PATRICK “Kkura” Pagdato reigned supreme on Saturday as he successfully defended his Super Smash Bros. Ultimate title, defeating his teammate Ariel “Ulelira” Lapuz in a grand finals reset during the Pacific 1Up Tournament, hosted by the Northern Marianas Esports Federation at Marvz Kitchen at Saipan Vegas.
This time around, competition was much tougher, especially within the top eight. Pagdato, flawless throughout the preliminaries, suffered his first loss of the night against Lapuz, 3-2, in the winner’s final match and was sent to the loser’s bracket, setting up a rematch in the grand finals.
The grand finals tested the limits of both players. In a best-of-five matchup, Pagdato’s Banjo & Kazooie and Lapuz’s Ness went all out, with Lapuz taking a 2-1 lead. Pagdato stayed calm, using well-timed blocks and punishes to pull off a major comeback, winning 3-2 and forcing a grand finals reset. In the reset, Pagdato countered Lapuz’s strategies and won three consecutive games, 3-0, to successfully defend his title.
“My secret for back-to-back success is to have fun. At the end of the day, this is a game I’ve put time and effort into. This tournament shows who can reach the top or who is the better player. I’m here to showcase my abilities and let everyone know this is my stage,” said Pagdato in an interview with Variety.
It was the NMEF’s first-ever tournament, attracting 37 participants — seven from Tinian —to battle in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
“Players from Tinian are really something else, and I always look forward to competing against them on stage. Hopefully, more players from different islands will showcase their skills here in Saipan,” Pagdato said.
He dedicates his win to players hesitant to join tournaments due to inexperience or early elimination. “We’re here to have fun and build a bigger community. I know some players are hesitant — shoot me a message and we’ll run some sets,” he added.
Tinian’s presence was strong, with seven players participating. Sixteen-year-old Andre Rotor said, “I love the community here. This is the biggest tournament I’ve ever competed in. People here are so cool. Shoutout to the people of Tinian — we play almost every day, and thanks to the NMEF for hosting this event.” Rotor chose Luigi as his character.
Patrick “Kkura” Pagdato and Ariel “Ulelira” Lapuz battle it out in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate grand finals of the Pacific 1Up Tournament hosted by the Northern Marianas Esports Federation at Marvz Kitchen at Saipan Vegas on Saturday.
The top eight players pose for a group photo.
Players from Tinian pose for a group photo.
The Northern Marianas Esports Federation livestreams the event.
