Cody Schwab, widely regarded as the best Fox main in the world, has emerged victorious in a stunning fashion at The Big House 11. Despite facing an early setback in the tournament, Cody showcased his exceptional skills by defeating a string of top-ranked players consecutively. This achievement is even more remarkable considering the consensus that this supermajor event featured the most stacked lineup in Melee history.
Entering the tournament as a top seed, Cody’s journey took an unexpected turn when he encountered Morsecode762, a highly skilled Samus player from Michigan. In a dominant display, Morse defeated Cody 3-1, sending him to the losers’ bracket much earlier than anticipated.
This defeat not only shook the tournament bracket but also rattled Cody’s confidence in his own abilities. In a tweet following the loss, Cody expressed his frustration and acknowledged the need to address his anxiety issues, stating that he couldn’t afford to feel on the verge of throwing up before each set.
Undeterred by this setback, Cody faced a formidable gauntlet of opponents in the losers’ bracket, including renowned players like Hungrybox, aMSa, and Zain. Displaying unwavering determination, Cody triumphed over each of them, earning his place in the losers’ finals where he confronted his long-standing rival, Joseph “Mang0” Marquez. Despite Mang0’s historical dominance over Cody in previous encounters, this time the tables turned, and Cody emerged victorious after a grueling battle.
In the Grand Finals, Cody faced Justin “Plup” McGrath, the ninth-ranked player and a consistent presence in Melee’s Power Rankings. Plup’s impressive run to the finals surprised many, given his limited participation in supermajor tournaments throughout the year. After a closely contested first set that Cody won 3-2, he proceeded to dominate the second set with a flawless 3-0 victory, solidifying his position as the winner of The Big House 11 and etching his name in Melee history with one of the most remarkable losers’ runs ever witnessed.
Expressing his gratitude, Cody took to Twitter to thank everyone who supported him, acknowledging that their encouragement had pulled him out of a dark place. This triumph not only showcases Cody’s exceptional gameplay but also highlights his journey in overcoming anxiety and mental hurdles as a competitive Melee player.
As a fellow Melee competitor who also battles anxiety, I found this tournament to be incredibly inspiring. Losing is challenging for anyone, especially when you invest your heart and soul into competing. However, witnessing Cody’s ability to rise above his inner demons and achieve back-to-back victories against the world’s best players in the most stacked Melee tournament to date is a testament to the power of belief and mental fortitude.
Author: Cody Schwab
Source: DOTESPORTS
