Fans of the Ice Climbers rejoice as Hugh “SluG” Hegarty, the 9th ranked player in the world, makes a comeback after a year-long hiatus. SluG’s return to the spotlight comes after his impressive fourth-place finish at Ludwig’s Smash Invitational in October 2022. Despite disappearing from the competitive scene for most of the year, SluG’s reappearance is highly anticipated.
On January 1, SluG posted a cryptic gif on Twitter, hinting at his departure from the competitive scene. Apart from two tournament appearances, he remained out of the spotlight. However, he recently announced his participation in The Function 3 @ BrookLan, a Brooklyn tournament on November 11. This event features several top 10 players in the world, including Cody Schwab and Jmook. Whether this marks a full-fledged comeback or a temporary return remains uncertain, but the legendary Ice Climber’s presence is undoubtedly exciting.
Since the wobbling bans in 2019, Ice Climbers have seen a significant decline in rankings, with some players switching characters or leaving the competitive scene altogether. However, SluG’s rise to prominence in 2022 showcased the potential of the mountain-climbing duo within the current meta. Not only did he defeat many top-level Melee players, but he also secured the first top 10 ranking for an Ice Climbers player in five years.
SluG’s gameplay not only demonstrated the power of the Ice Climbers but also showcased their unique style. With his return, he garners support from numerous fans who hope to witness his success. Hopefully, this resurgence inspires a new wave of Ice Climbers mastery, highlighting the incredible capabilities of this unconventional character.
About the author
Source: DOTESPORTS
