Beyond the Summit postponed the Smash Summit 13 broadcast on Saturday after an attendee tested positive for COVID-19. Multiple other attendees have since confirmed that they also tested positive for COVID-19.
Josh “FendrickLamar” Fendrick confirmed that his was the initial positive test that Beyond the Summit referenced. On Thursday and Friday, FendrickLamar hosted Summit Island, a series of challenges and eliminations inspired by “Survivor.” He also commentated a few pools matches on Friday.
“Thankful to be vaccinated and boosted and to only have mild symptoms,” FendrickLamar tweeted. “Absolutely gutted to not be able to finish the event – by far the most fun I’ve ever had at a smash tournament. Wishing nothing but the best for the cast and crew.”
This was, unfortunately, my test. Thankful to be vaccinated and boosted and to only have mild symptoms. Absolutely gutted to not be able to finish the event – by far the most fun I’ve ever had at a smash tournament. Wishing nothing but the best for the cast and crew. https://t.co/eU00ZywRLi
— Josh Fendrick (@FendrickLamar) May 14, 2022
For the remainder of the event, only players, commentators and production crew members will be allowed to attend Smash Summit 13, and they must also show a negative COVID-19 test to enter the venue. The other attendees will receive refunds worth half of what they paid for their VIP passes.
Other COVID-19 cases at Smash Summit 13
After Beyond the Summit announced the negative test requirement, other Smash Summit 13 attendees revealed they tested positive for COVID-19. These included competitor Justin “DarkGenex” Cohen, in addition to VIP Brandon “bundun” Tan.
“Although I feel completely fine, do not have a fever, currently have no symptoms, and [Beyond the Summit’s] tweet was not about me, I took a PCR and tested positive for COVID,” DarkGenex tweeted. “Sorry for wasting a Summit spot. Karma I guess.”
Although I feel completely fine, do not have a fever, currently have no symptoms, and this tweet was not about me, I took a PCR and tested positive for COVID. If you were around me at any point after Function 2, please get tested.
Sorry for wasting a Summit spot. Karma I guess. https://t.co/uIAnGob84W
— DarkGenex (@DarkGenex) May 14, 2022
Meanwhile, other players announced that their COVID-19 tests were negative. These included Juan “Hungrybox” DeBiedma, William “Leffen” Hjelte, Arjun “lloD” Malhotra, Cody “iBDW” Schwab, Jake “Jmook” DiRado, John “KoDoRiN” Ko, Elliot “Frenzy” Grossman and Ethan “Blue” Martin.
Beyond the Summit has not yet announced an updated stream schedule. The organization also has not announced whether there will be changes to the Singles format now that DarkGenex cannot compete.
