Mew2King banned from Super Smash Bros event over bed bug concerns

Professional Super Smash Bros player Jason 'Mew2King' Zimmerman has been banned from a competitive tournament after posting photos of a skin condition and complaining of an insect infestation at his home. IGN and Dexerto both reported that the ban occurred after Zimmerman raised concerns online about his health and living conditions. Dexerto specified that he was banned from the Xtreme Fighters Showdown in Austin, Texas, which takes place from October 16 to October 17, 2026. [1][3]

According to IGN, Zimmerman published a thread of posts on Twitter/X on October 15, 2026, complaining of swelling hands that he attributed to playing too much or to insect bites. IGN and Dexerto both reported that his posts caused widespread concern among fans that he might spread bed bugs to the tournament venue. [1][3]

The Xtreme Fighters Showdown event includes competitions for both Super Smash Bros Melee and Super Smash Bros Ultimate, according to Dexerto. Zimmerman had flown to Texas to compete in the tournament before organizers issued the ban. [3]

Zimmerman is an American esports competitor from Cinnaminson, New Jersey, who is recognized as one of the historical Five Gods of Super Smash Bros Melee alongside Juan 'Hungrybox' Debiedma, Adam 'Armada' Lindgren, Kevin 'PPMD' Nanney, and Joseph 'Mang0' Marquez. He has also competed at a professional level in Super Smash Bros Brawl, Super Smash Bros for Wii U, Super Smash Bros Ultimate, and Project M. [5]