Hugo "HugS" Gonzalez is rarity in the Super Smash Bros. Melee community. There are few Samus players that grace the scene and even fewer can master her well enough to push through the ranks into the top 100. HugS is currently ranked at 23rd in the world with Samus and is rapidly improving; causing threat to each and every player he faces. Furthermore, he is a Southern California resident which means he has access to top level practice. This makes HugS' improvement much scarier for future opponents.

HugS placed 33rd at EVO last year but proceeded to improve his finishes throughout the following year, including a Top 8 finish at Genesis in January. With EVO coming up in the next few weeks, we got a chance to talk to HugS and ask him about what tactics he'll use to break through at the event.

With EVO ticking ever closer, what have you done to prepare yourself technically and mentally?

HugS: To prepare, I've upped my practice time substantially. Ensuring I have time spent drilling fundamentals, playing against humans to keep my decision making sharp, and attending more locals to maintain solid tournament composure.

You’re flying out to the East Coast just before EVO for a Xanadu event. Assuming this is preparation for EVO, is there a reason you chose to attend Xanadu as your warm up?

HugS: The Lofton brothers invited me out and I know that the MD/VA scene has a lot of talent. It's a great way to practice for EVO, to be in a region that likely wouldn't want to see me win.

What characters are you most looking forward to in your bracket and why?

HugS: My stronger matchups right now include Fox and Marth, but I won't be relying on any matchup advantages to win, as all players of any character are huge threats.

With Plup putting his Samus on the shelf in favour of Sheik and Fox, you and Duck are the only hope we have left for Samus fans. It seems as though it would be difficult to discover more about Samus’ strengths and weaknesses with so few high level players playing her. With that in mind, what do you feel Duck could take from your gameplay to improve his Samus?

HugS: There are some things I like to do that Duck doesn't implement because he may not feel like they're the optimal choices. He also plays in a very structured fashion, which may hurt when he encounters matchups or approaches he's unfamiliar with.

What do you think that Duck uses that you could incorporate more of in your gameplay?

HugS: He's very structured, haha! There are a lot of ways in which he plays the game that I know are correct, so he's a great resource to turn to when I am having difficulty understanding a player or character. I can look at a lot of the things he does as a blueprint for what Samus should be, which allows me to clean up the areas I'm weak in.

It’s been noted by fans of your stream that it’s slightly frustrating when commentators don’t notice or recognise cool Samus techniques when you use them in tournament. To educate those who are unaware, what should commentators and fans look out for? What techniques should we be looking out for at EVO?

HugS: Not to reveal too much, but I think aerial interrupt on platforms is a great tool for Samus that hasn't been explored nearly enough. I'm hoping to expand my gameplay options with this by the time EVO rolls around.

There are so many pieces to the Melee puzzle that competitors everywhere try to fuse together to get to your skill level. When trying to master punish game, neutral, technical ability and so on, many find their strengths and weaknesses in certain areas of the game. What do you feel are your strongest points in your gameplay that’ll help you soar through the EVO bracket?

HugS: My strongest point has always been my neutral game, and that's good for me because I also feel it's the most important aspect of the game.

For years, Gods and God Slayers have been battling it out and breaking through into the higher end of the top ten, making them fearsome opponents in tournaments such as this; as they fall to so few players outside of the top ten. Despite this, playstyles and characters have brought out strengths and weaknesses in players of all abilities. With that said, which of the top six players do you hope to avoid in bracket and why?

HugS: My hope is to avoid Armada and Hbox specifically, because I feel that Peach and Jigglypuff are among the worst matchups for Samus. Even then, I don't really mind playing them as I learn from them every time I meet them in bracket.

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EVO is held in Las Vegas and takes place in Mandalay Bay, just off the famous strip. It’s easy for players to get distracted by casinos, world class shows, shining lights, and bars as far as the eye can see. Alternatively, a little distraction from the tournament can help relax some and keep a healthy mentality. What will your routine for EVO be when you arrive in Las Vegas?

HugS: I'm going to keep the good times light on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, too, if I make top 8. I don't think I'll outright avoid hanging with friends as I think it'd be bad for my overall positivity if I don't at least try to enjoy my favorite time of the year.

Mentality is a huge part of the game. Players have fallen to stage fright, jet lagged brains, stream nerves, and decreasing confidence during matches that they’re losing. When at a tournament as prestigious as EVO, how do you keep yourself composed and focused during matches?

HugS: I think composure is something you can train by attending tournaments and putting yourself in situations where your composure is tested. I'll be attending more locals, and traveling to Short Hops and Low Tier City, to practice this.

Be sure to follow HugS on Twitter and Twitch for tournament updates, player opinions and HugS' fun takes on Melee life!