LUDWIG'S NEW ESPORTS TEAM! | The Yard

[@Ethanpariz]

Maybe Aimen isn't cringe. There's something great and real about seeing someone try to continue to improve on something they are so passionate about that they are also so emotionally invested into. I wish him the best

[@DXTb0nEXD]

Aiden stocks going up and I bought when it was at an all time low.

[@haiku6483]

Honestly I think the fact that he is cringe is what makes it a beautiful moment. Like it’s just objectively cringe to care so much about melee a game that shouldn’t have survived this long. But still wanting to prove to yourself that you can overcome this meaningless obstacle is kind of cool. And not being afraid to be cringe is pretty epic too.

[@yaboycyn]

@@haiku6483 in his cringe, he is based

[@gammagames1413]

@@yaboycyn I'm cringe and that's based I will never be based and that's not cringe There is no one I'd rather be Than me

[@wombizzle2144]

@don't be surprised why did you do this to me

[@yoqqen]

No way they put fucking subway surfers and csgo surfing on the screen while aiden spills his heart out. Shit was so unbelievably funny, my heart goes out to you aimen

[@silverkade63]

I got emotional seeing him like that, but then lost my shit to that edit not gonna lie

[@KadenJ]

archie went crazy on this ngl lmao

[@MedievalRancher69]

Was about to write something similar but fucking this

[@ChaseChippy]

I just missed like 60 seconds of the Ep and had to rewind from laughing so hard

[@Ethan.Murphy2003]

My jaw dropped

[@ha_joker_ha6337]

Seeing how dedicated Aiden is is inspiring. Hope he takes the loss on the chin and gets better

[@SnowyJop]

Aiden’s a champ for sure. I totally agree he’s inspiring in a few different ways for me

[@a6i396]

he will, that’s aimen gamin we talking about

[@Colon-Three]

aimen never stops gamin

[@believeinmatter]

@don't be surprised desperate

[@bug6833]

@@Colon-Three THE TRANSLATION

[@megamuffin1012]

I know it’s been said a million times but Aiden’s vulnerability and the way other 3 responded is so nice to see. Its just so rare to see a group of men be so genuinely open and supportive and just overall kind to each other. The realness of your guys friendship is really what makes the yard

[@lyrafitz]

was going to say the exact same thing. if creators are going to have influence over their viewers, i hope it's for things like this 💟

[@Keijo_]

They handled it really well, and I was surprised to hear them talk about how continuing to bring up things like the pride match or the Graves win is something they do to prop themselves up because they never have and probably never will try hard enough and get good enough to achieve more in the game

[@carlosibarra1360]

Man when Aiden actually broke down I didn't realize what was happening until he said he needed a sec and I felt so bad for homie. I don't think I've ever put that much effort into something for it to not come into fruition on a single person sport or for it to ultimately come down to me and on my shoulders to show and prove so for him to be so vulnerable and let it out like that gives me some motivation to try to give something all my effort. I've wanted to enter into Sacramento tournaments for so long but never did because I know ima pretty filthy casual but I still wanna test my skills just for the hell of it to know where I stand. All respect to Aiden for being this transparent and vulnerable and mad respect to the fellas for being supportive to their homie its super solid to see! No para-social shit but love these guys and all the content they provide and produce!!

[@Crosroad]

@@MrKdowg55 go back to andrew tate, nobody needs your energy here

[@bluephoenix4994]

@@MrKdowg55 hey bro, do us all a favor and keep your no friend having ass opinions to yourself :)

[@meg4684]

To hear Aidens voice crack like that and hear the pain in his voice really was hard. I know the feeling of putting your all into something and then when you think it matters most, letting yourself down, it’s truly an awful feeling. However, I’m confident he’ll be able to over come this and have the moment he’s looking for in the future. We’re rooting for you Aiden! You’ve made so much progress!

[@_RKev]

That Edit 20:10 is insane but some of the hardest I laughed Also props for Aimen for being vulnerable on the public podcast, it is nice to see someone talk about their feelings so openly and for other to give him the space for that

[@zachariahabbas1400]

I'm watching this in my office and I am crying laughing at my desk silently. And yeah it was really nice hearing everyone respond to him earnestly in that moment instead of dogging him

[@andrewjh]

That edit is absolutely FUCKED 🤣

[@silverkade63]

Oh my goddd that shit fucking killed me hahahahaha

[@tjmiao4]

whoevers editing recently is really on the edgy train.

