The Legend of Zackray: The Ultimate Wildcard

Before Sparg0 and Kola, competitive Smash had a different young prodigy, Zackray. From the beginning of Ultimate's life, it was clear that Zackray had realized something very few top players had, that sticking with a single character isn't always ideal. Join us as we take you through Zackray's competitive history and the tournament that cemented him as Smash Ultimate's Wildcard.
❤️Credits:
Director: Thomas "Tisch" Tischio
Lead Producer/VO Artist: Walt "Turndownforwalt" Brandsema
Editor: Laura "CosmicCrouton" Crespo
Editor: Robert "BobbyWasabi" Wilson
Lead Writer: Jack "Jackie Peanuts" Moore
Lead Writer: Zane "epengu" Bhansali
3D Animator: JD "JDMH_" Mannor
2D Animator: Nathan "Narouherallaman" Ingrao
GFX Designer: Jack "Jackie Peanuts" Moore
GFX Designer: Paula "Devilmaycats" Valbuena
Special Thanks: Josh "Jaaahsh" Marcotte
👀Follow Zackray:
/ @zackray3056
/ ssb4_zackray
📈PGstats Breakdown on Seed Performance Ranking and Upset Factors:
www.pgstats.com/articles/intr...
📹 Footage from:
/ btssmash
/ vgbootcamp
/ espnesports
/ @まえだくん
/ @zackray3056
🎵 Music:
Solsken - Owen Meyers
Blast Away - Gummi Ship 3 - Kingdom Hearts
Sinister Showdown - Kingdom Hearts 2
Scherzo Di Notte - Kingdom Hearts 2
Reviving Hollow Bastion - Kingdom Hearts 2
The Encounter - Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX
Cloudchasers - Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX
The Escapade - Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX
Lazy Afternoons - Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX
Tension Rising - Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX
Rowdy Rumble - Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX
Laughter and Merriment - Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX
Desire For All That Is Lost - Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX
Laughter and Merriment - Kingdom Hearts 2
Vim And Vigor - Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX
A Fight to the Death - Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX
Dearly Beloved (Swing Remix) - Kingdom Hearts Melody of Memory
Roxas - Kingdom Hearts HD 2.5 ReMIX
With the Stars and Us - Persona 5
🎥 Don't forget to subscribe to our KZbin channel: bit.ly/2NTd1hv
📊 Get all the stats you need on our website: pgstats.com​
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#Zackray #TheLegendofZackray #PGstats #SmashUltimate #SmashBros

[@henryzhang464]

He’s practiced 10,000 kicks 10,000 times each

[@koenbee8835]

Only for a teammate to fall asleep during the most important part of his life 😭😭😭

[@mattjrk5679]

Lol. That’s sad. I practiced 1 kick Ten thousand times. Hold my beer

[@garorade]

@@koenbee8835 what happened?

[@koenbee8835]

@@garorade zack got disqualified from a 1million dollar pokemon unite tournament

[@garorade]

@@koenbee8835 that's hella unfortunate

[@guniohhashi8219]

This was REALLY well made, from the graphics, to audio design, to everything! The music choice for the ending, the graphics drawn to build up suspense, the narration, everything. Certainly the best video made on this channel, and just props to everybody who helped make this. I couldn't even tell that the video was 35 minutes long, and now I want more! Serious props to everybody who helped make this video. Side Note: I wish I could donate some money to this video, because it was just so well made and deserves it! I can't promise much, but I really think that this is worth my money.

[@krusher181]

This channel is so good… like it’s a hidden gem

[@watermel]

As a Japanese I’m rly happy that you made a video solely on zackray, the kid is an undeniable smash prodigy

[@janswhatsupdoc]

I miss him

[@pierreaoun9600]

@@janswhatsupdoc we all do

[@sadcrab6586]

@@janswhatsupdoc he announced he’s coming back

[@SS2Balls]

@@sadcrab6586 yay

[@janswhatsupdoc]

@@sadcrab6586 🎉 🎈 🎊

[@thefool1261]

This intro is one of my favorite intros I’ve ever seen for any form of media

[@azura2552]

I like this focus on Zackray. He’s a really good player and one I have enjoyed watching since the beginning of Ultimate.

