The stage was set for one of the most anticipated matchups of the year, and Zain delivered. Over the weekend, Zain Naghmi defended his Collision crown, becoming a back-to-back champion at Collision 2025. Already considered the world’s second-best Melee player, Zain left no doubt about his form, cruising through a stacked Top 8 bracket before taking down his long-time rival, Juan “Hungrybox” DeBiedma, in the Grand Finals.
Zain’s Path to Glory
The journey to the Grand Finals saw Zain face some of the fiercest names in the competition. His Marth once again proved to be the bane of Jigglypuff mains, as he swept through the Winners bracket with commanding wins. Along the way, he eliminated Arjun “lloD” Malhotra and handed Hungrybox his first loss of the tournament, sending him down to the Losers side.
For Hungrybox, the storyline was very different. Despite taking down Joshua “Joshman” Lyras and clawing his way back into the finals, his set record against Zain was heavily skewed. Heading into Collision 2025, Hungrybox trailed 5-32 against Zain’s Marth, a lopsided record that weighed heavily on expectations.
The Grand Finals Rivalry
The Grand Finals brought intensity and history to the stage. Hungrybox, one of Melee’s most legendary players, came in with determination, but Zain’s consistency once again proved too much to overcome. The final scoreline of 3-1 highlighted Zain’s dominance, though Hungrybox fought valiantly in several close rounds.
Hungrybox addressed fans after the loss, saying:
“I know how impossible it looks for me at times, but for the sake of Melee, I am too stubborn to quit. I’ll keep trying until my fingers break because I’m psychotic enough to believe I can still do it. Losing sucks, but getting cheered on by y’all makes it worth it.”
Despite the defeat, Hungrybox reminded everyone why he remains one of the most celebrated names in Smash history. His grit and refusal to back down keep this rivalry alive and thrilling.
What’s Next for the Smash Scene
With Zain in peak form and Hungrybox still hungry for redemption, fans can expect many more electrifying clashes between the two titans in upcoming tournaments. The next major stop will be Riptide in Ohio on September 5th, where both will once again look to cement their legacies.
Zain’s victory at Collision 2025 is another reminder of his dominance and consistency, solidifying his reputation as one of the game’s greatest modern champions.
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