[@Osky1111]

The editors know their audience well 🤣

[@injeraenjoyer4570]

19:35 nick sympathizing with Aiden while wearing a fucking crown is awesome

[@teelafire5468]

the crown got heavier as the pod went on

[@T0NI_]

Heavy lies the head

[@ericy1]

@@teelafire5468 that's really funny

[@link6913]

Heavy is the head that wears the crown

[@Narut0189]

He is king but king cares

[@jazzo.-.]

Seeing everyone so supportive to Aimen and just letting him talk and express himself and then quietly listening to him is so dope, want me some friends just like this

[@TsaDude]

As soon as the cameras are off they just start RIPPING him tho. At least that's how my homies would be lol

[@jazzo.-.]

@@TsaDude oh for sure but that’s what true friendship is

[@jordanmacbeth4237]

nick is wearing the cape and crown but aimen is the king in our eyes for being vulnerable to his friends and an audience with his emotions

[@benideotataro9261]

no

[@higoodbye7545]

@@benideotataro9261 absolutely

[@noaheaston2147]

the way the boys actually listened to aimen rather than make jokes shows you how close of friends they are

[@rxcmxrt]

The edit balanced it out perfectly

[@bnto8788]

good friends can tell when its appropriate to riff, and when its about something like your self worth its very obviously not chill to put someone down while they r vulnerable

[@havocpyro9166]

Bro they’ve seen his cock I think they’re pretty good friends

[@Blake10125]

Heart goes out to Aiden, losing sucks, especially if it’s something you’re passionate about. Sometimes we have bad days but that doesn’t mean you’re a bad player. Hope you’re able to pick yourself up and be easy on yourself ❤ #TeamAiden

[@elimarx3430]

Last episode slime made a comment about wishing he could make his audience feel like they want to grow up. This episode did that for me. The vulnerability from aiden and the genuine support from everyone else was something I can look to as the kind of person I aspire to be and the type of people I want around me in the future. Thank you.

[@terrortokki]

Do you remember the timestamp for that slime clip?

[@Sticks_And_Glue]

@@terrortokki i remember it being around the 2/3 mark. I realize now you’ve probably found it already

[@atta9293]

I think we have all cried over something we are passionate about, because we let ourselves down. Thank you Aiden, your explanation of how you felt helped me understand my feelings to an extent. Good luck gaming :)

[@T0NI_]

Nah I don’t take L’s so can’t relate 😎 Or more like I’ve never had that much passion about something, I respect that

[@Rgunner]

That kind of reaction to a loss is how you know you've got that dog in you. Mad respect to Aiden for taking off the weights and leaving it on the sticks. It sucks when you lose, but most people don't have the guts to even try without holding back, because when you lose at something you really care about it has the greater potential to hurt you. Keep your head up king, one day the crown will be yours

[@crystyxn]

I don't understand what happened i don't play smash. Why was he sad?

[@OhDeeDoubleU]

is he just sad because he lost some video game?

[@raytheking6692]

​@@OhDeeDoubleUwhen you put it like that it sounds ridiculous but if you've ever been competitive in a game and put all your efforts into being really good and you feel like you could finally come out on top and then get beaten it's kind of soul crushing fr

[@haphapp7282]

@@OhDeeDoubleUit was a tournament in the gaming community that has basically planted the seeds and birthed the careers & friendships that these guys exist in

[@aniyilator]

@@OhDeeDoubleUIf this is the first video you decided to watch I get why you're confused, but throughout this whole podcast they've explained how important this stuff is to them extensively. For a comparison though, picture training for months for a marathon, and on the day of it you run 22 of the miles, twist your ankle, and have go home meanwhile all of your friends and the ppl you admire are there to see you fail

[@vitaminC33]

The way slime loses money so confidently and frequently is beautiful to me. Stay gold ponyboy 💛

[@MrRagsd]

He’s a hero to me.

[@weeaboh]

i was wondering why all of the comments were about aiden being sad and then i realized the video only came out 23 minutes ago and thats where everyone is rn in the episode. glad to be watching with you all.