[@theimpersonator7086]

The only person with more chars than Zackray is Rizeasu. I hope he comes back to Smash. People have been mad downplaying Joker ever since Zackray went on hiatus

[@okayperson3041]

He’s coming back during August iirc

[@janswhatsupdoc]

@@okayperson3041 I think he said September but hopefully I’m wrong and it is August

[@raghavarun9275]

Stroder got mad characters too!

[@MeatOfJustice]

He's coming back now since his team disbanded after one of the teammates overslept for the qualifiers.

[@KakinTseGamePlayer]

@@MeatOfJustice any evidence for that?

[@HiImAiden]

These longer form video essays are easily the best things you guys put out.

[@tdawg9010]

these videos are gold the production is crazy👏

[@1times1]

This video and its production is incredible.

[@geeyodude]

Thank you for giving us something I didn’t know I wanted until now. We miss you zackray

[@jakebleyenberg8822]

I am a huge fan of these deep dives into specific top players! I would love to see more of these!

[@rudyr2974]

incredibly well made video. entertaining all the way through, 30 minutes just flew by.

[@laneuwu1660]

that animation for the upsmash read was so fire, great video

[@overkia5958]

This is a masterpiece especially with the persona music at the end. Beautiful almost documentary, I wish to one day have one of these made on me

[@jakesawaguchi4928]

Zackray has won majors with 8 characters (not including Sonic.) Out of those 8, he's considered the best in the world at ROB, Wolf, and Joker if you don't count Leo. How in the hell do you become the best in the world at 3 different characters???

[@bruhtopic]

Someone on a different video’s comment section said Protobanham has recently stated that while Leo and Zackray both play ROB very differently, Leo’s ROB is on par with Zackray’s. I don’t necessarily know where they got this information, but if it’s true then that’s kind of insane.

[@fupalover]

I'm glad this is FINALLY getting the attention it deserves. One of the greatest Smash feats ever and they didnt even mention Zackray winning doubles as well with 3 more characters.

[@user-dl8ki9cr4x]

The WCS qualifiers will be held today and tomorrow, Japan time. I want him to win, but I also want him to lose. That is because if he lose, he will be back.

[@koldking]

Loving the longer content :D

[@AK_.]

This was probably the best video to ever come from this channel!

[@pacificworlds]

These videos are some of the highest quality iʻve ever seen and theyʻre about smash lol. So good

[@fna5360]

Incredible breakdown. This was really interesting. I wish we could get some top players to react to it to add more info/context as they usually do. This was so well made

[@brenq3852]

This video learned me something very important. Don’t be to much in your head about what character you need to main and just play whoever you want.

[@amphicyon4359]

Love that we are getting in depth player breakdowns at PGStats, looking forward to whateveer else you guys come up with

[@AutraxD]

Amazing video, well done! I found it very interesting and informative.

[@hymug]

wow this was amazing. Miss watching Zackray and hope he will come back in the next pgr season

[@JB-fd8jy]

I am not 100% sure. But today his pokemon united team missed the qualifier for the pokemon unite championship and I heard this team will disbanded. So there is a high chance that zackray will be back soon

[@user-gr5fz9tj8x]

once zackray play other character,the players of character certainly get inspired by his play

[@colinhoeg4728]

I didn't stick with him for too long cause everyone liked him up eventually. But he made me wanna play rob. So fun.

[@aidenwalmer]

What an amazing video! Was captivated the entire time 👊🏻🔥

[@machoke333]

The quality of this video is just amazing

[@elest23]

This video was very well put together

[@joshwagner7263]

Love how you made this and he posted about competing again shortly after.

[@showmerock198]

I love that we have a channel like this in the community

[@Kevincc95]

Nice to hear walt here and in galint gaming, keep it up Walt!

[@10cesc4.]

Finally finished watching the video. Kid is the smash master. Hope he continues to give ultimate more time and dedication as he’s the big name from Japan

[@thebuzz567]

What a doc. Amazing content jesus

[@ChrisM-vz4pe]

Watching this video makes me even more impressed of Mkleo’s dominance over pros like Zackray lol!

