How Yingling BROKE Records to Join Smash Summit 11
Nick Yingling has become a household name in the Super Smash Bros. Melee community, not only for his performance in tournaments but also for his incredible rise to fame at Smash Summit 11. While Yingling may not be the most decorated player, his unique journey and impact on the scene have made him an enduring figure in competitive Smash.
From Arizona's Local Scene to a National Presence
Yingling began his competitive journey within Arizona’s local Super Smash Bros. scene, where he made a name for himself by consistently competing and improving in Melee. His performances in Arizona were notable, particularly in events like Smash Camp, an event he also helped organize, showcasing his deep commitment to the community.
As a player, Yingling mainly competes with Falco and Fox, two of the most popular characters in Melee. While he may not consistently place among the top 100 players, his presence has always been felt, particularly in the Arizona scene. However, what truly set him apart on the national stage was not his gameplay, but his ability to rally the community.
The Viral Campaign That Brought Yingling to Smash Summit 11
Smash Summit, one of the most prestigious Melee tournaments, is known for inviting top players and leaving several spots for community voting. Yingling’s campaign for Smash Summit 11 became legendary. What began as a semi-serious effort turned into a full-blown social media movement, garnering over 176,000 votes, more than any other player in Summit history.
Yingling and his team, including friends like Mikey 'The Cheat' Iosue, used memes and Twitter to engage the community. Memes like "Air Yingling" helped drive his candidacy, with high-profile endorsements from top players like Hungrybox and Mang0. The community embraced the campaign, with many members changing their Twitter profiles to support the "I am Nicholas Yingling" movement.
Smash Summit 11: The Experience of a Lifetime
Once Yingling secured his spot at Smash Summit 11, his goal was simple: to learn from the best. Competing against Zain, SFAT, and moky, he knew that this was an opportunity to improve his game and experience Melee at its highest level. Yingling ultimately placed 13th at the event, a respectable showing, but for him, the real victory was in the experience itself.
Yingling described his time at Summit as a dream come true, providing the rare opportunity to play with top professionals in a more intimate setting. Unlike other major tournaments, where time and setups are limited, Summit allowed Yingling to not only play but also connect with the community's biggest names.
Yingling’s Impact on the Smash Community
Beyond his accomplishments as a player, Yingling has made lasting contributions to the Melee community through event organization. His work on Smash Camp, a popular tournament in Arizona, has drawn attention to the state's Smash scene and helped foster local talent. His commitment to both playing and organizing has solidified his status as an integral part of the community.
Though his Smash Summit campaign was a highlight of his career, Yingling continues to compete and contribute to the scene. He has expressed a desire to keep improving and possibly return to future Smash Summits, while also focusing on organizing events that give back to the community that supported him.
Conclusion: A Unique Legacy in Super Smash Bros. Melee
Nick Yingling’s story is one of perseverance, community, and passion. While he may not have the highest rankings in Melee, his grassroots campaign to enter Smash Summit 11 and his continued work in the Arizona Smash scene have left a lasting mark on the game’s history. Yingling stands as a reminder that Smash is not just about individual skill but also about the power of community and the connections forged through competition.
