The Golden Guardians have signed Kris “Toph” Aldenderfer, Kevin “PPMD” Nanney and Edgar “n0ne” Sheleby to their Super Smash Bros. Melee roster.
These players joined Zain “Zain” Naghmi, who became part of the Golden Guardians last year.
Toph, PPMD and n0ne join the Golden Guardians
Toph is known for his work as a Super Smash Bros. Melee commentator. He provided insights at events like Apex 2015, EVO 2018 and GENESIS 5. In 2019, he achieved rank 16 on the NorCal Power Rankings.
Alongside him is PPMD, who took home the gold at Apex 2015 using Marth and Falco. That same year, he was sixth place in terms of the SSBMRank standings. As for n0ne, he is currently ranked 15th globally.
These players were announced during the Golden Guardians Direct event on April 2.
GG support local tournaments
Along with the addition of these Super Smash Bros. Melee players, the Golden Guardians are expanding their esports outreach efforts. The new Golden Guardians Smash Grassroots Fund involves committing $50,000 to grassroots tournament organizers.
This fund has the goal of helping Super Smash Bros. Melee tournament organizers across the United States.
“Over the past year we’ve immersed ourselves in Smash’s grassroots community and are eager to continue to be an additive in the scene,” Hunter Leigh, the head of Golden State Warriors Esports, said. The Golden Guardians are an esports affiliate of the professional basketball team.
Leigh added how growing the Super Smash Bros. Melee scene requires investments in its existing foundation. The fund will provide local esports fans the financial support required for growth.
The Golden Guardians also plans to host an additional event called “The Octagon” this summer. Last year, The Octagon involved a showcase of Zain duking it out with Joseph “Mang0” Marquez.
Welcome to Zain's Domain, The Octagon – a one-night showcase of Melee's heavyweights!🥊🏆
The main event is @ZainNaghmi vs @C9Mang0 for $1000. You don't want to miss this.
🗓️ Saturday, June 20, 2020
⏰ 5PM PT/ 8PM ET
📺 https:/www.twitch.tv/goldenguardians pic.twitter.com/AnM1csJkAb— Golden Guardians (@GoldenGuardians) June 5, 2020
More information about The Octagon tournament series will be rolling out in the coming weeks.
