Smashing Records: World-Ranked Onin Claims Victory at Block House’s Showstopper Event

On May 13th 2023, Block House- an esports venue- hosted the Showstopper, an officially ranked event for Smash Bros, a competitive Nintendo game. Among those in attendance include Onin, ranked top 6 in the world for Smash Bros competitions. During the event over 96 were documented in competition while even more attended to enjoy the food and competition. 

The event was organized in partnership with 26 Rising, a professional, Michigan-based esports organization. 26 Rising currently fields a roster with multiple members of the top 100 Smash players in the world.  

The Showstopper was the culmination of an 8-week, circuit-style season beginning March 10th. Weekly games were played at local meetups throughout the state where players accrued points over time. The finale in Alma was granted an exclusive C-tier ranking by the official Smash Ranking organization.

Co-owners of Block House, Nick Lux and Anthony Collamati, were both ecstatic about the outcome of the event. Lux stated, “Creating a destination for people around the state to come together for video games, great food and excitement was exactly what we had in mind when starting Block House”. Collamati also reflected, “It’s amazing to see this historic opera house come alive again with little Alma, Michigan being officially recognized among a handful of spots on the international video game circuit”. Block House opened in 2020 in the historic Wright Opera House and serves chef-driven, international comfort foods for lunch and dinner. Its stage also plays home to regular middle school, high school, and collegiate esports leagues.

Final Standings:

–       1st: Onin (26 Rising)

–       2nd: IcyMist (26 Rising)

–       3rd: Suspect

–       4th: Hawk