Born and raised in New York, LeoN currently resides in New Jersey as the #3 ranked player in the state, following Tweek and Jakal respectively. Spending most of his childhood life living in New York, LeoN moved to Jersey when I was around 17 years old, remaining here ever since. 

“When I started, I would lose a lot. I started to get a little bit better, but there were players I couldn’t beat. There’s a gentleman in my region I couldn’t beat. I’d look up and he’d just win. It was a steady climb, but slowly and gradually I got to where I am now.” – LeoN

1. What are your thoughts on the Smash Community?

I think for the most part, the smash community is a wholesome one, although not without its flaws. It’s not perfect and probably never will be, although I think the community as a whole are generally nice and accepting people. I’ve met some of my closest friends from attending events, so I can confidently say that overall, the good outweighs the bad.

2. Do you see room to enhance or make things better in the Smash Community?

There’s always room to improve when it comes to this. I think people learning to be more respectful/understanding of each other can go a long way. Not just in the community but outside of it as well. I also think that when it comes to minors, parents should take a more proactive role in understanding their kids’ Smash Bros endeavors. This way, younger people can be more protected and supported as they attend these events. 

3. Back in November at Smash World Tour, I had the chance to watch your explosive match against Rivers using Chrom and Diddy Kong. Were you at a disadvantage during the match? How did you manage to come out with the W?

Rivers and I go back and forth. I believe the match highlighted our history. At certain points I was at a disadvantage, even him catching me with a zero to death. During this match I caught myself talking out loud, and caught up in the moment to win. I rolled with the punches, even though I’m behind. I looked at Bowser’s advantage: his weight and ability to live. Mentality wise, I believe I can win when I’m behind. In this match he got me to 200 percent. But, with a well placed move, I won.

4. Describe the feeling of using Bowser against nimble characters? How do you deal with the disadvantages?

You have to accept that when you play against small and fast characters, they’re going to combo you early game. Once your damage climbs, they’re combos fall apart and that’s when you can take advantage. These kinds of characters struggle to K.O. super heavies.

5. What about your main? Why Bowser?

I started playing him in Smash 4 after seeing someone else use him. To use characters in Smash, I have to really like them. I like the Mario games and Bowser was around all my life, so it just clicked with me.

6. Being a competitive gamer is about introspection, control of your emotions and mental state. What have you learned about yourself from gaming?

I find that in the game when I begin to get impatient and rush things, I fall apart. Gaming taught me that patience goes a long way. If you pick your spots instead of randomly swinging, you’ll go a long way. In Smash, the better player is the one who waits.

7. Have you applied any of what you learned in-game to outside experiences?

The game has taught me patience. I find that I’m more patient with ppl in the world. It’s made me more confident, being able to say that I’m the best at something. Patience and confidence are the two things this game has given me the most.

8. Were you able to gain anything from the forced year off from in person gaming?

I would say my biggest gain from the forced year off was the start of my Twitch channel. Streaming on Twitch has given me more confidence, introduced me to some great people, and opened up a new source of income I had never previously even considered.

9. What are you up to now? What are you doing when you’re not gaming?

When I’m not gaming, I’m in the gym, spending time with friends, working on videos, or helping around the house. I feel good when I stay busy, so I try to make sure everyday is productive in some way.

10. What’s in store for 2022? Any improvements or projects?

Yes, I’m working on a couple things. I’ve been going to the gym lately and I think integrating health and gaming would be cool. Growing my brand and presence would be super sick. My YouTube channel, health and pushing Bowser to be the best are my moves for 2022.

11. Any shout outs?

Shout outs to Spacestation Gaming for being an incredible sponsor! Outside of that, I would like to plug my Twitch and YouTube channels. I make content on these consistently so it would be great to get my name out there a bit more.