I'm Retiring

[@SsbmGinger]

The image on the thumbnail was taken the very first time I played Melee. I'm so glad my parents thought to capture such a life changing moment for me. Thank you all for watching

[@bffavel]

That's so cool to have a photo like that. Crazy foreshadowing. Can't wait to see more videos from your channel! Melee was the first game I ever played and there's a good chance it'll be my last

[@nancyduhalde4679]

What a beautiful transparent video, Ginger…. Wishing you all the best in the future and expecting great things for you going forward. Bittersweet reaching such a crossroads in life, but turning the page to a new chapter with different things having the space now to grow including your relationship is simply a wonderful thing. God bless you!

[@Applesgosh]

That's cool af 🔥

[@ajeuscher7988]

Love you Avery, good luck with real life. Will always remember the BBQ battle zone days

[@avantchop]

🥺🥺🥺

[@TheRealMew2king]

Sad to see you go but glad you're in a good relationship. Analysis/watch parties/content/streaming/coaching is a good route imo (it's what i do now) so doing that can be good. Hope you end up happy 🐱

[@newchallengers9420]

Go overseas bro. Come visit me, I moved to D.R. n got married 🌴 (that invitation's open to any melee bro who wants to go to the beach / Caribbean Island btw too, I host a lot), I don't get enough maylay down here, but got a big condo with extra rooms, and they love westerners / western culture here 💖😅 I'm a dope wingman 😅, know all the spots. Really wanna see you get a relationship too m2k. Ask James how his trip went 🥰💫👩 👩 I made those melee mods for u too a while back remember

[@yungplague5534]

Bro called him a pussy at the end of it all 😂 madman

[@woogus829]

m2k don't bring up the fact that you're single and desperate challenge (impossible)

[@RarePupper]

“Don’t chase butterflies, plant a garden and the butterflies will come; if they do not, you will still have a garden.”

[@Koofoo78]

Ignore that reply "dont bring up the fact that you're single challenge" you're a great guy

[@Luminosity]

Nothing but love

[@anthonyloia2589]

The melee gods always take blue falcos from us too soon.

[@jordanlesson4893]

Fucking Armada

[@BreakfastKids]

20+ years = too soon 😂

[@snared_]

Falco _is_ blue bro.

[@pokepines2516]

Doesn't change the fact

[@winstonian3]

Dammit I wish the economy could support a top player like ginger to play melee full time but given the circumstances totally understandable decision. Good luck with the future bro

[@benjaminmitchell4218]

Hey, Avery. Six years ago I did the same thing. I was no where near as good as you, but I was engaged to the love of my life and I needed to start spending my time on something that could provide a stable amount of income to support my new family instead of competing in melee. I took that same work ethic to school and then to jobs after. I started a great career and now, after six years, I make great money and have a lot of extra time on my hands due to my flexible career. Because of this, I decided to start pursuing melee again. I know it's hard, but I think you're making the right call. There are many incredibly difficult and incredibly rewarding things to pursue in life, but not all of those things provide for a family. A family will make you happier in the end. Try not to think of it as giving up on your dreams, just think of it as reprioritizing for the time being. Nothing is stopping you from coming back at a later date and trying again.

[@KevDaPirate]

Great post hella real talk

[@guitar2935]

Great advice. That's awesome that you picked up melee again now that you're in a more stable position. Slippi has been a godsend for easing back into the game

[@ghiidra__]

nice bro what do you do

[@aunaprendo9957]

I've been out of the community for probably the last 5-6 years, but this video just popped up in my feed and hit me in the feels. Avery, I've always thought you were a really smart, empathetic, hard working dude and a really great melee player. I, and many others, are undoubtedly going to miss seeing you in those tournaments... but I'm happy for you and totally stand by your choice, whatever you ultimately decide to do. it seems like you're following your heart and that's what really matters. Much love

[@juanj3351]

Some birds just gotta leave the nest and forge their own lives

[@ganglyman22]

GGs Ginger! Thanks for being a part of the community! Also, that's a sweet CRT computer you got there too

[@ssbMekk]

Big feels w paper Mario song God bless you and good luck in your journey ahead

[@dc3533]

Mind if I ask what's the name of the soundtrack?

