Abdulaziz ‘HAX$’ Al-Yami Death & Obituary: Abdulaziz “HAX$” Al-Yami, a trailblazer in the competitive Super Smash Bros. Melee (SSBM) community, has passed away at the age of 25. He died peacefully on the morning of March 25, 2025, at 7:09 AM. His death marks a profound loss not only for his family and friends but also for the global esports and SSBM community, where his groundbreaking contributions and unmatched skill left an indelible mark.
The Rise of a Legend
Born and raised in New York, Aziz quickly made a name for himself within the Super Smash Bros. Melee scene. Known for his technical precision and lightning-fast gameplay, he became one of the best Captain Falcon players in the world. His exceptional speed, control, and innovation on the competitive stage earned him a place at the pinnacle of the SSBM community.
Aziz’s talent was evident in his revolutionary approach to gameplay. After transitioning from Captain Falcon to Fox, he redefined how the character could be played and forever changed the strategies employed by competitors. His “20XX” philosophy—a vision of playing Melee at its most optimal level—became both a meme and a serious point of discussion within the community, influencing a new generation of players to elevate their gameplay to new heights.
More Than a Competitor: Mentor and Innovator
While Aziz was celebrated for his in-game achievements, his impact extended far beyond the competition. He was a mentor and friend to countless aspiring gamers, always eager to share his knowledge and support others. His resilience in the face of personal challenges, particularly recurring hand injuries that sidelined him from competitive play, showcased his unwavering dedication to the game. Even during these difficult times, Aziz worked tirelessly to improve the community, creating controller modifications to help reduce physical strain and prevent others from experiencing the same injuries.
Aziz’s contributions to the SSBM meta were monumental. He was deeply invested in not just his own success but in the well-being and growth of the entire community. His thoughtful insights and efforts to push the boundaries of gameplay and innovation helped strengthen the Melee scene, inspiring countless players and fans to rethink what was possible within the game.
A Community in Mourning
The news of Aziz’s passing has left the Super Smash Bros. Melee community in shock and grief. His peers, fans, and fellow content creators have flooded social media with heartfelt tributes, recalling memories of his intense tournament runs, his deep love for the game, and his commitment to improving the scene. His influence, both as a player and as a mentor, shaped the careers of many, and his legacy will continue to inspire for years to come.
Honoring His Memory
To assist Aziz’s family with funeral expenses and celebrate his life, a GoFundMe campaign has been organized. His family has expressed immense gratitude for the outpouring of support, and the campaign offers the community a way to come together and honor his memory.
Aziz’s impact on the Super Smash Bros. Melee world cannot be overstated. His dedication to pushing the limits of the game, his innovative strategies, and his unwavering passion for competition have left a lasting mark on the esports world. His presence will be greatly missed, but his legacy will continue through the players, strategies, and moments that bear his influence.
A Legacy of Love for Melee
As we remember Abdulaziz “HAX$” Al-Yami, one thing is certain: he LOVED Melee. The Melee community, in turn, will never forget him. Rest in peace, Aziz. Your legacy lives on in every perfect combo, every optimized strategy, and in the hearts of the countless players whose lives you touched.
