Last Saturday, ETSU hosted its first Buccaneer Brawl. The Brawl was an all-day Super Smash Bros event held in the Millennium Center Ballroom, where hundreds of students and others from the community battled it out across four tournaments to see who was the best.

While the event was sponsored by G2K Games and ETSU’s Buctainment, the idea was brought to light and spearheaded by ETSU student and gamer, Will Beaudry.

  • (Photograph by Madison Taylor / East Tennessean)
  • (Photograph by Madison Taylor / East Tennessean)
  • (Photograph by Madison Taylor / East Tennessean)

“I was first introduced to the world of gaming by a mentor named Kevin when I was six years old,” Beaudry said. “He allowed me to come to his house to play with him, and he showed me Crash Team Racing on the original PlayStation. I am now 22 and have been playing video games ever since.”

Stories like Beaudry’s aren’t uncommon. Many gamers have been playing and practicing their skill since childhood. That’s why these competitions can sometimes be viciously competitive among some in the gaming community.

The inaugural Brawl had over 300 attendees, many of them competing, some merely watching and supporting their friends.

“The biggest event I helped run prior to this event was 117 attendees, while Buccaneer Brawl had over 300 attendees show up,” Beaudry said. “Managing an event of this size was a monstrous task.”

The action began with Smash Ultimate Doubles in the morning, with 32 teams competing. Shortly after, the Smash Melee Doubles began with 8 teams competing. Later in the evening, the singles rounds for Smash Ultimate and Melee began.

For those competing, there was a $1,000 pot bonus for Ultimate singles and a $500 pot bonus for Melee singles. Entrants who placed in the top 8 of Ultimate singles also received a special ETSU Buccaneer Brawl themed controller.

Among the attendees were Mr. E and Sonido, two of the top 50 Smash players in the world; Pipp, the best Smash Ultimate player in Memphis; Gyro, the best Smash Ultimate player in Knoxville; and other strong regional talents.

Winners:

  • Super Smash Ultimate Doubles – Mr. E / Winks
  • Super Smash Melee Doubles – HiFi / Slipnslide
  • Super Smash Ultimate Singles – Demise | Mr. E
  • Super Smash Melee Singles – Ag | HiFi

The Brawl had free activities for those just attending, such as Dance Dance Revolution, Hoop Shoots, Air Hockey, Mario Kart and friendly setups of Smash for those who wanted to casually join in on the fun. The Brawl doubled as much as a social gathering to meet new people as much as a competition.

“I have been running tournaments for Super Smash Bros. for 1 ½ years and have always enjoyed being involved with Esports and gaming,” Beaudry said. “Through running events, I have been able to help many people make lasting friendships and relationships that would have never occurred otherwise, which is very important to me. 

“I realized that running an event during ETSU’s welcome week would help incoming freshmen meet similar people and form social circles. Having these social connections is extremely important for student retention, student mental health and academic achievement.”

As of now, there are plans to make Buccaneer Brawl an annual event.

“I would like to thank ETSU and especially Buctainment for this opportunity,” Beaudry said. “Without them, this event would not have been possible.”