Cloud9 terminates 11-year partnership with Mang0 after inappropriate behavior at Ludwig’s event

One of the Five Gods of Melee air humped his way out of a decade-long sponsorship deal.
Riley Fox
(Image via Cloud9, ExtraEmily on Twitch)
TL;DR
  • Mang0 was dropped by Cloud9 after making sexual gestures toward female streamers during Ludwig's livestreamed event.
  • The termination ends an 11-year partnership between Cloud9 and one of Smash Bros Melee's biggest stars.
  • Tournament bans may follow as the gaming community enforces stricter standards for professional conduct.

Super Smash Bros. Melee legend Joseph “Mang0” Marquez has been released from Cloud9 following inappropriate behavior during a livestreamed event hosted by Ludwig Ahgren. The organization ended their partnership with the pro player after he was seen on camera air-humping Maya Higa, and harassing other female streamers while visibly intoxicated.

During the event, Mang0 engaged in multiple instances of unwanted physical interaction, grabbing streamer ExtraEmily’s hair before Ludwig intervened. The behavior was broadcast live to thousands of viewers, with clips quickly spreading across social media platforms.

Cloud9 acted quickly, dropping Mang0 with a public statement stressing that they have zero tolerance for actions that bring negative attention to their brand or make others uncomfortable. Their decision closes what had been one of the longest-running player-organization partnerships in esports, dating back to 2014.

Mang0 has acknowledged what happened on social media, saying he’s sorry for his actions. This isn’t the first time Mang0’s had issues with alcohol, but it’s the first time it has cost him this much professionally.

On top of losing his Cloud9 sponsorship, Mang0 will probably also find himself barred from upcoming Super Smash Bros. tournaments. Tournament organizers haven’t said anything official yet, but the Smash community has started enforcing stricter rules for how pros act.

Related
Mang0 banned from future Ludwig events after drunken sexual harassment

What happened shows that gaming and streaming scenes still have trouble dealing with alcohol at public events. The Smash community, in particular, has dealt with player issues before, which has led to more eyes on how players act—not just at tournaments, but anytime they’re in public.

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