[@samuelkitching5880]

I was so worried that dear sweet aimen wasn’t going to be given the space to voice these so obviously real and intense feelings, but seeing everyone use what they are good at the help him in these moments was really fucking heartwarming. This is probably my proudest episode to watch. I love you guys in a 100% parasocial way

[@sagetenshi]

Goated episode. Started with Aimen being a mad real vulnerable king and descended into an argument about the morality of shooting a cow with an RPG. 10/10

[@DreamtOf]

I love how every minute after the 12:00 mark, Nick gets more and more uncomfy in the costume. Heavy is the head that wears the crown 👑

[@dieg0]

Why did you add that quote it literally has nothing to do with nick at all.

[@hiimmistergay4247]

@@dieg0 ?

[@declan0883]

so true, i think the boys should hang a sword by a frayed rope above the head of their company’s best melee player at all times

[@chasewilliams5048]

@@dieg0 he is literally the one wearing the crown

[@Largie04]

Aiden talking about that made me remember how I went to art school excited, loving the medium and working hard...but realizing on my best day I was average. And I felt awful and defeated and just killed all my art passion. I wish I had at least kept it up as a hobby but it really summarized how I was more mad and upset about letting younger me down then actually dropping out. Tears in my office dude, best of luck bouncing back.

[@KadenJ]

Honestly one the most heartbreaking yet inspiring things to come from this pod. Aiden was sad not just because he lost but mostly because he disappointed himself. Truly a goat gamer.

[@TheKennyGee]

if anyone is suspect of their dynamic or how aiden is seen by everyone privately, watch this episode. this one’s a good reminder that this is the homie podcast.

[@fletch-a-sketch9250]

Yeah it was really nice to get a bit of a peek behind the curtain and see that the insults and banter they throw at each other are all in good fun, and these guys really are genuinely good friends who really care for each other. It was super sweet 🥲

[@sunnyd1722]

Damn Aiden was raw there. That’s really cool of him. I understand what hurts him. He really believes in himself and feels like he’s the only one who does. And then all his fears and insecurities come in a moment when he loses. It’s like his doubt and the potentially imagined doubt from others came true. That’s tough to be introspective about. Good on him.

[@cameronvance8598]

Aiden the goat frfr, i actually cried watching this, really good to hear someone express there frustrations and not be insulted becuase its such a 'silly' thing like a game. Its clearly something more than that and It was really nice to see a healthy discussion. I've been feeling it recently and its really nice to see.

[@Squannor]

As much as everyone jokes about Aiden being cringe, or giving him shit, he really is a crucial part of the pod I personally really enjoy his input and stories. Hope he keeps his head up and gets better at melee for the next mogul moves tourney they do.

[@ericklete1540]

Hearing how Aiden talks about the self doubt in his mind shows so much passion. The kind of passion and determination that actually breaks through limits one thinks are uncrossable. If anything, this confirms to me that Aiden can get to the top, because what most people lack is that intensity to commit as he did/does/hopefully will

[@johl9056]

Aiden being so relatable is sweet to see

[@princiedv]

Dawg, why am I crying in the Yard episode. What the fuck. I will say, Aiden's thought process is actually really inspiring. Gives me better perspective on games, makes me want to try harder in what I do.

[@metaldrummer87]

One of the realest eps. Seeing how passionate Aiden is about Melee and how vulnerable he is...heavy but inspiring stuff. Also seeing the other guys support and not shame him is great. You guys are the best

[@bobalandfill]

This episode was arguably the most emotional and laugh inducing roller coaster of emotions so far.

[@fletch-a-sketch9250]

For real. Going from Aiden’s heartbreaking monologue about loss and feeling like you’ve failed yourself into Goatsesports and Slime’s Cambodia cow facts was the most insane tonal whiplash in any episode of this podcast so far.

[@morsalsa]

Seeing Aiden cry over his bad tournament is so real and validating to me. I also try to compete in the game and sometimes dissapointing yourself hits so hard, you're passionate about the game, you put the time and effort and even then losing and not gettting recognized for it can feel terrible. Everyone has the right to be passionate about their hobbies and Aiden wanting to improve so much and keep up with the meta even though his friends don't want to anymore is actually so brave from him. He wants to be the best he can at what he likes, he wants to improve and get the results no matter what. Obviously it's hurting him that his friends no longer care and he will never be able to take a serious sets from them. Power to Aiden!

