Apex Founder and Organizer, Jonathan Alex Strife Lugo, Resigns After Death and Rape Threats

Apex founder and co-host, Jonathan “Alex Strife” Lugo, resigns after death and rape threats for not adding non-licensed Smash Bros Melee mod, Project M, to lineup.

Apex is one of the biggest tournaments held in New Jersey founded and hosted by Jonathan “Alex Strife” Lugo. The series started in 2009 featuring Super Smash Bros. Brawl and Super Smash Bros. Melle.

Recommended Videos

Apex had the largest Brawl tournament in 2012 with 400 entrants and, in 2014, Apex hosted the now third-largest Melee tournament with 629 entrants, the second largest Brawl tournament with 370 entrants, and the largest Smash 64 tournament with 157 entrants. In this year it also included the Brawl mod for the first time, Project M, with 382 entrants becoming the largest tournament for the Project M.

Recently, however, Jonathan “Alex Strife” Lugo became the focus of attacks after announcing the tournament would leave out the popular mod title from its lineup. Project M is not an officially licensed Smash title even with its large following.

Fans of the title unleashed their frustration out on the organizer via social media. It quickly escalated into rape and death threats against his family members.

“To those thinking it was just the threats it was not. It was the threats, rape threats on my friends, and certain people who I thought were friends just talk me down. I am just sick of the drama. I do not want to have to get into it but I just wanna say this is my decision and my decision alone. We all have limits. Apex will go on but I won’t. Please do not take it as anything beyond that.”

It is confirmed that Lugo has since then resigned from involvement with Apex leaving supporters in shock. Smash community spearheads quickly commented against the toxic community that lead to Lugo’s resignation. Wynton “Prog” Smith, Melee commentator and co-host of the Melee It On Me podcast did not censor his reaction to the ludicrous threats.

done. end it. go play and remember why the fuck you got involved in the scene. have fucking fun instead of starting bullshit.

— MIOM| el-prog (@progducto) November 10, 2014

In support for Lugo, Apex, and 15-year-old game, many fans have begun using the hashtag “#WhyISmash” detailing thousands of stories of what the tight-knit community meant to them.

  #WhyISmash Because I’ve had nothing but great experiences playing any version of Smash with anyone. Maybe except any Meta-Knight in brawl!- Alex Jebailey Creator of CeoGaming @CEOJebailey

Having a relaxing evening out with @MacDsmash @NME_Xzax @NME_Tyrant @J_Ambition @SkyWilliamsTho & others!  #WhyISmashhttp://t.co/mxruYtaFhT – D1SmashBros Player Esports Commentator @xD1x

The pocket of the community that forces the passionate few to flee are nothing more than disillusioned members with no part in the gaming community for which they so passionately believe to be their’s.

This same type of harassment campaign is spilling throughout professional esports scenes, games journalism, and even professional game development. Can there be nothing more than hashtags and tweets to be done to counter these di-illuminati?


GameSkinny is supported by our audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn a small affiliate commission. Learn more
related content
Read Article D&D Marries Stardew Valley in This New Fantasy RPG
Player tends to livestock on farm in Mirthwood
Read Article Fallout 76 Kicks off April Fools Early With Rotating Events
Spooky Scorched about to attack.
Read Article New Dragon’s Dogma 2 Title Update Adds Multiple Saves, More Appearance Changes, Performance Tweaks, and More
the player charging a dragon in dragon's dogma 2
Read Article Predator: Hunting Grounds Will Get New Content With IllFonic Takeover
Predator watching prey from the treetops.
Read Article Overwatch 2 Introduces Its First Free Hero in Season 10
Venture holding her drill and Baptise, Zarya, Pharah, and Lifeweaver standing behind her
Related Content
Read Article D&D Marries Stardew Valley in This New Fantasy RPG
Player tends to livestock on farm in Mirthwood
Read Article Fallout 76 Kicks off April Fools Early With Rotating Events
Spooky Scorched about to attack.
Read Article New Dragon’s Dogma 2 Title Update Adds Multiple Saves, More Appearance Changes, Performance Tweaks, and More
the player charging a dragon in dragon's dogma 2
Read Article Predator: Hunting Grounds Will Get New Content With IllFonic Takeover
Predator watching prey from the treetops.
Read Article Overwatch 2 Introduces Its First Free Hero in Season 10
Venture holding her drill and Baptise, Zarya, Pharah, and Lifeweaver standing behind her
Author
| Narz |
Social Media Producer | @GameSkinny @TheGamerAgency | 🎮💄Makeup + Gaming + Beauty Blogger | 👻 og.narz | 💃 #Latina | http://Narz.co