Abdulaziz “Hax$” Al-Yami, one of Super Smash Bros. Melee‘s most influential players and innovators, has died at age 30. According to reports, the former top competitor passed away due to an infection related to a previous leg amputation.
The amputation stemmed from injuries Hax$ sustained during a past suicide attempt when he jumped in front of a train. Throughout his life, he battled severe depression, bipolar disorder, addiction, and insomnia.
Despite these struggles, Hax$ made an indelible mark on Melee. Once ranked sixth globally during the “5 gods” era, he became famous for his technical Fox gameplay that pushed the character’s possibilities to new heights. Many of his techniques remain standard among top players today.
When Hax$ lost cartilage in his thumb from years of competitive play, he refused to quit. Instead, he developed the “B0XX” controller, a revolutionary device that allowed him and others with similar physical limitations to continue competing at high levels.
His passion extended beyond gameplay. Hax$ worked on the “20XX” modification that enhanced Melee‘s competitive features, which the community widely adopted. He created terms and techniques that became fundamental to how players understand the game.
In recent years, Hax$ faced controversy and was banned from competitive events following harassment incidents related to community disputes. Despite this, many still viewed him as a legend whose contributions to Melee were unmatched.
