Smash Bros legend Juan ‘Hungrybox’ Debiedma had to lend a controller in his Grand Finals match of CEO 2025, and it turned out to be a pretty nice replacement for him.
In some esports, having your preferred peripherals is key. You’ve got to feel comfortable after all. That’s why a number of Counter-Strike and Valorant pros have massive sponsor deals with their favorite mouse and keyboard brands.
When it comes to Smash, however, things can get a little weirder. Players have used Guitar Hero guitars, Donkey Kong bongo drums, and keyboards against the usual GameCube controllers and fight sticks.
Hungrybox typically sticks to the usual controllers, but during the Grand Finals of CEO 2025, his controller of choice actually broke, forcing him to seek a replacement from the crowd.
Hungrybox, the most successful Super Smash Bros Melee pro of all time, just won his 37th major
His controller broke during the CEO 2025 Grand Final and he had to borrow someone else’s to finish the match pic.twitter.com/yUT8msgHJ5
— Dexerto (@Dexerto) June 15, 2025
Hungrybox responds after Smash controller ‘explodes’
The Team Liquid star was able to lend a similar controller to his usual one, and while the disruption may have put some players off, it only led him to victory after being 3-0 down.
Hungrybox managed to complete the bracket reset against Wizzrobe to claim his 37th Major title, and his first CEO victory since 2020 with a 3-2 win in the second set of games.
“THATS HOW YOU BOUNCE THE FUCK BACK. I AM YOUR (FINALLY ONCE AGAIN) YOUR CEO CHAMPION. RIP MY DUMBASS PHOB FOREVER,” he posted on X (formerly Twitter) following the win.
The 37-time Smash major winner praised fellow player MOF for allowing him to switch controllers out during their game, as it was causing him problems prior to the finals.
“I only won because @Mast3rofFlavor1 is an incredible sport and allowed me to switch controllers mid game, mid stock, etc, and even gave me another handwarmer,” he said. “I don’t deserve that kindness, but she’s so incredible for doing that.”
Debiedma also claimed that he’ll go back to using official Nintendo controllers after this, too. But we’ll have to wait and see.