[@Rez_97]

@@dc3533 shooting star summit

[@jetzine00]

Thanks for being an inspiration to a whole generation of birds. I’ll still be watching and learning.

[@Rh1thmz]

Was just about to show this to Elliot - he had already shared it with me before I got out of work. We were just talking about you. Crazy how fast time flies. I still remember the days at Dalton Center, and driving you to the smashfests at Blake's house. And the Kzoo vs Holland rivalry. It's been almost a decade since then - isn't that insane? Hope you're doing well man, and that you're finding solace in your new journey, even if just one step at a time. It was very weird being out of the scene at first, but life has a way of presenting new opportunities to those who approach with the right seeking spirit, work hard, and are resourceful. Not even remotely worried about any of those three with you man. Simply the closing of one chapter, and the start of a new and better one. I know you're going to be quite involved in the scene still in your own way. It's absolutely crazy how far you've taken your growth. It's been a treat to watch and study top level melee through such familiar eyes, and we're proud of your accomplishments. Wishing the best for you, and that you quickly find what you are seeking. Love this picture. Much deeper smash history than most realize. The real ones know Cody, the man on the right. ;) Up and onward!

[@thebuzz567]

I know I'm just a random in a sea of comments, but you're gonna be missed. Absolute legend of the game and no one will ever take that away. All of the love! Enjoy your retirement

[@ziggensgames]

Ggs Ginger you whooped my ass in that coinbox you won a few months back, but I was so happy I lost to the champ lol! Thanks again for keeping the game alive

[@extracheese8059]

many years ago i looked at the facts and thought, damn, i love this game, but making it a primary focus of my life would most likely lead to disappointment and frustration. a lot of great players try their best and like you said only 1 can walk away the winner in every tournament, leaving potentially thousands of talented people feeling like they failed. that's just how the system is set up. even look at the #1 players, pretty much every single one of them eventually lost #1 and spent years trying to regain it. it's never enough, it's a bottomless hole, nobody ever truly wins. there's so much more to life. there's so many other hobbies and pursuits and destinies that aren't by nature set up to have only 1 winner and thousands of so-called losers. you're doing the smart thing and you have so so so much time ahead, don't look back.

[@Pleasantries]

wishing you the best man you rule!!!!

[@strides777]

You're awesome man. Thank you for all of the years of entertainment and good luck with your life outside of competitive!

[@decent-videos]

As sad as I am to hear that my favorite Falco player won’t be attending big tournaments anymore, I am very happy for you that you are making a decision that is right for your life goals. And hey, I might hit you up for some of those lessons as well 😊

[@nicknelsen6897]

Jesus, man..... I'm sorry it didn't work out. I'm still a big fan either way, and hope you get to enjoy the next chapter of your life! May you find love and joy in this new adventure you're embarking on.

[@nhedd0s839]

I am a casual Melee enjoyer and this video reminded me of the sadness and frustration I felt when I dropped a game I spent thousands of hours on. I tried so hard to break skill barriers and I slowly got better, but the amount of time spent invested was just not worth it. When you come to that realization and accept that you'll never be the best it sucks so much. Especially when it's something you love so much. I don't regret finding other hobbies, since it brought more balance to my life, but I do REALLY miss the competitiveness of it all... At the end of the day, at least you can say you gave it your best shot. I am very grateful for those memories and off to find new ventures. Good luck to your future as well.

[@Olliertlol]

I'm not a huge melee fanatic but you were always my favorite player ever since I watched your analysis vids on youtube. I found them super insightful and gave me a lot of good ideas for how to analyse my/other's games in League. I don't know how much demand there is for those type of videos but it would be sick if you could keep doing high-level analytical content.

