Super Smash Bros. Melee pro Juan ‘Hungrybox’ DeBiedma has announced the first $1,000 Smash weekly in 2026.
Arcade Time Knockout (ATKO) is a new local Smash tournament series in Orlando, Florida organised by Hungrybox and Arcade Time USA.
Super Smash Bros. has been struggling the last few years. Many fighting game events have dropped Melee and Ultimate in 2026 due to Nintendo’s delay in granting a license to tournament organisers.
Amidst the ongoing struggle to keep Smash alive, Melee veteran Hungrybox has announced a massive weekly tournament aimed at reviving the passion and dedication of the Smash scene. The Team Liquid co-owner has been continuously supporting Smash esports by offering online tournaments and pop-up events due to the scene’s lack of funding. Now, he’s teaming up to bring a lucrative Smash local to Orlando, his hometown.
Arcade Time Knockout Will Be Biggest Smash Local Series Ever
Smash locals are weekly events held in cities around the world that are meant to help foster a competitive community. Players can compete against others in their area in hopes of winning small prizes and improving. Those who become local legends will often go on to compete at larger tournaments against pros from around the world.
Arcade Time Knockout will be the largest Smash local in history, offering $1,000 each week. There will be a $10 entry fee that includes competing, friendlies, and a full arcade. The venue is 24 hours, providing gamers with themed food and a bar.
ATKO will be just Ultimate the first week, including pro and amateur brackets. It will expand to Melee if all goes well, according to Hungrybox.
“This is the biggest and newest venue for the best fighting game tournaments in the world,” Hungrybox stated on X. “In my 20 years of being a pro gamer, this is easily the best weekly venue I’ve been to.”
The Smash community is excited by the news, even those who don’t live in Orlando. Seeing a local scene get so much money and support is inspiring during a time when Smash is struggling to stay alive. Even without Nintendo’s support, the passionate Smash community refuses to let the scenes die.