[@elchupacabra1406]

Leo really is the stone wall for a number of top players like Zackray who have #1 potential

[@defunctchannel942]

This was so good!

[@pokejms107]

This made me love Zackray even more. My favorite Japan player

[@aidendaniels3254]

I love these videos so much

[@ralph1577]

Videos never cease to impress

[@vicente3j]

I'm always so surprised these in depth analyses don't get a million views. This video's production, graphs, analysis, and storytelling are AMAZING!! Please keep making more videos!! Don't be afraid to clickbait if you think it will help bring more people in haha!

[@AroundWayOther]

Super well made, scripted, and edited. Ty so much for making this!

[@Exceed_HS]

Zackray is like the summoner archetype in a fighting game or MOBA: He just summons his to do his work for him

[@Abbaschand]

On point, since he's also a professional Pokemon Unite player.

[@rayless]

@@Michael-cg5qn Summons his

[@linkonedgell894]

@@rayless that doesn't help.

[@janswhatsupdoc]

@@Michael-cg5qn persona

[@jakesawaguchi4928]

@@linkonedgell894 It's not meant to. What he summons changes depending on the set, so we can't specify what he summons-

[@aedandotcom]

These are so good, wow

[@ididntaskverified3663]

13:51, he is reading a book about how to be black

[@JLjler]

Super great video, zackray deserves it

[@fupalover]

I definitely miss watching Zackray play Smash. But I'm glad he's putting time into an actual competitive scene.

[@joshyjosh1935]

28:30 this is one of the coolest things ive ever seen

[@justinmullins1112]

Was it done strictly because it would be cool, or is it covering for production/stream issues/technical difficulties? I guess I could go check the set here on yt... Edit: set looks fine. Cool for cool's sake it is.

[@galxeviv9576]

God seeing the gameplay shown as a black and white outlined animation is just too cool

[@PyrexPuffin]

What timing, this video released just three days before Zackray's return to competitive Smash!

[@eM-kb6sm]

QUALITY CONTENT!! HOLY SHIT

[@5hyguy42]

Overwhelming nostalgia because I watched till the end

[@brokenyew]

I loved the graphs

[@zeo_o6395]

Great vid!!!!!!!

[@rafaelfigueroa4417]

What a great video

[@skeetazaurus]

These videos deserve Oscars for best documentary.

[@DauntlessBlade___]

28:30 This part actually made me cry it was so beautifully made.

[@wait_in_gold_ON_SPOTIFY]

Yes

[@trombonegamer14]

What's interesting about two of the players you mentioned, Marss and Maister, is that they both have been playing a lot of secondaries. Marss has been playing much more joker, and Maister has been stubbornly trying to make sora work

[@eddielin1997]

Who's here after Zackray's Pit?

[@LostCoinSmite]

Honestly one of my favorite players and i wish the ROB combos going from one side of the stage to the other every game. Even watching him go against comboheavy players you had no clue who would get 0-100% combod

[@Loooam]

Good video 👍🏻

[@jaysee6320]

Christ what the hell is this animation??? Had to sub immediately wtf

[@vvindicator]

i miss this channel

[@Tipy]

Waiting for a vid on T’s Kongo Saga run in 2019 that Link mains still cherish to this day

[@graysondsmith8344]

Oh this is some good stuff

[@thickthighssavelives5585]

Seeing Nairo's chart end in 2020 is really saddening. He had a great competitive career ahead of him. I'd love to see him compete again, but he (at least publicly) doesn't want to return to the scene. I'm glad we're at least able to talk about him though

[@andrewrichardson625]

He can't compete because twitch still has him banned, and that means he can't play on a tournament's twitch stream. I think he actually would compete if he could.

[@thickthighssavelives5585]

@@andrewrichardson625 I'm aware of the twitch ban thing, however he also has a command in his chat that says he doesn't want to compete anymore and it's used whenever someone asks if he'll ever come back. Still being banned on twitch is dumb, but who knows maybe twitch will finally die and all the streaming will be done on YT at some point.

[@ElariaFlori]

@@andrewrichardson625 Why was he banned?