[@mschuhler]

aiden getting incredibly real and choking me up a bit, then being blindsided with a subway surfers overlay out of nowhere was so inappropriately hilarious, archie you're a demon for this one lmfao

[@nataliehager9864]

What Aiden said about feeling like you let yourself down when about something you genuinely love and are passionate about really hit home for me. Thank you for sharing, you're absolutely not alone. We're rooting for you bud! #TeamAimen

[@Ruby-gr1vy]

i feel so much for Aiden and the feeling of not living up to your expectations at moments like that. i had a volleyball tournament yesterday and i made so many mistakes and slip ups while my teammates did so well, it’s been hard to sit with myself since but hearing Aiden working through it feels so validating. it’s so frustrating not being mad at anyone but yourself

[@davie4052]

Just finished listening on Spotify, I’m proud of you Aiden!

[@MrDonckers]

u gotta watch the video for the aiden part, the edit at like 20:00 is so worth

[@AshArtzMusic]

Aiden is a sign of what dedication to an art is, whether it be any kind of self expression being that invested in it is only a sign of dedication and love for the craft, can’t wait to see an ep a year from now where he’s wearing the king outfit

[@Ded5833]

I greatly appreciate Aiden being emotionally honest and everyone engaging with it in a kind way. This is a great episode, really loving it. Really seeing the love between everyone and it's very sweet.

[@Skipski1]

It's crazy how somehow Aiden talking about his passion for melee and dedication to becoming better genuinely makes me want to improve multiple aspects of my life, don't know why something so irrelevant to my life, from someone I don't even know hits like that. Thanks for being so relatable and open man, the peoples champ. Hope to see you take your melee career to the next level.

[@benjaminshields9421]

Aimen's story and vulnerability was really touching. As a competitor, I felt a lot of what he said resonated with me when it comes to feeling good about your improvement and having something just snuff that out. Even when it's only you who's fully behind your back and feels fully competent and expectant of yourself, that moment that breaks it is crushing. I've been working on a controller to send to The Yard boys, but I think I want it to go especially to Aiden and see help succeed with his goals, even if just a small boost of "huh, cool."

[@GlYcH1]

A literal tear was welling up on my face as Aiden described the pain in his loss and then subway surfer came on and I forgot what happened

[@soomu5809]

this is my favorite yard episode so far. i love the banter and jokes but seeing aiden be so emotional and passionate about his craft is really inspiring. i also agree with nick's recommendation of the inner game of tennis for anyone struggles with mentality/mindset in competition. definitely helped me a lot

[@ryanbell6545]

Genuinely inspiring with how raw Aiden is willing to be, while being recorded to half a million people. Also, other 3 busted out their listening skills and were so kind and patient. Amazing

[@mckennawaldron7386]

Aimen is a G for being so honest about how his losses make him feel and not cutting the cameras when he was feeling vulnerable.

[@the_emo_alex]

It's very heartbreaking to see Aiden crying, but it was really nice to see how the guys made room for him to talk and consulted him after. I know it probably doesn't mean anything, but I legit thought Aiden was gonna win, I believed in you! You'll get it next time Aiden!

[@dragon_crasher3024]

I recently lost really bad at my Local scene for the One Piece TCG after having been topping for what feels like a long time in a row and it hit me really really hard emotionally. Came back to watch this episode so I could hear what Aiden went through and the support the rest of the crew gave him. It really helped be get back in good spirits and I’m so pumped to get back to grinding to make sure it doesn’t happen again.

[@ToastyYolky]

Aimen really making me cry watching the yard. It’s so touching seeing him so passionate about the game

[@crowsycured]

This friend group is too healthy, stop making unachievable goals for me 😔

[@nwagg5667]

Nah bro we’ll find a friend group like that. Just takes time my man

[@OhDeeDoubleU]

you're basing this off of a few hours a week, you have no idea how any of these people actually are in real life. Look at the Atrioc situation now lmfao, dude is weird as hell

[@MyNameIsRow01]

@Can of Stella except that they've said multiple times that almost all KZbinrs are weird like that, and that the money and fame goes to those people's heads, and they just do dumb stuff because they think they're invincible, and these guys may be famous now, but they are in no way rich, except for Ludwig, so they are much more grounded than the KZbinr friends that they have, even Ludwig.

