Super Smash Bros Tournament brings excitement for gamers at ISU

NORMAL, Ill. – A Super Smash Bros. tournament is bringing competition and community to Illinois State University gamers, offering players a space to test their skills and connect with others.

Avis Tang, the tournament organizer, said he has led competitive gaming events for more than three decades. Since stepping into the role, Tang said his goal has been to create a foundation where gamers can compete at a high level.

“I’ve been doing it for 34 years now, and I don’t see myself stopping anytime soon,” Tang said. “Being able to provide a space for players to compete and to express themselves is one of my biggest joys in life.”

Among the competitors expected to participate is Sparg0, a professional player from Mexico widely regarded as one of the country’s top Super Smash Bros. players. Since beginning his tournament career in 2020, he has made a significant impact on the competitive scene.

Tang said Sparg0 recently stepped away from competition because of burnout.

“Earlier in 2025, he decided to take a couple-month break from the game because he was feeling burnout, and the pressure of being No. 1 in the world was getting to him,” Tang said.

Despite the break, Sparg0 is expected to compete in next weekend’s tournament.

Tang said more than 300 competitors have already registered. While the player bracket will be capped, spectators will be admitted for free.

“There are currently over 300 competitors, and we have an unlimited spectator cap,” Tang said. “Unfortunately, we have to cap the number of people that are playing in the bracket, but spectators will be uncapped and it’s going to be free to watch.”

More information about the tournament is available at start.gg/GRV. Updates are also posted on the BloNo Smash Bros. Discord server and on social media platforms X, TikTok and Instagram under RedBird Smash.