Supernova 2024
or, the Junebug Show
Supernova is the largest tournament series in the MD/VA area, held in Chantilly, Virginia. It was formerly known as Super Smash Con. I have personally attended most of the annual events since 2015. It is a celebration of the local scene and the people in it. MD/VA has produced some of the best players since the early days of the game, until now, including #1 player in the world Zain, and former #1 Project M player and best Donkey Kong player, Junebug.
Donkey Kong fans
Fans clap to emulate Donkey Kong
Junebug vs Axe
Junebug defeats Axe to make Top 8.
Junebug hugs fellow DK player NJzFinest
Junebug defeats Joshman to advance to Winners Finals
Fan reactions to June vs Cody
Fans emulate the DK helicopter move
Junebug thanks the crowd after placing third
Members of the MD/VA community celebrate the end of the event, featuring fire dancers. Junebug secured the highest placement with Donkey Kong in a major tournament ever, a third place finish. Junebug is considered the best DK player in the world.
I will always love Melee, whether it is lugging the GameCube over to my neighbors house in third grade, or playing it in an unlit basement with instant friends from around the country and the world. It taught me a lot about community and being fully myself. MD/VA Melee humbled me when learning how to document a subculture with a camera. Supernova 2025 is the first of many that I will miss.
I’m glad I got to witness the Junebug show.