Evil Geniuses announce PPMD to debut Smash Bros roster

This article was originally published on GameSpot's sister site onGamers.com, which was dedicated to esports coverage.

Earlier this week Cloud 9 officially announced the launch of their Super Smash Bros team by picking up EVO 2013 Champion Joseph 'Mang0' Marquez. In March Team Liquid made waves by picking up Ken 'Ken' Hoang and Daniel 'KoreanDJ' Jung

Now Evil Geniuses, who was the first major eSports organization to pick up fighting game players, including superstar Justin Wong, have officially announced the signing of their own Smash Bros player - Apex 2014 Champion Kevin 'PPMD' Nanney.

"I cannot express how excited I am to become part of such an influential company," Nanney tells onGamers in a new interview. "The opportunity to represent Smash (Melee), myself and the community is huge here. I hope to not only represent my roots but also give my everything to a company who thrives on the success of its many talented players."

"If you asked me that a year ago, I would have said it sounds far too good to be true. 'EG? You mean the guys who sponsor the players I watch on stream for fun? Why would they want a smaller group with them?' Is about what I would have said." The full interview can be accessed in the link provided above.

Evil Geniuses are just as thrilled to have Nanney on board.

"As the Fighting Game Division Manager, I’ve often looked at my team as the FGC’s Ninja Turtles (Choco and Momochi are April O’Neil and Casey Jones, for those keeping track)," Evil Geniuses Director of Player Operations Antonio Javier tells onGamers. "As Smash is still loosely related to the FGC, I see Kevin as my Usagi Yojimbo -- the badass samurai rabbit with ties to the four turtles."

"I am beyond elated to have Kevin on board. As a player that not only has the propensity to win major tournaments, but has the passion to match, I’m confident that Kevin will be an invaluable asset to the team."

Nanney will make his EG debut at MLG Anaheim, held June 20-22 at the Anaheim Convention Center.