TSM Leffen Declares Riot Games' 2XKO Rekindles 'Melee-level Hunger' After Early Access Win

Professional esports player William "Leffen" Hjelte, known widely as TSM Leffen, has expressed profound enthusiasm for Riot Games' new fighting game, 2XKO, following a recent victory. Leffen stated that winning in 2XKO has ignited a competitive drive in him reminiscent of his early days in Super Smash Bros. Melee. In a social media post, he remarked, "> Just won in 2XKO and all I wanna do is keep playing to keep getting better so I can play to my potential. Been since Melee since I felt this hunger... stream soon 😈."

2XKO, formerly known as Project L, is a free-to-play 2v2 tag-team fighting game developed by Riot Games, featuring characters from the popular League of Legends universe. The game officially launched its Early Access phase for PC players on October 7, 2025, offering a "Season 0" with new champions and a battle pass system. Riot Games has designed 2XKO with an "easy to learn, difficult to master" philosophy, aiming to appeal to both casual and highly competitive players.

Leffen's endorsement carries significant weight within the fighting game community (FGC), where he is revered as one of the "Five Gods" of Super Smash Bros. Melee. His comparison of 2XKO to Melee is a high compliment, as Melee is celebrated for its intricate mechanics, high skill ceiling, and enduring competitive scene. This statement suggests that 2XKO possesses a depth that resonates with seasoned fighting game veterans.

Riot Games has underscored its commitment to fostering a robust competitive environment for 2XKO, implementing "best-in-class" rollback netcode to ensure smooth online play. The developer has also initiated the "First Impact" program, sponsoring 22 community-led tournaments across various regions through the end of 2025. This initiative aims to support grassroots competitive efforts and solidify 2XKO's place in the esports landscape.

Leffen's tweet, hinting at upcoming streams, is expected to further amplify 2XKO's visibility and draw more fighting game enthusiasts to the title. As the game continues its Early Access period, with a full release planned for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S, the positive reception from prominent figures like TSM Leffen signals a promising future for Riot's entry into the fighting game genre.