Super Smash Bros. Melee competitor Jason Zimmerman, widely known as Mew2King, was due to attend Austin’s Xtreme Fighters Showdown 2026 this weekend. Event organisers reversed that decision at short notice after a social media post about sores on his arms and legs prompted concern among attendees about a possible bed bug risk.
The incident has become a talking point in arcade and gaming news, where player welfare and event safety can quickly intersect with online speculation.
“For the safety of our event, XFS 2026, we have politely informed Mew2King,” event staff posted. “He will not be able to participate or attend our event this weekend due to a self-reported health concern.”
Zimmerman had published a post on Thursday asking for help understanding a health issue, although he later removed it. The images showed numerous swollen red marks. Zimmerman initially believed fleas from a housemate’s cat might be responsible, while other people responding online raised the possibility of bed bug bites.
“Made a post about my thoughts on things. Ngl im turning off replies cuz of the types of mean msgs many ppl sent me that i dont want to see or deal with. I wont be streaming or around for a while (maybe weeks idk). Thx for those who do care appreciate you”
— Jason Zimmerman, October 17, 2026
Zimmerman said he had experienced roughly 100 similar marks across his body two months earlier, describing the image he shared as far from the most severe example. He also said the problem had returned at intervals and was one reason he had been considering relocating from Ohio to California.
Bed bugs are capable of travelling in clothing, furniture and other belongings, making them a serious practical concern for crowded competitions. Once established in a home, they can also be difficult and costly to remove. Xtreme Fighters Showdown therefore chose to prevent a potential risk to competitors and other guests.
Not everyone in the Smash Bros. community supported the reaction directed at Zimmerman. Team Liquid co-owner Juan “Hungrybox” DeBiedma urged people to respond with compassion rather than ridicule.
“[Please] have some grace and don’t bully another member of the community into further mental decline,” posted Team Liquid co-owner Juan “Hungrybox” DeBiedma. He said Zimmerman had been told not to attend, and that Zimmerman listened and agreed.
Zimmerman later addressed the ban. He said he regretted publishing the original material and believed the images had been exaggerated by the online response. He explained that he lives in a home with 10 pets and a caretaker, and remained more convinced that the initial marks came from contact with a cat. He also said much of the later scabbing resulted from intrusive picking habits.
According to Zimmerman, the photograph of his leg was old and his condition had improved. He had also questioned whether more recent swelling in his hand was connected, given the strain placed on his fingers during practice. He added that, had he believed he genuinely posed a risk to the community, he would have withdrawn before the controversy developed.
“I feel like I could have just said nothing ever and been fine,” Zimmerman wrote in a statement. “Makes me think how many people might potentially have a bad situation themselves but just not stupidly say anything publicly… I feel quite bad, dumb and frustrated.”
For now, Zimmerman says he is stepping away from competition and streaming while continuing to focus on his health, something he said he had been working on in recent months.
The episode is also a reminder that organisers must make difficult calls when a possible health or hygiene issue reaches a public event. For readers building a dedicated gaming space, RETROCADE’s arcade machine buying guide covers the practical considerations involved, while arcade machines offer a way to bring competitive play home. Those planning a custom setup can also explore arcade parts for repairs and upgrades.
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