[@WBRamsesIII]

Aiden on the tournament stream said something along the lines of “no ones in my corner so I have to hype myself up” that shit broke my heart for him. He follows up on this with the “no one wanted to seed me 1 or even think I could win it”

[@WBRamsesIII]

3:48:00 he gets on the mic 3:52:00 he says the line On the mogul moves melee tournament stream

[@jadetaylor6093]

Guys someone give my boy aiden a hug dude, cmon. Ive had so many friends in smash struggle with the same thoughts and i just always wish they could understand that the beautiful thing about their journey IS the journey. You're having FUN, and thats unique and rare and you should treasure it. If you disappoint yourself thats just a great excuse to get back up and try it again and try harder.

[@Zoronii]

Some people might think it's weird to put so much passion and emotion into a game, but it's such a healthy mindset, and it translates to a stronger drive in other aspects of life. I respect Aiden's determination a lot.

[@breeannavirrueta979]

honestly the best episode yet. aiden being vulnerable, everyone not thinking twice to support him, and the esports names were hilarious.

[@cocalicoman]

Honestly, seeing the emotion and honesty from Aiden and the support of the boys just makes me so happy to see. Friendships like this are what everyone wants to have

[@rsanny5666]

This is the first time I’ve personally been able see a similarity in ESports and professional athletes. I watch a lot of UFC and you can regularly see the athletes come to a point where they break down after losing a fight they had put months and months of training into, thinking they’ll never be able to get it back. Pretty eye opening for me honestly. Shouts out to you Aimen

[@OhDeeDoubleU]

I mean there is a difference between physically exerting yourself for months, having a diet plan, not seeing friends, not eating and drinking what you want, getting up early to go the gym or go for a run, spilling literal blood, sweat and tears in a ring; versus playing a video game

[@rsanny5666]

@@OhDeeDoubleU you’re absolutely correct and I agree with you. It’s just interesting to someone in esports show a similar amount of emotion.

[@ThePolarpop]

@@OhDeeDoubleU to clarify tho..there are e sports ppl who do literally everything u just stated basically besides i guess blood?..

[@mossismoist]

just seeing how determined aiden is is genuinely so insane and it’s so inspiring. i’m proud of u aimen it takes a lot to be so vulnerable.

[@foxandfriends6940]

Man ngl when I used to wrestle back in high school I had the same self image as Aiden. It’s hard to be the only one who’s rooting for you. It’s even harder to not let it stop you from becoming your best self. This isn’t the end there’s always a next time.

[@alexantone5532]

Low key tho having haters is mad hype

[@dougbiento1562]

Damn, respect to Aiden and the pod for being real af on a public platform. I think being passionate about something enough for it to bring you to tears is a special thing and he'll only grind harder and harder to reach that place he wants to be. There are some views you can only see from the top.

[@ChrisHasABomb98]

Nick talking to aiden about his feelings while wearing the king outfit is fucking hilarious

[@BerzinskyMusic]

Aiden we love you man. You almost made me cry. You did great man. We have all been there man. Keep going and it is awesome that you are able to express yourself emotionally in this format. So many people just try to bottle themselves up. You are going to be the best. Also, Slime, Deadwood is such a GOATed show haha

[@8877dksljfa]

i know literally nothing about melee but I think this is actually one of my favorite episodes. I love hearing them talk about something they all love so much. love you aimen 💕

[@jhelp_the_fig]

I listened to this while painting, which is kinda my version of melee, and dude, what Aiden said hit me so hard. Sometimes you know you got that dog in you but like at the end of some days it doesn’t matter. Proving yourself to your own head and others is such a scary goal because it’s this constant play of caring too much or too little. If you care too little you’ll always end up behind and if you care too much and you fail you’re just left with this shattered thing that is your own hope and confidence in yourself. It’s so great to know that Aiden is still having fun with his passion for Smash, and has friends that listen and validate him regardless of the pressure he puts on himself. Team Aiden.

[@INeddy28]

Cool for Aiden to open up like that. We've all felt similar feelings in different aspects of our lives, and aimen did a phenomenal job articulating those feelings

[@brepi312]

aimen poured his heart out but its also really sweet that Slime also gets emotional 32:26 while supporting his friend

[@santiagowho]

The serious discussion about motivation and not wanting to keep a bad relationship with something that you have been trying to get better at was a great sincere moment.

[@GavinWantsPizza]

Support for all the boys. Nick is a kind winner and never tried to actually rub it in anyone's face. Aiden has been one of my favorite members of the cast for a while, everyone here is important and valuable!

[@Kieranma123]

It’s sad to see Aiden sad, but I think everyone talking it out, as well as there different interpretations of the current situation and the future is really interesting.

