Nairo takes 1st at KTAR XV
December 06 2015
Nairo does not back down and proves once again why he's one of the best at Smash 4
In the 15th iteration of the KTAR Tri-State regional series held in New Jersey, Liquid's own Nairoby “Nairo” Quezada once again grabbed first place in the toughest Smash 4 region. Earning first seed in the bracket, he was poised to meet his friend Nakat on the other side in the Grand Finals. It would have been the return of one of the most memorable rivalries from the Smash 4 for 3DS days, but it was not to be. The event drew a surprisingly high singles attendance of 256 contestants, which included the New England hidden boss, Zamus player Marss. The size put the regional tournament above the scope of the Tri-State national SKTAR series with a first place prize over a thousand dollars. Nairo had to defend the pride of both his character and his region.
In the main bracket, Nakat ended up losing to Tweek, effectively giving up his highly favorable second seed, but Tweek immediately lost to the newcomer Marss, who also took out national-level player Seagull Joe. On the other side, Nairo easily defeated both Angel Cortes and False. The Winners Finals consequently consisted of Nairo pit against the upstart Marss, with the latter being the first to grab two games in the Best-of-5 set.
Marss showed an incredible understanding of the Zamus ditto match-up and finesse of his character, perhaps rivaling Nairo's. He put up a good fight every game, but unfortunately for him, Nairo brushed off his opponent's lead with his top level adaptation, evening the score at a 2 apiece where he then 2-stocked Marss in the final game.
Sitting on the Winners side of the Grand Finals, Nairo had a long period of downtime ahead of him, as the Losers Quarterfinals through the Losers Finals still had to be played. Marss emerged victorious in Losers unchallenged with momentum on his side. Nairo seemed unaffected however, and took out his old time favorite Robin for two games against Marss. Though Nairo ultimately decided to switch back to Zamus for game 3, it was not without first netting a 2-stock in Game 1, showing his incredible skill even without the use of a top character.
In Game 5, Marss tried Battlefield as his counter pick, but failed to make use of the platforms to aid him in getting KO's off the top. Nairo meanwhile successfully took his first stock with an elevator Upair to Up B combo off stage, and was just barely able to grab the ledge with his back, defending his reputation as the best Zero Suit Samus.
While Tri-State heroes such as Tweek fell to the invader, Nairo held firm. His solo defense of his region is a testimony that he remains the best player of the Tri-State region and possibly the best Smash 4 player period. When Keitaro suggested to him in the post-tournament interview that Nairo may be at the start of a championship streak longer than ZeRo's, Nairo simply replied “I don't really care about a streak. I just need to win. If I don't win, I don't win.”
As a bonus for fans of his Robin play, he stated that he wishes to work on her more and continue to use her as long as he can figure out what he did wrong and be more consistent with his waifu.
Congratulations to Liquid Nairo for another first place, and let us all support him as he prepares for Genesis 3!
What's next for Liquid'Nairo
January 15, 2016 - GENESIS 3
In the 15th iteration of the KTAR Tri-State regional series held in New Jersey, Liquid's own Nairoby “Nairo” Quezada once again grabbed first place in the toughest Smash 4 region. Earning first seed in the bracket, he was poised to meet his friend Nakat on the other side in the Grand Finals. It would have been the return of one of the most memorable rivalries from the Smash 4 for 3DS days, but it was not to be. The event drew a surprisingly high singles attendance of 256 contestants, which included the New England hidden boss, Zamus player Marss. The size put the regional tournament above the scope of the Tri-State national SKTAR series with a first place prize over a thousand dollars. Nairo had to defend the pride of both his character and his region.
In the main bracket, Nakat ended up losing to Tweek, effectively giving up his highly favorable second seed, but Tweek immediately lost to the newcomer Marss, who also took out national-level player Seagull Joe. On the other side, Nairo easily defeated both Angel Cortes and False. The Winners Finals consequently consisted of Nairo pit against the upstart Marss, with the latter being the first to grab two games in the Best-of-5 set.
Marss showed an incredible understanding of the Zamus ditto match-up and finesse of his character, perhaps rivaling Nairo's. He put up a good fight every game, but unfortunately for him, Nairo brushed off his opponent's lead with his top level adaptation, evening the score at a 2 apiece where he then 2-stocked Marss in the final game.
Sitting on the Winners side of the Grand Finals, Nairo had a long period of downtime ahead of him, as the Losers Quarterfinals through the Losers Finals still had to be played. Marss emerged victorious in Losers unchallenged with momentum on his side. Nairo seemed unaffected however, and took out his old time favorite Robin for two games against Marss. Though Nairo ultimately decided to switch back to Zamus for game 3, it was not without first netting a 2-stock in Game 1, showing his incredible skill even without the use of a top character.
In Game 5, Marss tried Battlefield as his counter pick, but failed to make use of the platforms to aid him in getting KO's off the top. Nairo meanwhile successfully took his first stock with an elevator Upair to Up B combo off stage, and was just barely able to grab the ledge with his back, defending his reputation as the best Zero Suit Samus.
While Tri-State heroes such as Tweek fell to the invader, Nairo held firm. His solo defense of his region is a testimony that he remains the best player of the Tri-State region and possibly the best Smash 4 player period. When Keitaro suggested to him in the post-tournament interview that Nairo may be at the start of a championship streak longer than ZeRo's, Nairo simply replied “I don't really care about a streak. I just need to win. If I don't win, I don't win.”
As a bonus for fans of his Robin play, he stated that he wishes to work on her more and continue to use her as long as he can figure out what he did wrong and be more consistent with his waifu.
Congratulations to Liquid Nairo for another first place, and let us all support him as he prepares for Genesis 3!
What's next for Liquid'Nairo
January 15, 2016 - GENESIS 3