A YouTuber faces online backlash and death threats following controversial funeral speech for Smash Bros pro Hax$
The Tragic Context: Hax$’s Story and Legacy
The gaming community faced a devastating loss with the passing of Super Smash Bros. Melee professional Abdulaziz ‘Hax$’ Al-Yami, who tragically ended his life at just 30 years old. His death occurred several months after he was struck by a train, following his exclusion from competitive tournament circuits.
Hax$’s competitive career came to an abrupt halt in 2021 when tournament organizers imposed an indefinite ban across most major Smash events. This disciplinary action stemmed from a series of video critiques he produced targeting fellow professional competitor Leffen. Despite multiple appeals and efforts to reverse the decision, the ban remained permanently in effect.
The circumstances surrounding tournament bans in competitive gaming often involve complex community standards and behavioral expectations. Professional players facing suspension frequently experience significant psychological distress, particularly when their primary source of income and social identity becomes threatened. This case highlights the critical need for mental health support systems within esports organizations.
Funeral Dynamics: Contrasting Tributes
On April 5th, the funeral service brought together prominent figures from the Smash community, including renowned players Jason ‘Mew2King’ Zimmerman and Juan ‘Hungrybox’ Debiedma. Both delivered emotionally charged eulogies honoring their fallen colleague and reflecting on his competitive legacy.
The memorial ceremony featured numerous acknowledgments of Hax$’s competitive Melee career, with tournament-style gaming stations set up throughout the venue. Attendees paid tribute by wearing red Adidas pants, recreating the distinctive attire from one of his most memorable tournament performances.
A thread of eulogies for @ssbmhax. If I missed anyone, please let them know these exist.
“I vow to you – to his family, to his friends – that I’ll do whatever I can to at least make the community a better place so we never have to suffer a loss of someone like Hax ever again.” -… pic.twitter.com/nKbkGfENOb
Throughout the service, numerous competitors and supporters shared personal anecdotes about Hax$ and framed his passing as motivation to enact positive change within the competitive scene.
“I vow to you – to his family, to his friends – that I’ll do whatever I can to at least make the community a better place so we never have to suffer a loss of someone like Hax ever again,” Hungrybox emotionally declared.
“I really hope heaven exists and that he goes there, and I really hope as a community… we can’t let this happen again, man.” – @MVG_Mew2King pic.twitter.com/DTxiRyJ5AH
“We can’t let this happen again, man,” Mew2King reiterated, echoing the sentiment of community responsibility.
In contrast, YouTuber Technicals—who received a personal invitation from Hax$’s mother to speak—delivered an address filled with humor and direct criticism toward the tournament organizers responsible for the ban. His approach created a stark contrast to the solemn tone established by other speakers.
Online Backlash and Community Division
Despite receiving applause from those physically present at the service, Technicals faced immediate and severe backlash across social media platforms following his speech. Online commentators expressed outrage at his decision to incorporate comedy and direct accusations during the memorial.
The YouTuber later clarified through social media posts that Hax$ had strongly opposed the idea of pleading with tournament organizers he perceived as “corrupt and cruel” for reinstatement.
“I’m here because Smash killed my friend,” Technicals stated during his address. “And while I pray Aziz rests in peace, I’m making it my job that they [the tournament organizers who banned him] don’t.”
The online reaction escalated rapidly, with multiple users issuing direct threats against Technicals. “Technicals gotta die, bro,” one individual posted on social media.
“Adding hijacking a funeral to the long list of reasons why it’s on sight for Technicals,” another commenter added, using terminology indicating immediate confrontation.
i did an okay speech i think pic.twitter.com/1ZnXSPI2iG
“Technicals speaking at Hax’s funeral about the Smash community being the reason he’s dead is pretty low and disgusting,” another critic remarked. “Honestly, hope someone beats his ass.”
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Moving Forward: Content Creation Amid Controversy
Despite the threatening messages and community criticism, Technicals has announced plans to produce an extensive YouTube documentary focusing on Hax$’s story. He has redirected his current production efforts to concentrate exclusively on what he describes as “the Hax$ scandal.”
I was working on something else and had props and shit I was ordering, but now this is all I can think about. Keep sending me stuff if u find anything important
“Gimme a couple weeks,” he stated regarding the project timeline. “I was working on something else and had props and sh*t I was ordering, but now this is all I can think about. Keep sending me stuff if you find anything important.”
This situation highlights the complex relationship between content creators and gaming communities during times of tragedy. The incident raises important questions about appropriate memorial conduct, freedom of speech at emotional events, and the consequences of online outrage in tightly-knit competitive communities. As esports continue to mature as an industry, establishing clearer guidelines for handling sensitive situations may help prevent similar controversies in the future.
No reproduction without permission：Games Guides Website » YouTuber’s speech at Melee-themed funeral for Smash pro Hax$ draws death threats A YouTuber faces online backlash and death threats following controversial funeral speech for Smash Bros pro Hax$