Underdog Smash player trash talks top pros & wins 2024’s biggest tournament

Michael Gwilliam
zomba wins genesis x smash ultimate event and gives speech

Unsigned Super Smash Bros Ultimate pro Salvatore ‘Zomba’ DeSena shocked the world by winning Genesis after saying he was better than everyone at the P-tier tournament.

Genesis is one of Smash’s most prestigious events with competitors from around the globe traveling to show their skill at the super major and 2024’s iteration was no exception.

Genesis X featured 16 out of LumiRank’s top 20 players in the world, including the unsigned ROB main Zomba, who finished 2023 as the fifteenth-ranked pro.

In what can only be described as one of the biggest runs in Smash history, Zomba, emerged victorious, taking down 7th ranked Tweek, 5th ranked Glutonny, the world’s second-best player in Sparg0 and Sonix, LumiRank’s third-best player twice to capture glory.

However, it’s what he had to say after besting Sonix in winners’ semis that has the New Yorker getting heel-like heat.

Zombra backs up trash talk by winning Genesis X

Following his upset victory over LG Sonix, Zomba didn’t hold back his trash talk, declaring himself the best Smash Ultimate player in the world.

“Just business as usual. As the best player in this venue, I’m just beating everybody back-to-back-to-back-to-back. It’s just consistent practice. Low key though, I don’t really practice. I’m just better,” he said as fans gasped in shock.

The ROB star then took aim at LumiRank for having him as fifteenth, calling it “fraudulent.”

“Literally insanely trash,” he blasted. “I’m significantly better than everybody and I’m going to prove it this tournament and this year. Best player in the entire globe, doesn’t matter where, I’m going to be there, I’m going to win.”

Zomba went on to say he doesn’t take Smash that seriously, noting how he still doesn’t have a sponsor, but unlike others in top 8, he has a driver’s license.

The 18-year-old won’t have long to wait to prove that his Genesis X win wasn’t a fluke. His victory earned him a flight to Paris to compete in King Con this weekend where he may have to contend with FaZe Sparg0 once more.

About The Author

Michael Gwilliam is a senior writer at Dexerto based in Ontario, Canada. He specializes in Overwatch, Smash, influencers, and Twitch culture. Gwilliam has written for sites across Canada including the Toronto Sun. You can contact him at michael.gwilliam@dexerto.com or on Twitter @TheGwilliam