We have finally concluded the votes for the inaugural Inven Global Smash Awards, which celebrated the best players, content, and talent in the competitive Smash scene. This was an important endeavor for Inven's Smash team since the community has been the driving factor keeping the esports scene alive. It's full of passionate players, fans, and TOs that care more about Smash than anything else. 

The Inven Global Smash Awards are showcasing the Smash community and what makes us great. It's now time for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, a game that significantly changed Smash's competitive scene and celebrated what it truly means to be a Smash fan with a colorful, gigantic roster and a varied pro scene like never seen previously. 

So finally, here is the best Ultimate player of 2021, voted by a panel of experts, journalists, and pros from the scene.

Best Ultimate Player: MkLeo

MkLeo defined competitive Ultimate in 2021. He dominated any event he went to, from Smash World Tour: Central America Ultimate Regionals Finals to Riptide, Low Tide City, Port Priority, and Mainstage. And then he won the Smash World Tour 2021 Championships, solidifying his title as "best Ultimate player in the world." 

MkLeo isn't just a fan-favorite because he wins. It's his versatility and talent as a player. He transformed what it means to play Byleth, once thought to be a useless mid-tier. He adapts. He remains calm, even in game five moments that would stress out any veteran player. He is known as one of the most clutch players. He makes wild plays. 

MkLeo may lose sometimes. It's impossible to always be the Major winner. But there is no denying that MkLeo is one of the best players in the world at all times. In 2021, he was undeniably the top player. Going into 2022, MkLeo is looking to fight to keep this spot. 

Best Ultimate Player: Community Award

MkLeo: 81.3%

Kola: 12.5%

Sparg0: 6.3%

The community has spoken: MkLeo was the best player in 2021. No question. 

MkLeo is just a force to be reckoned with. Even when not playing his best, MkLeo is a threat. He is someone the players dread facing. At Summit, Sparg0 admitted that he only knew he would win the Major once he beat MkLeo. He wasn't afraid of anyone else.

MkLeo only loses when he is not playing at his best. And now that players are catching on to his Byleth tricks, we should all be scared of what MkLeo will pull out in 2022.