[@bingsville5159]

You will be missed, ginger. Even if this is the end, you've inspired and helped form the meta for a new generation of falco players and your mark on the game will always be felt. Best of luck to you in the future.

[@jamman492]

Long time lurker. Community loves you Ginger, hope the best for you

[@ColdFridge1]

You will always be one of the Falco goats. It's sad to see you move on, but I'm happy it's for the right reasons. Best of luck Ginger you've always been an inspiration for birds everywhere ❤

[@matthewsommerfield7681]

Rest in Powershields big bird. Have a phantasmic retirement. You don't have to double laser focus anymore. Grab life and do what you want. Shine on you crazy diamond. 🐦

[@MrSlowpez10]

Been a big fan for so long. Such a shame I didn't take the opportunity to introduce myself when I saw you at Smash World Tour like two years ago. Learned a lot about Melee from you. You've been a huge part of why I've gotten to the level I'm currently at. Hope to see you stream from time to time! Have had a blast just hopping in and getting some games in

[@myb5558]

I hope you win collision dude. Love you. God's good

[@chose-wv9kr]

Thanks for everything ! You were certainly the falco player who inspired me the most, and your educational content is a gold mine like no other for thousands of us. Best of luck in your future endeavors, hope life has wonderful things in store for you. Hope good things will happen at Collision as well for a fitting goodbye ! As for the modest, unpolished french falco that I am, gonna keep rocking the gingerfan tag on unranked in your honor !

[@winkyhc]

love you ginger, always will be the coolest dude behind the sticks

[@stephensterling1874]

You're the GOAT Ginger. I'm so grateful to have been able to watch your vods for the last few years, it changed the way I saw the game and I feel like I wouldn't be able to love the game the way I do now without your unique perspective. I always rooted for you in tournament and I look forward to rooting for you for your last tournament. Thank you so much Ginger, I wish you the best of luck

[@blewfargs]

Oh you'll do great wherever ya put your energy, good luck!

[@josephjohnson2469]

thanks for all the tournament runs brother it was a pleasure to see you compete and i wish you the best in all your future endeavors!

[@lakessbm]

Hope u come back for another ranking season one day but respect either way! Best of luck, looking forward to the utube content

[@t8kuoutt]

Your life is more than just going to tournaments my friend.

[@zekebanda1624]

Funny, i stopped really playing a few years ago, got married and now have a 4 month old daughter and for some reason started to boot up slippi last week and to get back into the grove, I pulled up some Ginger educational content All love and God bless man!

[@humanperson001]

Take care of yourself! I hope good things for your future! Thanks for all the fun times and bluebird lessons learned along the way!

[@RandomOaT]

Greetings from the UK! It’s been an absolute joy watching you play and talk about the game for all these years. You have left your mark and you should be very proud of everything that you have accomplished. The UK scene loves you ❤️

[@lsh6108]

Damn. Always thought u caught way too much flac from the community and loved ur content and falco! U helped me a lot when I was trying to get good and I am also retired now, so I wish u the best in whats next! You put a lot of yourself into what you do so whatever is next will be a banger :)

[@shinyt9003]

love you man, do what's best for you, love your falco it was an inspiration for sure

[@jordanperez6528]

Wish you all the best , top 3 bird of all time, one of the most meaningful contributors to the scene you will always have our love and respect!!!

[@MyYoutubeHandIe]

Not a clue who you are but wish you nothing but the best, man.

[@pillman12]

Yeah very few can build a family and future off melee which is a shame but it is what it is. I think you're going to find success in whatever you pursue for your future just like you have in our favorite game. Thanks for keeping it real.

[@dangfxn771]

Im a rando fan but i still remember your epic summit campaign and it made me so happy when you got in. I think both times you got in shows how MUCH THIS COMMUNITY loves and appreciates you. huge fan youre a legend man!

