Rappaport, a Mass Communication major and one of the event’s hosts, shared his excitement about the tournament, highlighting the energy and enthusiasm it brought to the participants and audiences. “I thought it was awesome. Some of the earlier matches were hyped because of the crowd. Everyone was really feeling it and cheering on their friends, which was awesome. We’re now almost at midnight, and we’re still going strong. It’s almost over, but I’ve been loving it.”
After the first initial matches, the top eight players of the four bracket groups would advance to the finals, where they would compete in a best out of 3 matches for the chance to win the top prizes.
Live commentator and competitor Stephen Clooney, who made it to the top 8, reflected on the high intensity and thrill of reaching the top bracket. “I’m feeling very good. My heart is racing. I have not lost a game yet, and I’m in the top eight, and I hope to win that $50 Best Buy gift card or maybe the $25 one.”
Ultimately, the final match ended with a showdown between Tyree Edwards, aka “T-Sizzle,” and Jalen Perkins, aka “Poobadooba,” with the final victory going to Perkins.
Head Coach for the Esports Sound, Evan Leider, was pleased with the event and encouraged students interested in Esports to consider joining the team. “This event went really well. We’re all very happy to see the turnout; it was amazing. The food was great, and the overall organization of the tournament itself went really well,” said Ledier.
Students can email Evan.Leider@ftc.edu for more information and check out the FTC Athletics website. There’s a PSA [perspective student athlete] form to fill out to demonstrate your interest. The FTC Esports Instagram account also has real-time updates on gameplay and broadcasts.
