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If you're a fan of the Super Smash Bros. series (or at least it's Wii U instalment), there's a great chance you would've come across Gonzalo 'ZeRo' Barrios – a highly talented player in the Smash Bros. competitive scene and the world's best when the franchise's Wii U outing is concerned. Barrios has won dozens of tournaments, and currently possesses a world record for most consecutive tournament wins in a row – a whopping streak of 53 in 2015. 

However, in an unexpected announcement, Barrios has stated that he'd like to take a step back from the competitive scene – at least for the time being. Here are some comments of his from his Twitter account:

"The truth is that I lost passion in current Smash 4. But I must clarify, this game is responsible for the most success I've had in my life and some of my fondest memories. I love this game, I really do. I love Smash Bros in general as well. However, I just don't have that 'fire' that I used to have for Smash 4. I used to be able to push myself so easily and without effort back in the day" ... "but nowadays, I pretty much have to force myself to do it."

“I anticipate I will want to participate once again in tournaments once the next iteration of Smash Bros. is on the horizon. If that's Smash 5, Smash Switch, or even a big Smash 4 Deluxe update... that's going to be enough to bring me back in the scene."

Barrios then goes on to say that he'd like to focus on other things for the time being, such as being more dedicated with his streaming and YouTube content, possibly commentating in future events, writing a book, learning a third language, "experience a different world," and taking care of his body in general. You can read his full farewell statement to the Smash community here.

While this 'retirement' isn't likely to be permanent, it's certainly an end of an era for those who kept up to date in the Chilean's dominance over the last three years. His departure from the game is one more reason to nag Nintendo to release Smash Bros.' inevitable Switch iteration ASAP. Are you a fan of ZeRo's Smash antics? How badly do you want a Switch Smash Bros.? Sound off below...

[source twitter.com]