[@VicodinAvenue]

I wanna hug Aimen, he's so sweet. I hope he keeps playing and gets way skilled.

[@skatefailmv]

I'm happy whenever I hear the intro jingle and even happier that Aiden got his therapy session with his boys to get some sort of closure in regard to his feelings. #TeamAimen

[@ninjahateman]

The whole segment about Aiden's experience with the tournament was great. Also wildly inspiring to be so vulnerable about something so publicly and the edit towards the end almost made me cry from cognitive dissonance

[@nagitokomaeda8056]

There's something so nice about seeing Aiden be so open about his feelings and passions, it's a level of communication I wish I could be able to reach. It's being vulnerable in front of friends and a camera and a large community who tune in every Thursday, I'm happy that we're given the chance to take a peek inside of their brains and see how human they are. But that's just me being parasocial ig 😩

[@josemvria]

Its not silly, its not cringe. If it means something to you, no matter how categorically small it is to the world, may it be called 'a storm in a teacup' its your reality and its what makes you feel authentic at the moment. Love the drive Aiden

[@redge3743]

The zoomer edit while Aiden was breaking it down is the funniest thing I think I've ever seen on this podcast. Also props to Aiden for being so open about things with his bros, very cool :)

[@hashyyrz673]

As a guy who's damn broke and can't relate to things about smash, I hope they won't stop talking about their experiences on it. Hearing aimen's dedication in self-improvement really hit home, made me damn cry. Hugs for you aimenbear #TeamAimen

[@Matt-lq9xd]

This is how friends should act. Make fun of one another, yet actually supporting a friend when needed.

[@kurb0]

Was not expecting the episode in which Nick has a crown and cape to be the one where they get the most emotional and supportive of one another

[@nathanvillarreal6718]

I can’t see people genuine cry man. It breaks me down. You’re the man aiden

[@brinoh]

i always said this: aiden is my favorite since day one. the way he talks about improving and still not living up from his own expectation is very reletable and something that isnt being talked about a lot. this episode is the amalgamation of why i love the podcast: the real talks and the insight of people making events and changes into communities in between funnies and chaos.

[@mattheweverest9771]

There's nothing worse that really putting your all into something and not coming out with the result you want. Aimen segment was honestly great

[@sorchara9119]

so much respect for aimen gamin. to be able to dedicate himself like this, to be able to analyze and think introspectively on it as much as he has, and the courage to confidence to not edit out the clip where he got tearful. These are all great strengths of character.

[@rofl0bot]

Damn I feel that shit seeing Aiden like that. I think anyone that's put their everything into something they love and come up short has had moments like that. I've defiantly been in tears after a disappointing tournament I prepared hard for. I respect the hell out of caring that much about something. It's cool to care y'all.

[@GeoNix64]

20:11 Holy mother of editing, that was the absolute funniest transition I have ever seen!!!! I love Aiden showing true passion and emotion because that isn't "content", it's real and raw. He is clearly dedicated to self improvement and sometimes we need to take a bump along the road to remind ourselves why we have to keep fighting on to get better.

[@VizUhn]

Love how open Aiden is. Hope he keeps up with his smash grind because its very inspiring, and he obviously cares very much.

[@dcgamer1027]

Im grateful for Aiden being so open on the pod, its one of the reasons I enjoy the podcast so much, its always felt very authentic. Not to get parasocial, its just nice to see more examples of being open/vulranable because I haven't gotten to see many, and I'm not very good at it myself. Maybe even more importantly though is seeing how the guys react to him, how to be supportive of a friend who's feeling down, regardless of the reason. Its another thing I'm not great at, again because I don't have much experience doing it, which is a great thing that my friends haven't been too torn about things, but it always means when the moment does come I'm more likely to mess it up and I have before and it really sucked. So thanks for being a good role model here guys, I appreciate it.

[@jackculp]

It feels like Aimen sees Nick as an older brother, someone who's around your skill level but can always beat you because you both get better together. Nick is a moving goal post that even as you both get extremely good at a game, it won't matter until you finally pass him. He acts as an ever present goal, always in front of you and doing nothing wrong, but losing to him is more infuriating than it has any right to be.

[@dominoot2652]

I appreciate you Aimen, I have such a hard time in competitive environments, I have a really hard time putting my heart/pride on the line. Thanks for being vulnerable, it makes me feel like my struggles make sense.

