PPMD: “The success the community has waited years and years for has finally come”

Earlier today Evil Geniuses announced the signing of Apex 2014 Super Smash Melee champion Kevin 'PPMD' Nanney to the team.

onGamers sat down with Nanney for a Q&A on what this sponsorship means to him, the current Melee meta, how this will affect the Smash Bros. community as a whole.

onGamers: Congrats on signing to Evil Geniuses. How does it feel to become Apex champion and now a sponsored player in such a short period of time?

Kevin 'PPMD' Nanney: Well, it feels wonderful! I cannot express how excited I am to become part of such an influential company. The opportunity to represent Smash (Melee), myself, and the community is huge here. I hope to not only represent my roots but also give my everything to a company who thrives on the success of its many talented players.

Did you ever think you would get to the point of joining a major esports organization such as Evil Geniuses?

If you asked me that a year ago, I would have said it sounds far too good to be true. 'EG? You mean the guys who sponsor the players I watch on stream for fun? Why would they want a smaller group with them?' Is about what I would have said.

However, with Melee's growth and EG's investment in the future and talent, it looks like my performance at Apex 2014 came at the perfect time for a beautiful merge between strong forces. I can't believe it's here, but I will do everything I can to make sure it stays!

How did this all come about?

It has been a long time coming in a way. Melee's huge growth from the EVO drive and the documentary propelled all of us, myself included into the spotlight for the first time in so so long. Though there was much good play around that time, it seems I caught their talent-searching eye at Apex 2014 in the way that I won the tournament.

While EG deliberated on making me an offer, I was approached by other sponsors and nearly signed with one. However, EG really made me feel welcomed and a part of a seriously improving crew on all levels. I couldn't say no to their helpful staff and prestige. They were certainly a cut above the rest, and I'm glad they feel that way about me too.

Do you think with you signing to Evil Geniuses, Mang0 signing to Cloud 9, Ken and KDJ with Team Liquid, this is a new era for Smash players and esports?

No question! Smash has never seen sponsors of any kind until very recently. The fact that we are getting big enough to receive more notoriety from huge companies means that the success the community has waited years and years for has finally come.

I am proud of all of the hugely sponsored players and am excited to see more exposure and money come into the game, while esports itself will likely benefit from the raw enthusiasm and competitive spirit that characterizes so much of our community. This can only bring great things!

Do you feel more pressure now that you're signed to a major team?

I did feel some big pressure at first. Just like a big tournament match or another big challenge in my life, it can seem to be a problem. However, I always enjoy the big challenges. It motivates me to do my best. EG could not have given me bigger incentive to do my best than by allowing me to represent them!

Do you think there will be increased competition now that several players have been picked up by esports teams?

Increased competition will come now that people see the money and excitement in the game. The lag time will force some people to take time to catch up, but in a year or so there will be a lot of extremely interesting shakeups in the talent and I am very excited to see that happen!

Do you feel there will be any increased rivalry between top players now that teams are involved?

I don't think so. I think all of the top players want to destroy one another completely as it is haha. However, with the backing of the big name companies I definitely think they will be much more inclined to give it their all in more ways since the companies make it much easier for the players to compete.

How do you see yourself stack up against the other top Smash players right now?

Well I think I've always been considered one of the top players. It was just no one thought I could be the best or win anything until January. I think I will do very well against my competition now just like I did in January. I am really excited to show what I can really do even when everyone is in full practice.

Do you want teammates?

Well, I would be okay with having some teammates. I would be pretty excited to feel like myself and others are taking down a tournament together. I also enjoy supporting the company on my own and feeling like they largely trust me to represent them well haha. Whatever they decide would be very fine with me.

What do you think about your chances at MLG Anaheim and EVO 2014?

I feel very good about all of those events! I am very certain of my ability to win any and all of them. It will be up to how much I want it and how much my opponents want it to decide whether or not I take many of the titles home though. I plan on practicing very hard to give myself the best shot at competing well.

Do you think you deserve to be invited to the E3 Smash 4 Invitational?

I think I would do a very good job representing Smash at E3. I feel I am personable and skillful, which can only cast the community in a good light. If I am not picked I am still very happy Nintendo is warming to the idea of competitive play, and that is something I think is more valuable to take away from this scenario.

What do you think about the current metagame of Melee?

The current metagame of Melee is really cool. I think we are actually becoming much closer to acting like a fighting game in the time period where fighting games seem to be getting massive. Fundamental play combined with efficient speed and execution are becoming more and more expressed at our top level. It is exciting to watch and it is easy to appreciate for a new fan or old time viewer in my opinion.

What are your expectations of Smash 4?

I am pretty uncertain about Smash 4. It has held some exciting but also disappointing news. I am cautious when approaching it as a competitive game but I think it can only be a great thing in terms of community growth. I certainly look forward to testing it out when it comes out, can't even lie about that haha. It's been 6 years since we had a new smash game and everyone is ready to see something new and interesting.

Any Closing words?

To my fans, you are all wonderful and I promise to work very hard to continue to inspire and entertain you! Your faith has not been misplaced.

Image Credit: Kara Leung