At a tournament in Super Smash Bros Ultimate, e-sports professional Enrique “Maister” Hernández managed to defeat his only 15-year-old opponent “Syrup”. He subsequently talked down to the younger player, but he did not count on his mother intervening.
What led to the verbal spat? From May 13 to May 14, the Low Tide City 2023 took place in Round Rock, Texas, a tournament for the fighting game Super Smash Bros Ultimate. In the match for the Top 8, 23-year-old pro “Maister” faced off against the only 15-year-old player “Syrup”.
Maister managed to win a close match 3-2 against the younger player, ultimately taking home bronze. However, his success is overshadowed by allegations that he insulted Syrup after their match. Even the mother of the 15-year-old got involved.
Maister turns out to be a poor winner
What happened after the match? On the evening of May 14, a discussion arose on Twitter regarding Maister’s behavior after his victory. Smash pro Jude “Jakal” Harris shared a screenshot indicating that the 23-year-old reportedly told his younger opponent after the match that he was “f****** terrible” (via Twitter).
Other Twitter users shared clips of Maister’s narrow victory and the subsequent celebration by the 23-year-old. However, the clip conveniently ends just before he acts disrespectfully towards his younger opponent:
What were the reactions like? Many Twitter users expressed confusion and anger at Maister’s behavior. While “trash talk” is not uncommon in competitive gaming, many find the comment particularly inappropriate given Syrup’s age.
Additionally, considering that Maister barely managed to win against the younger player, some speculate that this fact might have frustrated the older pro enough to belittle Syrup (via Twitter).
Commentator Rodney “Rod” Conyers recalls that Maister himself might have experienced similar treatment as a younger player (via Twitter). It seems he hasn’t learned from it.
Syrup’s mother intervenes
What did the mom have to say? After Maister attempted to justify his behavior in a now-deleted tweet, even Syrup’s mother reportedly stepped in according to Dexerto. She called the 23-year-old a failure (via Twitter). For this purpose, she allegedly even created a Twitter account specifically.
As an adult, I think players like you have no class and no sportsmanship. Even if you win, you’re still a loser all around. I have the utmost respect for all players, but you are the lowest of the low, no doubt.
How did it end? Members of the Smash community praised the 15-year-old’s mother for her clear words. Maister himself expressed remorse on May 15, stating that his behavior was wrong. He is ashamed and wishes to sincerely apologize (via Twitter).
Maister also reportedly attempted to reach out to Syrup and talk to him personally about the incident, but he declined. Some Twitter users hope that the bad winner’s behavior could motivate the 15-year-old to defeat Maister in their next encounter.
Better than a bad winner is one who doesn’t even realize he has won:
16-year-old wins e-sports tournament – Then simply walks off stage and everyone loves it
