Every now and then I get a reminder that the kids are okay. Sure, they’ll face some of the worst economic hardships in living memory after AI replaces our jobs and capitalism finishes destroying everything else, but apparently they’ll be just as thrilled as the world burns. The latest reminder of this comes from RJ “OG Kid” Dodd, a 15-year competitor Melee Super Smash Bros the player who took a selfie mid-match. Iconic, to be honest.
Dodd plays Jigglypuff on the GameCube game Crossover Brawler and participated in the Super Smash Con tournament in Chantilly, Virginia on August 11th. The event brought together players from around the world to play every iteration of Nintendo’s crossover fighter, from the original Nintendo 64 game to Super Smash Bros. Ultimate on the switch. There are many VODs of the show online, but I want to draw your attention before thatin which Dodd’s Jigglypuff was pitted against Sushi’s Peach.
Jigglypuff Dodd is a threat and it’s fun to watch him counterplay against Peach. But I have to give the kid props for not only winning the fight, but for popping out on the stream, both glancing at the camera a few times and taking a selfie mid-match while Peach was between spawns. A competitive play is an interesting viewing experience, but I also enjoy watching it unfold with a touch of swagger and theatricality. Commentators called the move “substance” and I call it “pitch.”
In accordance with smashdata.gg, Dodd ended up finishing 129th in the 860-player tournament, but I hope to see him show up with more antics in future tournaments as he’s been on the scene for the past two years with several top-10 finishes . The commentators here are even saying in the match that this kid could be the future Close combatso I’m rooting for you, king.
[Update, 8/26/23: This article has been updated to correct a spelling error in Dodd’s name. We regret the error]