Thunder Gaming announces Thunder Smash 2 invitational lineup

Thunder Gaming has announced the players who will compete in an eight-man invitational at Thunder Smash 2. The group revealed the invited players progressively on its Twitter page from June 9 – 10.

The players who will compete at the Thunder Smash 2 invitational include Samuel “Dabuz” Buzby, Larry “Larry Lurr” Holland, Jestise “MVD” Negron, Rasheen “Dark Wizzy” Rose, James “VoiD” Makekau-Tyson, Saleem “Salem” Young, Nicko Bonilla, and Eric “ESAM” Lew.

Thunder Gaming has also begun announcing the hosts and commentators who will appear at the event. So far, it has only confirmed two: Akinola “Blakinola” Verissimo and Austin “Austy” Nolte.

In addition to the invitational, Thunder Smash 2 will feature an arcadian. This tournament will pit unranked Super Smash Bros. Ultimate players in Southern California against one another. Both the invitational and the arcadian will take place on July 8. The arcadian has a $5,000 prize pool, while the invitational hosts a $10,000 prize pool.

Thunder Smash 2: Meet the competitors

Dabuz notably won the first Thunder Smash event in May. There, he took sets off of Ramin “Mr. R” Delshad, ESAM, Chris “WaDi” Boston, Salem, and MVD. Dabuz has remained one of the best Olimar mains in the world, despite nerfs in Smash Ultimate’s previous patch.

MVD was the runner-up at the first Thunder Smash. He made it to Winners Finals by defeating Charlie “Charliedaking” Antoun, ESAM, and Salem. However, he was double eliminated by Dabuz in Winners Finals. MVD is now considered the best active Snake main in the world, with close competition from Salem.

Four of the other Thunder Smash 2 invitees also competed at the original Thunder Smash. At the first event, Salem placed 3rd, Larry Lurr and ESAM placed 5th, and VoiD placed 13th. VoiD in particular will be looking to reverse his lackluster performance from Thunder Smash at Thunder Smash 2.

Two of the invitees are new to Thunder Gaming events. Dark Wizzy is currently considered the best Mario main in the world. He has beaten the likes of Brian “Cosmos” Kalu, Tyler “Marss” Martins, Paris “Light” Ramirez, ESAM, and WaDi.

Nicko has not had many significant national results thus far in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. However, he is No. 2 in Southern California, and he is one of the best Shulk mains in the world. Nicko has defeated players like Ezra “Samsora” Morris, Jason “ANTi” Bates, Nicholas “Ned” Dovel, Tyrell “NAKAT” Coleman, and Larry Lurr.