Hungrybox Apologizes After Attending Double Down 2022 Sick

After backlash for attending Double Down 2022 while sick, Juan “Hungrybox” Debiedma disqualified himself from the Super Smash Bros. Melee tournament at Double Down 2022. Double Down one of the major tournaments held in Las Vegas, Nev. focused on Super Smash Bros. The tournament was held from Jul. 8-10th. 

During the tournament, Hungrybox posted a now-deleted tweet that he was throwing up blood. After visiting urgent care he was told that it’s possibly COVID-19 or bacterial infection in his throat or uvula. Hungrybox proceeded to receive medication for the possible bacterial infection and took a COVID-19 test. The results of his COVID-19 results come from a rapid antigen test.

This upset fans of Hungrybox and the Smash Bros. scene. Many called out Hungrybox for choosing to play Melee over the safety of everyone who attended the event. Many noted Hungrybox did not use masks during the tournament either. As a result, after attending the weekend and placing in top 8, Hungrybox disqualified himself and left the venue. 

This is after winning his first tournament in two years at Get on My Level 2022. Hungrybox was on his way to getting out of the losers bracket at Double Down.

Though as a result, this still means Hungrybox attended two full days and the majority of the third day. As of the writing of this article, there hasn’t been any news of anyone who attended feeling sick or catching the virus.

Hungrybox later issued several apologies through his Twitter page. Mostly noting his mistakes and stating “I’m not half-assing mask protocols anymore.” Hungrybox said. He also encourages others to do the same. 

While Hungrybox apologized, he has not confirmed whether he has taken another test to prove he wasn’t sick with COVID. 

Despite the backlash from the community, Team Liquid, which Hungrybox plays for hasn’t released a statement regarding the incident. Neither have the Double Down directors. Meaning Hungrybox hasn’t seen any public backlashes and will likely not receive any consequences as a result.

After his departure, the tournament proceeded as normal. With his disqualification and forfeiting his chance at getting out of the losers bracket and possibly winning. The melee tournament resulted in Cody “iBDW” Schwab winning after defeating Masaya “aMSa” Chikamoto. 

As of now, there are no announcements of major tournament directors stating any changes from the standard COVID-19 protocols. Many use standard protocols such as a recent false COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination.

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