Carlos ‘Sonix‘ Perez is the GENESIS X3 Super Smash Bros. Ultimate champion after an intense Grand Finals with Salvatore ‘Zomba‘ DeSena.
The Ultimate Top 8 just wrapped up at GENESIS X3, featuring the top players in the world from North America and Japan. In the end, it was a Sonic main that’s ranked 6th in the world who took the Major title.
Zomba’s Losers Run Energizes Smash Community at GENESIS X3
The two favourites to win GENESIS X3 started in the Losers side of Top 8. Gavin ‘Tweek‘ Dempsey was having a pretty impressive comeback since returning to the competitive scene in October 2025. However, he was starting Top 8 facing Mashita ‘Acola‘ Hayato, a Steve player — and Steve was one of the reasons that Tweek left the scene the most recent time.
Meanwhile, Zomba had to start off against ‘Miya,’ the top Mr. Game & Watch in the world. He would have to fight some of the best in the scene to stay in the bracket.
Despite incredible crowd support, Tweek had a difficult time against Acola. There were a few bright spots in the match that gave the Smash commuity hope, but Tweek wasn’t able to eliminate Steve from the tournament and fell 3-1.
However, Zomba was having an incredible run going into Top 8. With hype from fans on his side, Zomba fought his way through Losers to face ‘Doramigi’ in Losers Finals. The winner would get to face Sonix in the Grand Finals. The match was incredibly intense, with plenty of insane off-stage antics from both players. In the end, Zomba won 3-2.
Zomba and Sonix have met in the Grand Finals many times before, most relevant being Genesis X in 2024. Zomba had won in that intense match, so it was definitely possible this time despite coming from Losers side.
Zomba was all warmed up when he faced Sonix in the Grand Finals. He made quick work of the Sonic player in the first two matches and it seemed there could be a bracket reset. During an interview earlier in the Top 8, Zomba had seemed quite confident he could win, noting that he had a great Valentine’s Day the night before.
Unfortunately for the hyped up crowd, Sonix turned everything around in the third round. He played like he was on fire, with Zomba struggling to get out of juggles and keep up with Sonic’s speed and aggression.
While it wasn’t the redemption fans wanted for Zomba, it proved Sonix has what it takes to reach the Top 5 in the UltRank next time it’s updated.
