"I want to say the best player in the world is a Yoshi main": aMSa After DreamHack Melee Victory
It was the outcome that surprised nobody — Masaya "aMSa" Chikamoto dominated the Melee tournament at DreamHack San Diego, never dropping a single game. And he did it all with red Yoshi, of course.
While it was difficult to concentrate on the Top 8 thanks to some blaring live music from the stage right next to where the Melee tournament was happening, it was difficult to take your eyes off of aMSa. His incredible reads and scary defense techniques had the crowd screaming so loud it was easily heard over the music. The tricks aMSa pulled out most definitely proved why he’s considered the second-best player in the whole world.
But aMSa isn’t satisfied with that title. He’s gunning for number one.
Esports Illustrated sat down with aMSa to find out more about his experience at DreamHack and what he plans to do in order to get that number one spot.
You’re the oldest person to win a major recently, Scuffed, at 31. Do you see the younger players coming for you and the other OG players any time soon?
Yeah I think the Melee scene is pretty big. New people are getting better and better as fast as possible. In Japan, we have Inngenn, a Marth player. He started in 2020 but he’s become the top Japanese player in just two years. New people are definitely coming.
What has made you stay ahead of the competition and sets your playstyle apart?
My biggest tool is my adaptation. Yoshi has a counter-style gameplay. I’m getting better right now.
What made you decide to compete at DreamHack?
I just did a major tournament, MAJOR UPSET. But I never did DreamHack in my life. I don’t know why. I just missed the opportunity. But I really enjoyed it!
During the Top 8 they simultaneously had a live band playing super loud close to the stage. How did you feel about that situation? I saw you jamming out to it.
During the Top 8 we had this kind of loud music and it was the worst experience. It’s also scary because when I hear loud music my heart starts to pound really fast. It’s a bit scary. But this time it was okay.
Did it impact your performance?
I don’t think there was a change in my performance because I was wearing noise canceling headphones, listening to music.
How was it playing against Axe’s three characters — Pikachu, Young Link, and Fox — in the Grand Finals match?
I was not expecting it! I knew Young Link was coming, it’s all good. But I did not expect the Fox. I knew he had good Marth and Falco… His Fox was actually really good and it was scary. But I had enough energy for the Grand Finals while Axe had to play through Losers, beating some tough players. Maybe he got exhausted.
It was definitely a very entertaining match to watch. Who do you wish was here? A lot of the top players were not present this time around.
I did love the competition but wished we had Zain, Jmook, Codey, and more. But it was nice after the big tournaments. I live in Vancouver right now. San Diego is only a three hour flight so it wasn’t bad.
What does it mean to you to be considered the second best player in the world right now?
Last year I won three major tournaments to make it to the second best player in the world. I don’t feel satisfied. I want to be the best player in the world.
Right now I’m the best Yoshi player in the world. But if I become the best player, I could say that the best player in the world is a Yoshi main. That would be good.
What got you started playing Yoshi? What made you believe he could help you climb to the top?
When Melee came out in 2001 I was just a kid. I always played Super Mario and Kirby. I always picked Yoshi because the character is so cute. I kept using Yoshi in Melee as well. But competing in the Melee scene in 2012, I saw the tier list and people were saying Yoshi was 20 out of 26 characters. I couldn’t believe it. Yoshi has good tools so I kept trying to prove how good he is. I’m getting better and better.
How do you like living in Vancouver?
My friend and roommate is so kind. They’re a nice person. Also, Vancouver has good food. Aside from missing my family, I really love Vancouver.
How does it feel to be a part of Golden Guardians?
I’m so excited to join GG. I won the tournament as a GG. This is my first time winning a major under Golden Guardians and I’m so happy. I’m proving myself but also proving the GG so I have to keep going.
Without the Smash World Tour, how are you feeling about the future of Smash esports?
It’s hurting right now without BTS, and VCGBootcamp has some trouble, and Panda is gone… It’s a difficult situation. But luckily some tournament organizers have a lot of passion for tournaments.
What I can do as a top player is join more tournaments. I’m staying in Canada for a year so through September I will be going to as many tournaments as possible.
What is your next goal right now?
Definitely to become the number one player in the world. To become the number one, I have to stop Jmook. He won two tournaments in a row. That was sick. I’m trying to be number one.
