The_Doug's Pound IV Predictions! If I was putting money on it:
*Please note I'm just trying to generate hype and do not mean any disrespect towards the players in my comments.
2/3 Mango:
Probably still is the best smasher on the planet. His spacing, creativity, comboing prowess, ability to adapt, and counter pick different characters make him my pick to win. Even with his most recent tournament loss I very much doubt it will effect his confidence level or mind game him into doubts mid-game.
Evens Armada:
The best smasher on his continent and respective country in Sweden. Shocked the world, or maybe just America, at his fabulous run at Genesis, and has not lost a tournament since. A lot of people consider him to be the absolute best at reacting, adapting, DI, edge guarding, and punishing mistakes. The latest gossip from this author's European sources is that Armada has even entered his own tier at this point. Oh ****!
3-1 Hungrybox:
In my opinion the best player in Florida, and although many will disagree with me, also the best player in the entire eastern side of the U.S. Been on a hot streak lately not losing a tournament in some months. Strengths include ridiculous edge guarding ability, stage control, a solid DI, and of course a master at resting out of nowhere.
4-1 M2K:
Once considered the Darth Vader of smash ala, "Hey man how's your bracket looking?", "Hey uh I've got M2K first round, but I'm gonna get the business done in losers!" Zimmermansin from Cinnaminson, New Jersey. Considered by some to be out of form lately due to reasons among which is another game. Still easily the best Marth around, arguably also has the best Sheik and Fox. Other strengths include having a knack to gimp anyone at anytime, and a brilliant DI.
4-1 Nihonjin, aka Amsah:
In my opinion the best Sheik player in the world. Once also held an undefeated streak of close to two years until being dethroned by Armada. Hailing from the Netherlands his strengths include a strong ability to adapt, superb edge guarding, powerful DI, and good chance of entering Super Saiyen aka "Amsah Mode". If you want to MM a top, top Sheik at a major tournament definitely find this guy!
5-1 Dr. PeePee:
Got to be the breakout player of 2009. Smashing out of North Carolina, Dr. PeePee is widely regarded in the South as being one of the best around. He and his teammate Lozr give new meaning to the phrase, "Stack it up". Trust me you do not want to meet this ruthless Falco in the brackets as the only advice I could possibly give would be, "Uh don't get discouraged when you get comboed zero to death."
7-1 Zgetto:
Another top European smasher, and very solid Fox player. Also relatively new to the scene and unfortunately not known to this author very well but very highly rated.
7-1 Kage:
One of Canada's best. If he's out for blood that day, learn to fear the Ganon, and hopefully your name is not that of a fruit.
7-1 Lucky and 7-1 Zhu:
Two more of the west coast's finest players. Very fast, very aggressive. Prepare to star in your very own combo video if you come up against one of these guys.
There are tons of other great players who aren't on here! But these guys are my picks for Pound.
