The same day as he was revealed as the top ranked player in the Panda Global rankings, Gonzalo “ZeRo” Barrios announced he would no longer be competing in Super Smash Bros. For Wii U... for now.
In a letter posted on Barrios’ Twitter, the number-one player in Smash 4 said he has lost his passion for the game. “I just don’t have that ‘fire’ that I used to have for Smash 4,’” wrote Barrios.
At just 22 years old, Barrios has dominated the Smash 4 scene. His stats alone tell you: a 78-percent win rate against opponents ranked in the top 50. He took first in every version of Panda Global’s well-recognized Smash 4 rankings.
Barrios said he will not be retiring forever. He anticipates wanting to return to Smash Bros. in the future, likely when a new iteration is released—like, say, a Smash for Switch. He will still stream and make YouTube videos as well, and he said he might be interested in potentially guest commentating or making appearances. “It’s strictly competing,” wrote Barrios. “Like in highly stressful tournaments and super competitive rankings that I’m moving away from.”
For now? Barrios has a few ideas: Writing a book, learning a third language, taking better care of himself. For so many wins and trophies, he’s earned a little respite.