“A rematch 20 years in the making”: Ken and Bombsoldier showmatch announced for Nounsvitational

The closely anticipated Nounsvitational simply introduced that two veteran Tremendous Smash Bros. Melee gamers, Ken ‘LiquidKen’ Hoang and ‘Bombsoldier,’ will probably be having a showmatch after competing towards each other 20 years in the past.

Ken and Bombsoldier will duke it out in a first-to-five match in Tokyo, Japan someday through the first week of December. The precise time hasn’t been revealed simply but, however the Melee neighborhood is already going insane over the information.

Over the weekend, Nouns revealed on X that Ken and Bombsoldier can be competing on the Nounsvitational this winter. Whereas the primary occasion options eight invited gamers — together with Melee God Juan ‘Hungrybox’ DeBiedma and current top player Zain Naghmi — the week-long celebration of the aggressive Smash scene will now characteristic a rivalry ‘over 20 years within the making.’

Ken is sometimes called the ‘King of Smash.’ Again within the 2000s, Ken was not simply dominant within the esports scene but additionally helped form it. He’s typically credited with pioneering ‘sprint dancing’ and different generally used tech in modern-day Melee tourneys. He retired in 2008 however returned for a brief stint, even getting thirteenth at Evo 2016. It’s been years since Ken has closely competed.

Bombsoldier’s full title isn’t even identified but he has utterly modified how Falco is performed. He was an up-and-coming participant in Japan within the early 2000s and attended the Jack Backyard match in 2005 at simply 12 years outdated. He breezed via the competitors, ending up in Grand Finals with none aside from Ken. This ended up being Bombsoldier’s solely loss in the complete match.

Whereas Bombsoldier attended only one different tourney ever since, his aggressive, quick, and tech-heavy gameplay formed Falco play to this present day. There’s even a transfer named after him that’s caught 20 years later.

“I used to be anticipating a extremely campy Falco that laser spammed me,” Ken recalled, “however the on the spot I performed him, he jumps in and begins pillaring the crap out of me. He jumps and he Shines and he begins pillaring, which has by no means occurred earlier than. I used to be actually in shock at that time. […] I’ve by no means seen a Falco transfer so quick. “

Since then, Bombsoldier has competed in Tremendous Smash Bros. Final as Lucas, though he hasn’t chased that scene too arduous.

Nonetheless, each Ken and Bombsoldier will probably be clashing 20 years later on the Nounsvitational. The Melee neighborhood was shocked on the announcement, excited to see such thrilling lore from Melee’s previous come again in full swing. Melee is a scene centered on rivalry, dedication, storylines and status, so this matchup let followers know that Nounsvitational was paying homage to Melee’s long-time esports historical past. The joy has not died down over a day later.

“It’s been a very long time, however I’m glad to have this chance! Thanks a lot!” Bombsoldier declared on X. Ken retweeted the unique announcement however hasn’t acknowledged something of his personal simply but.

The Nounsvitational is going down December 1st to the eighth, which means there might be extra thrilling occasions to fill these eight days. The Ken versus Bombsoldier showmatch will doubtless be livestreamed for these that may’t attend the celebrated occasion.

Whereas Ken gained final time, the match was shockingly shut. Followers are already making up lore that each Ken and Bombsoldier have been getting ready for this rematch for years. Both means, watching Bombsoldier compete towards Ken — this time in his 30s — is certain to be some of the iconic moments in Melee historical past.