Key Takeaways:
- Fans can nominate players for the 2025 Nounsvitational until July 14.
- Two community-voted players will join top-tier Melee pros in Tokyo, Japan.
- The removal of Mang0 opens an extra Vote-In slot and ensures Cody Schwab’s participation.
The Nounsvitational has officially launched its 2025 community Vote-In, giving Super Smash Bros. Melee fans the power to decide who joins the elite roster of pros traveling to Tokyo this December. It marks the return of a major Melee event to Japan after over two decades.
Community Nominations Open Through July 14
The first phase of the Vote-In kicked off on July 1 and runs through July 14, allowing anyone to nominate themselves or others by submitting a proposal. Entrants must explain why they deserve a spot, detailing their background, past tournament results, and why the community should support them.
From these nominations, 24 candidates will advance to the final voting round starting July 15. Ultimately, two players will be selected by popular vote to compete at the Nounsvitational from December 1–8, with travel and lodging fully covered by Nouns Esports.
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Stacked Invite List and New Open Slots
This year’s Nounsvitational features a stacked lineup of invited Melee legends, including Zain, Cody Schwab, Moky, Jmook, aMSa, Hungrybox, and Aklo. One additional spot is reserved for a soon-to-be-announced Nouns-hosted event winner, while another will go to the Last Chance Qualifier winner in Japan.
A third Vote-In slot has been added following Joseph ‘Mang0’ Marquez’s disqualification from the event due to past misconduct. His removal also clears the way for Cody Schwab, who had vowed not to attend if Mang0 participated.
Japan Hosts First Major Melee Event in Over 20 Years
The 2025 edition of the Nounsvitational marks a historic return to Japan for high-level Melee. It follows last year’s successful Brooklyn event, where Jmook, Zain, Moky, Aklo, and Joshman made the Top 5. In 2024, Michael ‘Angel’ Annese and Joshua ‘Joshman’ Lyras were selected through the Vote-In, demonstrating how this process can catapult underrepresented players onto the global stage.
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