[@pkuo23]

You're an inspiration bro! I've been a casual fan of melee, but you always stood out to me. Your approach to learning, growth, and even self talk was always striking and set you apart from other players. I was hyped af when you first beat Hbox and watching friendlies between you and KJH was like watching two mad scientists at work 😄 thank you for all the hype moments and honest inspiration. Wishing the best for you

[@Prbasss]

Hey ginger you've always been my inspiration, ive never got a sub for anyone else on twitch besides you since you always helped me out as a falco. I always tried to look at u whenever i couldnt figure out a positition and theres not a single player that has caught my attention more than u have. Thanks for everything and i will always be hanging about in your stream or looking at future youtube videos from you

[@tooSocktastic]

You've always been one of my favorite players to watch and in that endeavor, or new ones, I wish you the best of luck. Thank you for all that you have done for, within, and because of this community Ginger.

[@ftmfw07]

thank you ginger. i really appreciate everything you've done for the community

[@scottjolteon9033]

It's been an amazing journey so far, watching you evolve and learning from you, both as a melee player and as a human. And though you are reorienting your path I believe the rest of that journey will be just as amazing! You have to do what feels right for you and one can only respect and admire that See you soon champ ❤

[@UltimateGin]

Always enjoyed your approach to the game, have a good one.

[@dahuterschuter]

Thanks for all the Falco instructionals lad!

[@ursamajor4684]

can't believe i got double 4-stocked by you at one of your last tournaments 😭ggs, best of luck to you man

[@fernandovillagomez6382]

ily ginger!! best of luck you will be missed

[@wettuna1769]

wow i was not expecting to get so emotional by the end of this video. The fact that you have gotten more hate sent to you by faceless losers online than anyone else (alongside maybe hbox) and you can still say you love the smash community says a lot. I just hope whatever happens u are happy cuz u deserve it man I should not have watched this after having a few beers cuz I am honestly holding back tears rn just do whatever makes u happy man we would all luv to see u come back and we would also luv if u were just happy living life outside of smash and doing well. Thank you for putting yourself out there

[@MegaLuc3]

Thanks for playing some sick melee with us all, hope you have good things coming to you in the future

[@Alph4Falc0]

Thank you for talking to me at smash con in 2022, you’re a really nice dude and getting to talk to you about the game and falco just really made my experience at that tournament so much better. I wish you the best but I will always support you.

[@SkeletorOmega2]

Love ya big dog. Glad you'll still be online and posting gas

[@johntheory2530]

Thank you for all the wonderful videos, you truly are a gift to the community ❤

[@ExiledOne]

You’ve left your mark in melee history my friend, all journeys come to an end, but it’s that name that lives on in all of our memories.

[@kizzagaming6523]

Ah Ginge :( The melee road is damn hard if you're a high level competitor, I don't know how anyone does it. You've been my favourite player for a long time and always felt like you were on the precipice of a breakthrough to be the best in the world, I've learned more from asking you questions and your educational videos than in the last 5 years alone, even just dealing with simple Sheik back throw at the ledge unlocked infinite things for me in general about the game. You've been a huge help and it breaks my heart to see you go, BUT, I am looking forward to educational content and coaching again. We love ya mate and appreciate everything you've done for us and watching you compete.

[@BFLATINUM]

Thank you, Ginger! Appreciate what you brought to the table always 🫡

[@alexipeters3687]

Always been my fav to watch, learn from, and cheer for. Excited for your future! -App❤🫡

[@Emperorerror]

Hey Ginger. I've been a huge fan over the years and I've always loved watching you compete. I trust you're making the right decision for you, but of course, I'll miss watching you! You've been a major inspiration to me throughout my time playing. Good luck with everything going forward. Thank you! I'll try to say hi at Collision. I'm very much looking forward to upcoming KZbin content, etc. A major reason I've always been a big fan is that you're such a good and enthusiastic educator who aligns with the way I think about the game. Once again, good luck. Thank you for making the video.

[@senjoFan69]

I just rewatched Final Smash Summit 6 Mafia game where you and chillin were trying to convince Chillin that you were each town. Was such a funny and wild moment and it's crazy to go from that moment 6 years ago to right now. Always loved watching you compete and your educational videos have taught me so much. Wish you the best. Falco Gang!