[@jakesawaguchi4928]

@@ElariaFlori Initial controversy put Nairo in the bad side, Twitch banned him, the truth came out and the ban just never got put off. It's sad, but it makes some sort of sense- talk about how he was in the bad got way more attention than the talk about him being the victim

[@kidneystones3578]

I've got no idea how PGstats has the budget for these insane animations

[@fwop7436]

Dude the animation at 28:30 is gorgeous

[@walkerwilson1019]

banger vid

[@user-lf7om5en4v]

Finally Zackray is back,,,,,!!

[@Anonymous_768]

The infamous Protobanham Steve what a shoutout to one of smash creates mystery

[@janswhatsupdoc]

I’ve respected this dude from day one and he’s still my no. 1 favorite player of all time, which makes his hiatus foray into Pokémon unite make me that more sad

[@raghavarun9275]

he is coming back soon!

[@TheSmashKnight8753]

OMG I have been looking for some stupidly analytical smash bros content

[@wisercupid6740]

Damn the timing with Zackray's potential return to Smash after what happened to his team

[@user-fb1rw5oe5l]

I was disappointed with the bad news of Pokemon Unite, too. Zackray's made an effort for half a year, but repents having done not put it up on the stage. We who are his fan are grieved that we were not able to look at his effort and contents. This video kept on gathering up the crystal of his effort vividly at the moment. How do you think this video to influence it? It becomes his vitality and thinks that it is too enough to raise the passion of the fan expecting his return ! XD

[@KrazyKyle-ij9vb]

The beginning of this video was transcendent.

[@zWizard-Magolor]

I enjoy watching Zackray’s gameplays

[@DavionLane]

He’s a really good unite player

[@yahboi3640]

Pg stats you guys are goated

[@Probasaur]

Wow that was really something

[@donutbarbell]

This was so good, these analysis come story/documentary videos are amazing. Top work

[@Sonic-BOM]

Beautiful content you have here, hope you are having a nice day ... LIKE 2 💕🤩

[@roboto12345]

He is my favorite player by far.....and he made me want to play ROB

[@albaetham5864]

I hope zackray comes back to compete soon, his joker was insanely good

[@jareddabooke]

This video is absolutely amazing

[@T00n4m1]

This guy is the absolute chad I've always wanted to be but never could.

[@jmbw4271]

Pgstats is my current anime of choice

[@user-ni6np7kl4m]

good video

[@frankgx1186]

It was a great documentary, at least what I felt, and good to know about Zackray since he hasn't been competing that much lately.

[@junvaper8560]

ザクレイの配信って色んなキャラ使ってサムネになってたりするけど、確かにあんなこと彼にしかできないことなのか...!

[@christianthomas7591]

I await his return to claim the crown as the king of Japan...

[@jahalamu1174]

Zackray is literally the Avatar of ultimate

[@SatraKien]

gj turndownforwalt

[@franjassb4243]

Uh oh!

[@ivosotatted4123]

Tweeks Joker too add that on the list on the side

[@meekiii2552]

We need the story of light!!!

[@KoaYuki]

Zackray is the like vaxei (osu player) of ultimate. No matter what he plays, he is always good and will storm through bracket

[@deavin4293]

Remember when light 3 stocked him in summit 2 crew battle

[@Aflay1]

Zachery isn't just a polymorph. He plays poker while everyone else is playing blackjack. He isn't just counting cards, he's dealing them. I never knew Smash Ultimate could be so strategic. I never saw losses as opportunities. The few players who do? They're dangerous. Truly dangerous.

[@sachitechless]

Okay now I want Rizeasu to win a JP major

[@mysticsquirtle5109]

It’s so fitting that Zackray is a Joker main/comain because of P5 P5 focuses a lot on tarot cards, each representing a different arcana and confidant (which benefits you in the game). The person who gave Joker his powers and considered him to be this saviour is the Fool arcana (beginning of the video) Also in the first palace, when deciding a name for Joker, Morganna says Joker because he’s the leader, so he represents a wildcard or trump card (like how Zackray is the wildcard who dominates) Finally, Joker is the only character who can have multiple personas in the game (which is like how Zackray can pilot so many characters and be #1 in Japan with so many)

[@ksad96]

Holy shit, these opening graphics are beyond next level, goddamn.