Welcome to the 2021-2022 Smash 64 Power Rankings! This list was made by Andykins, box, Darkhorse, Dogs_Johnson, Dr. Sauce, Josh Brody, Pokehero, and Shihman based on North American tournaments played from June 1, 2021 to November 30, 2022. The rankings were first released on Twitter
Players who attended 2 qualified tournaments are eligible with the exception being if a player only attended Super Smash Con and they played 8 total sets there. Hidden Bosses and “Expansion Pak” are added to recognize players who are not eligible to be ranked or just missed out on ranking respectively.
List of qualified events:
Hidden Bosses
HB – (WA, USA) Dankey Kang [Kirby]
HB – (NC, USA) Livin La Fetus Loca [Kirby]
HB – (TX, USA) Nackle [Kirby]
HB – (FL, USA) SheerMadness [Yoshi]
HB – (AZ, USA) Sleepy Fox [Fox]
HB – (PA, USA) StevieG [Kirby, Samus]
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Expansion Pak
EP – (CA, USA) Blondekid [Pikachu]
EP – (NY, USA) Czar [Mario, Luigi]
EP – (MO, USA) Dr. Sauce [Kirby]
EP – (WI, USA) Isildur1 [Pikachu]
EP – (IL, USA) NewbTube [Pikachu]
EP – (MA, USA) The Yid [Yoshi]
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Main Rankings
#64 – (2012 Chevy Cruz, USA) Shears [Yoshi]
#63 – (Japan) Ranryoku [Jigglypuff]
#62 – (FL, USA) Marbles [Pikachu]
#61 – (CO, USA) Da Bear [Pikachu, Falcon]
#60 – (PA, USA) Miniohh! [Kirby]
#59 – (CA, USA) SOTO [Samus]
#58 – (NY, USA) waxy:joe [Jigglypuff]
#57 – (MD, USA) MasterHandJob [Pikachu]
#56 – (Chile) Afro [Pikachu, Kirby]
#55 – (CA, USA) Wookiee [Pikachu]
#54 – (UT, USA) K Ruel [Yoshi]
#53 – (MI, USA) EG [Captain Falcon]
#52 – (CT, USA) Killer [Kirby]
#51 – (CO, USA) Madrush [Captain Falcon]
#50 – (OH, USA) box [Kirby]
#49 – (WI, USA) OJ [Pikachu, Falcon]
#48 – (MD, USA) JPX [Yoshi, Pikachu, Falcon]
#47 – (FL, USA) antwon420 [Yoshi, Fox]
#46 – (BC, Canada) Crovy [Captain Falcon]
#45 – (NC, USA) lord narwhal [Fox, Luigi, Mario]
#44 – (UT, USA) Hunstman [Fox]
#43 – (AUS) Quincy [Pikachu]
#42 – (IL, USA) Combo Blaze [Captain Falcon, Link]
#41 – (TX, USA) Bo [Captain Falcon, Fox]
#40 – (MB, Canada) epad10 [Pikachu, Captain Falcon, Kirby]
#39 – (TX, USA) emptyW [Samus]
#38 – (FL, USA) Loto [Captain Falcon]
#37 – (CA, USA) Paco [Pikachu]
#36 – (ON, Canada) Janco [Yoshi]
#35 – (AZ, USA) Freean [Luigi]
#34 – (MI, USA) Andykins [Pikachu]
#33 – (NJ, USA) Wolf [Kirby]
#32 – (IN, USA) B33F [Pikachu]
#31 – (CT, USA) Spongy [Kirby]
#30 – (BC, Canada) KrisKringle [Pikachu, Captain Falcon, Ness)
#29 – (NY, USA) Raychu [Pikachu, Ness]
#28 – (TX, USA) tacos [Donkey Kong, Yoshi]
#27 – (TX, USA) CTG [Jigglypuff]
#26 – (CT, USA) Hotline [Yoshi]
#25 – (ON, Canada) Revan [Kirby]
#24 – (PE, Canada) Fray [Ness, Captain Falcon]
#23 – (Japan) Take [Yoshi]
#22 – (Mexico) FranK [Pikachu]
#21 – (TN, USA) baby caweb [Pikachu, Kirby]
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#20 – (VA, USA) Robert [Jigglypuff, Pikachu]
#19 – (PA, USA) Finio [Pikachu, Falcon]
#18 – (Peru) Joshi [Pikachu, Kirby]
#17 – (TX, USA) Zero [Captain Falcon, Kirby]
#16 – (NY, USA) Mercy [Fox, Yoshi]
#15 – (TX, USA) Wizzrobe [Yoshi]
#14 – (CA, USA) Hero Pie [Pikachu]
#13 – (IN, USA) Dogs_Johnson [Captain Falcon, Pikachu]
#12 – (CA, USA) Shihman [Captain Falcon, Yoshi]
#11 – (NY, USA) KeroKeroppi [Pikachu, Captain Falcon]
#10 – (NY, USA) Lowww [Pikachu, Fox, Captain Falcon]
What you might not know bout Lowww is that some years ago, he was just a spriteling who played Fox, known as… WhatTheFox. Eventually, he transformed, donning WarnWu for some time, before making his console debut as LowwwPower. Loww showed to the console scene that his Fox could contest with some of the best NA had to offer, along with a honed Falcon that he threw out on occasion. Now, we see that Lowww may have achieved something close to his final form, adding Pikachu to his repertoire. Lowww’s tenacity, adaptability, and smart reads proved to be a challenge for anyone who had to face him. His quick decisions and innate ability to factor in someone’s habits makes it hard to start something against him, and it makes it really easy to realize that he’s just taken your stock. Lowww is a well-rounded player, and that well -roundedness allows him to cover a variety of scenarios. The one we may find ourselves in is Lowwpower achieving perfection as L, which what you may be holding if you find yourself against him in bracket.
