Melee legend Mang0 quits Smash event after backlash despite being 300 days sober

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Super Smash Bros Melee God Mang0 dropped out of an Ultimate event after backlash over his invite.

In June 2025, Joseph ‘Mang0’ Marquez was let go from C9 and received a one-year ban from Super Smash Bros. Melee tournaments. This followed inappropriate and harassing behavior while intoxicated at Ludwig’s Beerio Kart event, where he targeted several streamers, including ExtraEmily.

Ludwig faced criticism for seemingly encouraging Mang0’s drinking by jokingly using a breathalyzer on the Smash player. However, Mang0 accepted full responsibility for his actions and committed to becoming sober.

While getting sober, Mang0 shared that he won’t return to competitive Melee unless he has a sponsor to cover his expenses. However, he remains open to playing other Smash games, such as Ultimate.

The online Smash Ultimate tournament, Get Back 2, announced on April 9th that Mang0 would be participating with top players like Sparg0 and MkLeo. However, the announcement received negative reactions, leading Mang0 to issue a statement.

Mang0 drops out of Smash Ultimate event while banned from Melee tournaments

Marquez announced on X (formerly Twitter) that he received an invitation to compete in an online Super Smash Bros. Ultimate tournament.

“There seems to be some people upset by that,” the Twitch streamer said.

The announcement about the event included reactions from people in the Super Smash Bros. community who were unhappy with the choice to invite Mang0.

I’m really upset about the situation with mang0. I’m thankful I don’t have to make difficult decisions like that – deciding who gets to be part of a community. What he did was wrong, and it just feels awful. I don’t really have anything constructive to add right now.

— daramgar (@daramgaria) April 10, 2026

Smash commentator Daramgaria expressed sadness regarding the situation involving Mang0. In a post on X, they stated they were relieved not to be in a position where they’d have to decide whether to allow someone to participate, and emphasized that Mang0’s actions were deeply problematic.

It’s frustrating to see people publicly support individuals accused of sexual misconduct, especially when their talent seems to excuse the behavior. It’s appalling to actively help and promote someone like that, regardless of their skills.

While some comments weren’t critical, many people expressed excitement about watching Mang0 compete, particularly in a game besides Melee. Despite this positive reaction, Marquez still chose to withdraw.

He explained he enjoyed the stream idea and was proud of his 300 days of sobriety. He didn’t want to cause any trouble and was happy to skip if needed, sharing a thumbs-up photo to show he meant it.

Hi everyone. I was asked to participate in an online event, but it seems some people aren’t happy about it. I thought it would be a fun stream, and I’m proud of the progress I’ve made with my sobriety – I’m 300 days clean. I don’t want to cause any trouble, so I’m happy to sit this one out. Have a good day!

— 🦅🦅 GO BIRDS 🦅🦅 (@C9Mang0) April 10, 2026

Mang0 has been sober for 300 days, putting him close to his one-year goal. However, he’s shared that he doesn’t plan to abstain from alcohol forever, but rather aims for long-term moderation.

I’ve mentioned before that things like birthdays or Christmas just feel more fun with a drink, and honestly, I’m planning on having alcohol again sometime down the line.

It remains to be seen what’s next for Mang0 as he approaches a year of sobriety, and whether he’ll return to competitive Melee after his ban expires.

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2026-04-13 17:49