Super Smash Bros. Melee icon Joseph “Mang0” Marquez is facing one of the biggest controversies of his career following his recent actions at Ludwig Ahgren’s Beerio Kart 2025 event. What started as a lighthearted, alcohol-fueled livestream turned into a viral scandal that has sparked widespread outrage, calls for accountability, and serious consequences for the longtime fan favorite.
The Incident: What Happened at Beerio Kart?
On June 21, 2025, Ludwig hosted the annual Beerio Kart event, a popular drinking game played by streamers and content creators for entertainment. The event featured top names like Maya Higa, Emily “ExtraEmily” Will Neff, and CinnaBrit, drawing thousands of viewers across Twitch and YouTube. However, the night quickly took a dark turn due to Mang0’s behavior.
Clips from the event show a visibly intoxicated Mang0 repeatedly making inappropriate, sexually suggestive gestures towards female streamers, most notably Maya Higa. In one widely shared moment, Mang0 places his leg on Maya’s chair and attempts to hump the back of her head as she leans forward, visibly uncomfortable and trying to avoid him. He then moves to her side, places a Toad plushie between them, and continues with the inappropriate motions. Other clips reveal Mang0 making similar gestures behind ExtraEmily and near other female participants, with some streamers attempting to redirect or calm him down, to little avail.
Mang0 reportedly arrived at the event already heavily intoxicated, with witnesses stating he was “seven beers in” before the event even began. His behavior persisted throughout the night, despite intervention attempts from Ludwig and other streamers.
Community Backlash and Consequences
The fallout was swift and severe. The clips went viral on social media, with viewers and fellow streamers alike condemning Mang0’s actions as “creepy,” “predatory,” and “actual sexual harassment”. The incident quickly became the top trending topic on platforms like Reddit and X (formerly Twitter), with thousands of users weighing in on the controversy.
Ludwig, as the event host, took decisive action. On June 22, 2025, he announced during a livestream that Mang0 would no longer be invited to future Mogul Moves events. Ludwig explained, “It’s a privilege to go to an event… if somebody appearing jeopardizes somebody else having a good time, that just can’t be a thing”. He also reached out to those who might have felt uncomfortable at the event to address their concerns directly.
The ban from Ludwig’s events is a significant blow to Mang0’s reputation and standing within the streaming and esports community. Ludwig and Mang0 have a long history together, making the decision all the more impactful.
Mang0’s Response and Apology
Facing mounting criticism, Mang0 took to X to address the controversy. In a series of raw and emotional posts, he admitted, “Hate waking up and seeing i was a drunk dumba**… I will privately apologize to anyone I made uncomfortable and hope I’m forgiven”. In a follow-up, he acknowledged that “99% of my problems stem from drinking” and vowed to “reevaluate his relationship with alcohol”.
Mang0’s statements were met with mixed reactions. Some fans appreciated his honesty and willingness to take responsibility, while others felt that a private apology was insufficient given the public nature of the incident. Many called for more accountability and pointed to his history of alcohol-related issues, including previous Twitch bans for similar behavior.
Broader Implications for the Smash Bros. Community
The controversy has reignited discussions about streamer safety, appropriate behavior at live events, and the role of alcohol in content creation. Many are questioning whether it was wise to invite Mang0 to such an event given his past, while others are calling for stricter rules and better moderation to protect participants.
The incident also highlights the challenges facing the Smash Bros. Melee community, which has struggled with issues of harassment and inappropriate behavior in the past. While some community members argue that Mang0’s actions do not reflect the entire community, others acknowledge that the optics are damaging, especially given the game’s vulnerable reputation.
For Mang0, the consequences extend beyond just a ban from Ludwig’s events. His legacy as one of the “Five Gods of Melee” is now in jeopardy, with many fans and commentators wondering if this incident will overshadow his achievements in competitive gaming.
What’s Next for Mang0?
As of now, Mang0 has promised to apologize privately and reassess his relationship with alcohol. Whether the community and the individuals involved will accept his apology remains to be seen. The incident serves as a stark reminder that actions have consequences, even for esports royalty.
Moving forward, the Smash Bros. community will be watching closely to see if Mang0 can make meaningful changes and regain the trust of his peers and fans. For now, the damage is done, and the controversy will likely be remembered as a defining moment in Mang0’s career—one that could ultimately shape his legacy for years to come.