[@imchuge]

I remember listening to this episode when it came out and the more I’ve listened to it the more I love it. I feel like I can relate to what Aiden is talking about (with feeling no one was rooting for him) so heavily more and more the older I get and this ep really is a good reminder that I should keep going.

[@BlackLegSilver]

I’m normally just an audio listener, I just really felt like leaving a comment this ep. The always feeling just a bit behind someone no matter how little they try and how hard you try really hit me. I hope you find happiness and accomplishment with your progress, Aiden!❤ I know being parasocial or just using content to fill a void has been a recurring theme- I’ve definitely been there/am. I think for me it isn’t so much that I’m brain broken to think that a friendship exists or would be formed. More so just I don’t really have any guy friends right now. I love the friends I have- but just being able to turn on the pod, maybe take a gummy, just do something else and have a few laughs makes me feel like I don’t need to force a friendship with guys who I ultimately don’t want to hang out with. So thanks for that! For as temporary as it is, that nugget of escapism really does make getting through the day/week/whatever just a little bit easier.

[@averylittleton4665]

As someone who doesn’t play melee and only has gotten into it because of Ludwig ,I love melee centric eps, especially after tourneys

[@drizzledra]

Damn Aiden really letting it out in the 100th episode

[@kxitea]

so heart warming to watch the interaction when aimen was crying. like idk it just makes me happy that everyone was actually being sweet rather than making jokes about it. such a sweet friend group :)

[@ianhandsup]

For a group of people on the internet, you guys seem to be pretty good at taking care of each other. It's refreshing

[@PewPewUSmash]

My favorite episode entirely because of the way Aimen expresses how the experience makes him want to move forward. I think it's so easy to retreat in your shell after a tough loss and in a lot of ways reject thinking about the future. Aiden saying he wants to push forward even more is hella inspiring.

[@zaebumafu]

Nick’s cadence suits the crown so well, everything he’s said this episode has been like 2x effective

[@lavenderwisteria4245]

I’m glad Aimen got so much support I really love when comedic people get vulnerable and people in general it just really says a lot about the person and people around them so much respect to these guys for not disregarding him love you guys ❤

[@NotADoctor330]

I really empathize with what Aiden is feeling. When I played my last soccer game I was so sad for weeks because I could go and play, but would never have the opportunity to compete again. Aiden has the opportunity to keep the competition going and I hope he bounces back and reaches new heights. Even if Nick isn't peaking anymore when Aiden does, he has a chance to keep going at a high level

[@service-smile210]

Shout out to Aimen. I'm getting emotional just listening to him be this real with not just his friends but us as well. I wish him, and everyone on The Yard nothing but the best.

[@KingOfKumquats]

The way Aiden feels about losing is why I tend to avoid playing in tournaments. Very relatable.

[@pogokes8215]

Seeing Aiden cry makes this top tier ep. That passion makes you real. Love melee and love Aimen. Will play this game with my all till the wheels fall off.

[@calamitycustoms8708]

I don’t know how Nick does it but he had me dying at 1:20:05 with the “the 4 guys in the band?”

[@nyxfred]

Genuinely love this wholesome episode. Aiden honestly just reminds me of me. I tried going pro three years ago in R6 siege but I just wasn't good enough. I did FACIT road to challenger league practiced 6-7 days a week 9 hours a day, took coaching lessons from professional coaches and still I wasn't good enough. I really thought I could do it. But then real life hit with work, rent, relationships, family, Still hits hard whenever you see your friends succeed in the spaces you failed. I'm still trying but it's sorta just dropped, my team disbanded, don't have money to get coaching, problems identifying what I'm doing wrong in my games, seeing what I can improve on but not knowing how. I'm just so utterly disappointed in myself for not having ''go go go hard spirit'' that I desperately need. (this gonna sound fucked up but I mean it in the nicest way possible) It's just nice seeing someone else struggling same as yourself so I can see you try to be better so I can try to be better as well. You're and inspiration Aiden!

[@taylifts]

Aiden's reflections on the tourney made me so sad, out of all the fellas I was rooting for him the most bc I knew he'd been grinding Slippi and thought he or Yingling had the best chance. I think Aiden and Nick were both deserving of the win, and if you run it back on a different day, Aiden wins and so on. I love that they had this moment on the pod, even though it had me tearin up in the gym.