AMSa
Masaya Chikamoto, known globally as aMSa, is a Japanese professional Super Smash Bros. Melee player. He is considered the best Yoshi player in the world and, in 2022, became the first player from Asia to win a Melee supermajor, achieving a world ranking of second.

| Real Name | Masaya Chikamoto |
|---|---|
| Alias | aMSa |
| Born | October 27, 1991 |
| Nationality | Japanese |
| Game | Super Smash Bros. Melee |
| Main Character | Yoshi |
| Notable Teams | Red Bull, Golden Guardians |
| Career Earnings | $85,023.20 USD |
| Peak World Rank | 2nd (SSBMRank 2022) |
The Yoshi Specialist
aMSa's identity is inseparable from his chosen character, Yoshi. Since childhood, he has been a fan of the character, who was long considered one of the weakest in competitive Melee. For years, Yoshi was ranked among the bottom characters, seen as a severe handicap for any player with serious ambitions. aMSa's dedication to mastering Yoshi's unusual mechanics and overlooked potential began to change that perception. Through his consistent high-level performances, he demonstrated that Yoshi could compete with the game's top tiers. By 2021, largely due to aMSa's efforts, the community's view had shifted dramatically, with Yoshi being considered the tenth best character out of twenty-six.
Rise to Prominence
aMSa began his professional career in 2013, quickly making a name for himself by taking games from established stars. A significant early moment was winning a game against Mew2King, then ranked third in the world. His breakthrough on the international stage came with strong placements at the Apex tournament, finishing ninth in 2014 and fifth in 2015. These results proved that a Japanese player using Yoshi could hang with the best. In February 2019, he signed a major sponsorship with Red Bull, gaining greater support to compete globally. To further his career, aMSa moved to Vancouver, Canada, in 2022 to have easier access to the dense tournament circuit in North America.
Historic Supermajor Victories
The year 2022 marked aMSa's ascent to the top of Melee. In October, he won The Big House 10, a tournament many considered the most difficult to win in the game's history due to the sheer concentration of top talent present. He defeated the player Mang0 in the finals, claiming his first major tournament victory. This win was historic, as it was the first time a player had won a major using only Yoshi. He followed this triumph by winning the Apex 2022 and Scuffed World Tour majors. This run of form confirmed his status as the world's second best player in the year-end SSBMRank, the highest ranking ever achieved by a Yoshi main.
Organizational Journey
Following his landmark 2022 season, aMSa joined the esports organization Golden Guardians in March 2023. This partnership provided a team structure during a period of sustained competitive activity. However, the organization disbanded its roster of Melee players on November 30, 2023, leaving aMSa as a free agent. As of early 2025, he has expressed openness to new team or sponsor opportunities, noting his status as the best Melee Yoshi player. His career earnings from 64 tournaments total over $85,000, with his first place finishes constituting a significant portion of that sum.
Legacy and Current Standing
aMSa's impact on Super Smash Bros. Melee is significant. He shattered long held beliefs about character viability and regional strength, proving that a player from Asia could not only compete but dominate at the supermajor level. His victories at The Big House and Apex gave him more major wins than several other players ranked in the global top 20 at the time. While his competitive activity has evolved, his skill remains recognized. In the most recent SSBMRank for 2025, aMSa was ranked as the 23rd best player in the world, maintaining his status as a respected competitor in the scene.
FAQ
What character does aMSa play in Super Smash Bros. Melee?
aMSa exclusively mains Yoshi. He is considered the undisputed best Yoshi player in the world and his success was instrumental in the character's rise from being considered very weak to a respected mid tier.
What is aMSa's biggest tournament win?
His victory at The Big House 10 in October 2022 is his most notable win. It was his first major tournament victory, achieved by defeating Mang0, and is considered one of the hardest tournaments to win in Melee history.
Where is aMSa from?
aMSa, whose real name is Masaya Chikamoto, is from Japan. He was born in Hyogo Prefecture. In 2022, he moved to Vancouver, Canada, to compete more frequently in North American tournaments.
What was aMSa's peak world ranking?
Following his major wins in 2022, aMSa was ranked as the second best Melee player in the world in the year-end SSBMRank. This is his highest achieved ranking.
Is aMSa currently on a team?
As of late 2023, aMSa is not signed to a team. His contract with Golden Guardians ended when the organization disbanded its Melee roster on November 30, 2023. He has expressed interest in finding new team or sponsor opportunities.
Source: English Wikipedia (CC BY-SA), rewritten by the Redington Cybersport desk.





