Look Sports Media – Team Liquid’s Juan "Hungrybox" DeBiedma has once again etched his name into Super Smash Bros. Melee history, securing his 37th major championship and 10th CEO title at Community Effort Orlando (CEO) 2025. This victory, however, was far from ordinary. Facing off against Justin "Wizzrobe" Hallett in the Grand Finals, Hungrybox’s controller malfunctioned spectacularly, forcing him to borrow a replacement mid-match from fellow competitor Mast3rofFlavor1.
The Jigglypuff main’s struggles began early in the finals, impacting his performance throughout the tournament. The issues culminated in a Game 1 forfeit due to controller failure, leaving him down 3-0. Adding to the pressure, the cacophony from a nearby Brawlhalla tournament forced Hungrybox to don headphones to maintain focus.
Despite the adversity, Hungrybox showcased his legendary resilience, mounting a stunning comeback to reset the bracket and ultimately claim victory. The emotional rollercoaster concluded with a jubilant, yet humble, Hungrybox kneeling in celebration before gently placing his chair down – a stark contrast to previous, more explosive celebrations.
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In a post-match interview, Hungrybox graciously credited Mast3rofFlavor1 for their sportsmanship and support, stating, "I only won because Mast3rofFlavor1 is an incredible sport and allowed me to switch controllers mid-game, mid-stock, etc., and even gave me another handwarmer. I don’t deserve that kindness, but she’s so incredible for doing that."
He further reflected on his achievement on Twitter, expressing pride in his performance and extending his gratitude to the CEO organizers, while also soliciting controller recommendations. This win follows his Genesis X2 victory earlier this year, marking a significant resurgence for the veteran player. Hungrybox’s remarkable performance has also earned him a nomination for The Esports Awards 2025’s "Esports Controller Player of the Decade" award. The comeback, the broken controller, the sheer will to win—it’s a story that will be told in Melee lore for years to come.
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