– goon
#9 – (Mexico) JaimeHR [Captain Falcon, Mario]
The man, the myth, the old-school legend clocks in at #9 on the rankings. The best Mexican player showcased his character diversity this season by proving that he can hang with some of the very best in the world with underused characters like Mario and Samus. Jaime has been playing super smash bros. competitively for almost two decades but he showed how much he had learned over the quarantine era in the ’21-’22 season. Using his uniquely evasive style, he gained wins over top players at SSC and Smashtoberfest against Josh himself, Robert, and tacos. Even more impressive was the fact that Jaime was the only person to take a set off of the SSC ’22 champion – Kurabba – doing so with his falcon, a feat that not even Superboomfan was able to pull off in his sets against the famous Japanese Yoshi. He did so despite self- destructing twice throughout the set (it was rumored that he whispered “it doesn’t hurt” after each SD). Outside of tournament play, Jaime has worked to hone and sharpen his cast, which led to Isai recently stating that he believes Jaime is close to defeating him in a 12- character battle, a feat that no one has yet to accomplish. If Jaime does manage to beat Isai we’ll all be anticipating the proper response: BEST!
– Dogs_Johnson
#8 [Japan] wario [Pikachu]
It takes a very particular skill set to be ranked #8 on the year. For many players, this would be a capstone achievement over a career. For Wario, most would agree that he underachieved. The days when Wario showcased how to properly pilot pikachu seem long gone, but there’s still a lot to learn from the best pika solo main to play the game. We still live in an era where he’s a threat to win any tournament he enters. The punishes are textbook, the recoveries on point, and the edgeguards are still everything you can ask for. Despite what some may view as a shocking loss to one of NA’s best in KD3, Wario put together one of the strongest losers runs we’ve seen this year. This included a close 3-2 win over Wizzrobe, and decisive 3-0 victories over Dogs_Johnson and Shihman before falling to his Peruvian rival, Alvin. The weight of expected excellence lay around Wario’s shoulders in a way few can relate, but that’s how it goes for one who has so consistently shown many what excellence in Smash 64 is.
– Andykins
#7 – (MD, USA) Josh Brody [Pikachu]
“Is Josh Brody falling off? After a nearly 2 year reign of not losing a tournament, Josh Brody placed 4th at Wise House Organized Regional Event, and 5th at Keystoned V in March of 2022.” – Wiseacre 2022 via Twitter
Some may argue that he may have began to fall on since Wiseacre’s legendary tweet, placing first at almost every event since Keystoned V with his only shortcomings being a 13th place finish at Super Smash Con and a 3rd place finish at Apex 2022 — two of the most competitive events of the year. Josh Brody’s ability to adapt is unmatched. As soon as you think you have him figured out, he subtly changes his playstyle and, if you’re unprepared, he will begin to crush you and can turn any game around at a moments notice. Pretty fitting that Josh Brody sits at the number #7 spot for the second ranking period in a row, as he is one of the most consistent players in all of Super Smash Bros. 64. Josh has the skill to compete with any player in the world and has proven that over many many years, but will he fall off in 2023? Only time will tell, but right now it seems he will remain perched up on the cliffside along side his signature naked Pikachu.
– Dr. Sauce
#6 – (PA, USA) KD3 [Captain Falcon, Jigglypuff, Pikachu]
KD3 became one of the North-East and North America’s best players this season, clocking in at #6 on the rankings. His steady rise to top-level play has helped propel him to the upper echelon culminating in the 64 player award’s Moment of the Year where he defeated wario at SSC 22. His particular increase between the ’21-’22 rankings and ’19 rankings earned him recognition in another category on the player awards, the runner-up spot for most improved player of the year. If that wasn’t enough he won a second award with his trusty teammate, Stevie G, for best teams for the year as well. This jack-of-all-trades sported his diverse cast using falcon, puff, pika, and the occasional Kirby to get several 2nd and 3rd placements at stacked tournaments, and eventually, a 1st place finish at Apex 2022 to cap off the season. Don’t dare to question his skill to him or his minions or else you’ll be barraged with a flurry of questions asking “any proof?”