[@whjk83921]

Thank you Ginger. So real. I love what you've done for this community. You have consistently been one of the most positive forces in the community and you won't be forgotten. I'd love to learn more about your struggles with competing in the future, because I bet a lot of us can relate.

[@evan3635]

3:30 hit me as someone in a similar spot, albeit a different space from melee. I've only loosely followed melee over the years, but you became one of my favorite people to watch for tutorials as I was getting into netplay, and just general self-improvement/mindset things (I compete in golf oddly enough and there are TONS of parellels). And I'm glad you're staying in content creation! You've got a really good on screen presence, communicate clearly, and there are plenty of people who watch you for you, and not just melee. Wishing you the best!

[@domtheslav]

Went through something similar in a different competitive activity a while ago. Sending you love man it's an emotional rollercoaster to stop competing in something that's been so deeply integrated in your life for so long. It's been a joy to watch you all these years and I wish you the best

[@Ichigo1987]

You've been my favorite falco for years now. I switched to blue cause of you. Wishing you the best in whatever you choose to do. I'll stay tuned.

[@BlairPlaysGames]

I'm not going to lie - As a fellow Michigander (and a resident Bowser main) I found you so arrogant when I first discovered you. I dismissed you as some punk who wanted to be the next ice / Mang0 or something. But over time I saw you at events going toe to to with Kalindi, interacting with everyone so effortlessly, and just making a name for yourself online. It seemed like it all came so easy to you. But then as the days went on I gradually watched your streams, saw your videos. Listened to your breakdowns and discussions about Melee through your KZbin and I realized my disdain was completely baseless. I realized I was just envious, you more than put in the blood sweat and tears to get to where you are. After everything I discovered about you, you seem like a genuine, down to earth dude. Not to mention one of THE BEST falcos to ever do it no question. My bad for the judgement (shit rolled a 1). Not even worried about competitions, your content creation more than earns you a well-deserved spot in the Melee community. We ain't going nowhere! Good Luck & i'm looking forward to seeing what you'll bring us in the future =] P.S. The paper mario star spirit music is super fitting. It's my favorite game series of all time. Bet you're as excited for the TTYD remake as I am.

[@skyninegaming]

Love ya, man. You're a massive inspiration to Falcos everywhere, and you've contributed so much to the scene that I think you're a pillar. You're always in conversations about the game, and you've come such a long way using a character that, frankly, isn't very good at all. While none of us will ever understand all the sacrifices you've made, just know that you've substantially contributed to something that is much bigger than all of us, and for that, you have my respect. Hate to see you go, but I love that you're happy with your decision. See you around!

[@alyj8606]

I still remember watching your analysis vs Prince Abu before you were even top 100. Thanks for sharing your knowledge along the way! It would've been easier to just keep everything to yourself but you decided to share and i will always appreciate that! I enjoyed cheering for you at low tide Take it easy king, wishing you the best

[@David-xq3bg]

Aye long time fan, like since ~2016, always rooted for ya and still rooting for ya in whatever else you do :)

[@Koofoo78]

I personally haven't seen much of your gameplay, but any top melee player leaving is always sad to me, good luck in all your future endeavors

[@HM-gm1kn]

Really appreciate the work you put in that I got to watch as you compete. I’m a better player because of you and I will always remember your very successful legacy. Don’t let ego or comparison get in the way of acknowledging the greatness you have achieved. I look forward to watching your education content in the future. Best of luck in your future endeavours ❤

[@ronnical2489]

I don't even play Falco but I always watched your vids, sad to see you go, but you should do what makes you happy!

[@napstackzz]

Thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. I wish you the nothing but the best in whatever path this decision leads down ❤

[@eggzachlyy]

Man, still remember you at my first tourney, Saving Mr. Lombardi. Almost went against you in bracket, but lost before. You have been such a inspiration to falcos over the years and I loved learning so much from you. Wishing you all the best in your future endeavors!

