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Aziz Al-Yami, known as Hax$, was a well-known Super Smash Bros. Melee player. He was recognized for his high-level gameplay and his innovation in the competitive scene. His career was marked by success but also controversy.
He faced multiple tournament bans due to his behavior within the community. His actions led to restrictions from various events, affecting his standing as a professional player. These incidents shaped his career and impacted his legacy.
On March 25, 2025, he passed away at the age of 30. His death sparked discussions about his contributions to the game and the controversies that surrounded him. Many in the gaming community reflected on his career and the circumstances that led to his bans.
Why was Hax$ banned from tournaments?
Hax$ was first banned indefinitely in June 2021. The ban was due to repeated defamation and harassment of other community members. His main target was William "Leffen" Hjelte, another top player in the Melee scene.
He accused Leffen of harming the community and compared his influence to a totalitarian regime. He created content to spread these claims and called for Leffen’s removal from platforms. These actions led tournament organizers to take action against him.
Over time, he continued to make similar accusations. He did not retract his statements and refused to take responsibility. His actions resulted in further bans and restrictions from multiple tournaments.
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Did he ever return to competitive play?
In January 2023, NYC Melee allowed him to compete again under certain conditions. This decision gave him a chance to return to the competitive scene. However, he had to follow specific guidelines to maintain his eligibility.
One year later, in January 2024, NYC Melee reinstated his ban. He had violated several clauses in his unban contract. His actions during this period showed he had not changed his behavior.
On February 1, 2024, he received a permanent tournament ban. This was due to continued accusations, incitement of harassment, and refusal to follow event policies. Allegations of doxxing and stalking also contributed to this decision.
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What was Hax$’s impact on the Melee community?
Hax$ was known for his skills as a player. He started as a Captain Falcon main before switching to Fox in 2014. His highest ranking was 6th on the SSBMRank 2013, showing his strong competitive presence.
Despite his bans, he made significant contributions to the Melee scene. He developed the B0XX controller to help players with hand injuries. This innovation allowed him to return to competition after facing health issues.
His best tournament result was at GENESIS 7, where he placed 4th out of 1,110 players. His performance remained strong even after switching controllers. Many players respected his technical skills and dedication to the game.
Hax$ had a complex career filled with both success and controversy. His skill and innovations left a mark on the Melee community. However, his repeated conflicts and actions led to his exclusion from tournaments.
His passing at the age of 30 has brought renewed attention to his career. Many remember him for his contributions, while others reflect on the events that led to his bans. His story remains a significant part of the Super Smash Bros. Melee competitive history.
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