– Dogs_Johnson
#5 – (Japan) Prince [Yoshi]
There are not many chances for Japan to travel to compete to the United States, but every time they do they REALLY show up and continue to show us that their region is one of the best in the world. Prince made the most of his annual trip to Super Smash Con by scoring a personal best 5th place at the highly coveted tournament, previously placing 9th every year since 2016. Prince is most known for his flashy combos and creativity at the widely popular Combo Contest at SSC and he did not disappoint in 2022. After his final combo during the contest, the entire venue at SSC were on their feet cheering as Prince was crowned the Combo Contest champion for the fourth time, all while the commentators exclaimed “That was the sickest combo I’ve ever seen!”. His experience in training mode makes him a very scary player to play against because even in the most niche scenarios he knows how to convert them into kills with his red Yoshi. Prince showed a notable improvement in competitive play from last ranking season, marked by his impressive decision making and ability to keep cool during tense, high-pressure moments and we look forward to seeing what more the Combo King has to offer.
– Dr. Sauce
#4 – (Peru) Alvin [Pikachu, Falcon, Yoshi]
Alvin was introduced to the greater scene as a fox main more than 11 years ago when Isai visited Peru. A legend of the game, Alvin is considered one of if not the strongest Falcon and Pika dual mains of all time. In his one tournament of 2022, SSC, he had one more weapon added to his repertoire, Yoshi. The newly formed Peruvian trimain stormed through his stacked D1 pool the tournament, going undefeated in sets. Alvin’s highest note of the tournament was a 3-0 victory over Wario, becoming the first player outside of Japan to have multiple set wins over him. As one of the greatest players to ever pick up the sticks, there are just two achievements that elude the Peruvian powerhouse; #1 on the power rankings, and a 1st place finish at Super Smash Con. With his skill and strength vs the field, it feels like it’s just a matter of time before he achieves those goals.
– Andykins
#3 – (Chile) Nax [Pikachu, Kirby]
When Nax first made a name for himself in the 64 scene, it was at the expense of a miraculous game 3 comeback into a reverse 3-0 by Isai at Inkafest in 2019. Since that time Nax has improved from that already impressive level to one that has him vying for best in the world. His deep cast, combo proficiency and oppressive tech chasing give him an edge against almost anyone he sits next to. At Super Smash Con 2022, Nax claimed wins over Alvin, JaimeHR, KD3, and Wizzrobe leading him into a position to rectify his famous loss when he was faced off with Isai in Losers Finals. This time around there would be no denying his victory. Having vanquished Isai and solidifying his spot in grand finals, Nax now faced a new obstacle in his path, Kurabba. While the Yoshi proved to be too much, if his history with Isai showed us anything, it’s that Nax will be ready to take on this new challenge.
– Box
#2 – (CA, USA) Isai [Kirby, Pikachu, Yoshi, Mario, Puff]
Whispers reverberated through the smash community as a whole has only answered to one name in particular: Isai; the mythical figure in not only 64 but also Melee. “Isai is too good”, “Don’t get hit”, you’ve heard it all before. Back in the day Isai was the premium achievement in 64, and often recited as being beyond the curve of his fellow players. Isai was uploading videos as early as 2005 5-stocking renowned players in camcorder quality on Hyrule, and here in 2023 he is still proving his legendary status as a top player. Isai has been apart this game’s timeline in every corner of it. His notoriety of sandbagging with lower tiers, however, is nowhere to be seen. Isai went try-hard this year, and showed that time has no factor for his ability to play and compete. It could be argued that this version of Isai is the strongest it’s ever been; winning a major in Keystoned and placing 3rd at the SSC supermajor against the best competition in the world. Isai being floated to D1 is expected due to his caliber of play. This can also be said about his results as he swept his D1 pool with relative ease. He then performed in Top 8 with wins against the likes of Alvin, Prince, and KeroKeroppi. The only figure(s) who stood in his way was a white-hot Nax and a particular dominant Yoshi by the name of Kurabba. I have no doubts that the legend will continue.
– goon
#1 – (Japan) Kurabba [Yoshi]
Kurabba’s rise to the top was not subtle. The Red Dragon from the east has swooped down from his home to show what Yoshi is capable of, while reminding us all that Japan remains the top region in Super Smash Bros. 64. His dedication to his character shows in his aptitude to make sure that your options remain to be limited, and that his punishes lead into your stock being taken. It’s a war of attrition: he either opens you up entirely or has you fighting for scraps with his calculated neutral. It could be said that Kurabba’s rise could be related to the communities newfound discussion in Yoshi’s placing on the tier list, some even saying that Yoshi may even be BETTER than Captain Falcon. Kurabba has proven that hard work does pay off, and has recited that he has spent up to 40+ hours a week playing this game. Trying to improve, trying to figure out the next best solution, just perpetually involved with the game in a way that cannot be denied, and should be feared by everyone. We often look at SSC is a king looking to ascend to the throne as the best player, but yet what we found this year is that Kurabba’s reign may last for a long time.
– goon