[@msevilkuchikopi]

You've always been such an inspiration to me Ginger, not only as a Falco player, but as a Michigander and an educator. Please take care of yourself, we love you and i cant wait to see what you do next!

[@SethWiser]

Good luck, brother. Best wishes and may you see grander heights in life.

[@checknow1235163]

I haven't competed in melee ever so I can't say anything on that end but from a pure spectator perspective over the course of a decade almost I'm definitely going to miss seeing a top Falco run around. Thank you for the countless sets you've given us and I hope the next chapters of your life will be amazing!

[@kiko8610]

I look up to your falco in many ways, thank you for everything

[@outsideboxer1448]

❤❤❤❤❤wish you all the best. Me and my homies loved watching your sets the past 10++years. Much love from germany

[@pelotaz0]

You made me cry... I hope everything goes well for you, it's a pity that players as good as you cannot make a good living out of melee

[@SaiyanX5]

Shout out to you Ginger, sad to see a fellow player go but I always wish y'all the best

[@jakethompson9309]

You are the reason I got into melee and why blue falco. Myself and many others love your educational content and look forward to this new chapter ❤

[@andressalvat]

I have always loved your gameplan analysis and commentary. I am looking forward to seeing you restream and/or do youtube content

[@bluesats]

All the best to you with your new content! Wavedash into a bright future 🙏✨️

[@jacobbaldini2887]

Yknow, funny enough, I've experienced melee from the other end of the spectrum, only really starting at the beginning of '23 (aside from the filthy casual days). I've enjoyed all of our interactions on twitch, and you've shown a ton of mindfulness with your state of emotions, which is extremely impressive no matter what walk of life you're in. I appreciate all that you've done already, and all that you continue to put forth. You're still a top level competitor, Avery. You're just changing the game you're competing in. -FAiLCO ❤

[@bert6236]

You're awesome man, good luck on your future endeavours.

[@Zetts]

much love Avery. good luck with pursuing your future goals! if it's anything like my experience since stepping away, it will be an exciting yet difficult time. i hope you will always be proud of the time you spent and your contributions to the community.

[@FamineSSBM]

You're a huge inspiration to me and watching you over the years helped my gameplay alot. Even my daughters middle name is Avery dude 😅 whatever content you plan on making in the future, I'll be watching :) best of luck Ginger.

[@myb5558]

Awe man you will be missed. You helped me so much as a Marth that switched to Falco

[@kxys95]

Going to miss watching you Ginger! love you bro

[@eddiestilll]

Thank you for all of your underrated contributions to the Melee community Ginger. Your Falco is appreciated and no one talks about how awesome or dominant you were on the Slippi Ranked leaderboard too. You've also been around for SO many years (pretty much since the MLG days) and grinding all this time. All the best and good luck at Collision 2024 friend! 🐦

[@MikeTG11]

Takes a lotta guts to decisively change your life path from something that’s been a huge part of your life for 20yrs. Glad you’ll still be around, but happy you’re opening up your life to other things that melee (being very heavy on energy and time) took up. Cheers to new endeavors 🎉

[@OOM8783]

We'll miss you. Thank you for what you do.

[@vincevolpeiv2946]

Proud of you, man. This took guts.

[@BigHelpGang]

Well Ginger, it's always been fun to watch you play. Always enjoyed your streams and I learned a lot from your Falco. You have done lots for the community. Thanks dude.

[@MrKing_MC]

You've always been there competing ever since I came back to the Melee scene in 2020. You're my favorite Falco to watch in terms of how unique you are, your creativity as a player inspired me to see not only Smash differently but other types of competitions I take a part of. The streets will never forget you Ginger

[@pjdonovan5788]

You are an awesome knowledgeable melee figure with a kick-ass Falco. Thank you for giving us unranked falcos someone to consistently get info from and dope combos. You should be proud of ur effort. Thank you.

[@sympathy_for_strays]

Good luck in all future endeavors Ginger. Thanks for all the sick sets thru the years