How Canadian Smash pro Riddles overcame passport theft and travel restrictions to compete again
Tournament Success Turns to Travel Nightmare
Canadian Super Smash Bros. Ultimate professional player Michael ‘Riddles’ Kim experienced a dramatic turn of events after competing in the United States, finding himself stranded when travel complications and theft derailed his return plans.
The promising tournament run by top Canadian competitor Riddles at The Comeback event in Maryland took an alarming twist as health protocols and criminal activity created a perfect storm of travel disruptions.
On August 1st, Riddles demonstrated his competitive prowess by securing fourth position at The Comeback tournament in Laurel, Maryland. Facing elite-level opponents including Tweek and Cosmos, this impressive placement against such formidable competition highlighted his skills as a visiting international player.
What should have been a straightforward return journey became complicated when Riddles’ required health screening results failed to arrive in time for his scheduled flight back to Canada, forcing an unexpected extension of his stay.
The situation escalated from inconvenient to critical when, during a stop at a Wawas convenience store, thieves targeted the vehicle belonging to prominent Smash community figure Gimr. The stolen bag contained Riddles’ passport, his Nintendo Switch console, and the prize money he had earned from the tournament.
I completed my COVID test yesterday at 10 AM and I’m still awaiting the results required for my flight home, with my departure scheduled for 6 AM tomorrow. This situation is incredibly frustrating
— Liquid | Riddles (@RiddlesMK) August 2, 2021
“After reviewing security footage with law enforcement, we confirmed the items were definitely stolen,” Kim stated. “Two individuals entered the vehicle and took my belongings. I’m still struggling to process this violation.”
Navigating International Travel Crisis
Although his personal clothing and wallet remained secure, Riddles confronted the daunting challenge of arranging alternative transportation home without his crucial travel documents.
“Being forced to remain here for several additional days due to testing delays feels overwhelming,” expressed the Terry Bogard specialist. “Combined with the theft incident, I desperately need to exit this difficult situation and return home.”
Security camera review with police confirmed the theft occurred. Two individuals entered the vehicle and stole my property. I’m still processing this shocking violation
— Liquid | Riddles (@RiddlesMK) August 2, 2021
Fortunately, Riddles identified a potential solution for returning home, though it would involve a significantly more complex and lengthy journey than originally planned.
“As a Canadian citizen, I’ve discovered I can cross at the Buffalo-Toronto border without passport documentation,” he shared optimistically. “I’ll need to remain in this area through Tuesday and Wednesday, but having any viable path home provides tremendous relief and hope for resolution.”
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Positive development: I can travel to the Buffalo-Toronto border crossing without my passport as a Canadian citizen. I’ll need to arrange ground transportation via car or bus (likely bus unless I can find someone willing to undertake the seven-hour drive).
— Liquid | Riddles (@RiddlesMK) August 3, 2021
For esports athletes traveling internationally, this situation underscores the importance of having digital copies of documents, separate storage for valuables, and understanding alternative border crossing procedures before tournaments.
The Road to Recovery and Redemption
The cumulative stress of these events initially led Riddles to withdraw from the upcoming Smash Summit tournament, stating that even with his passport he would decline participation due to the overwhelmingly negative travel experience.
However, demonstrating remarkable resilience, the Canadian competitor reversed his decision and began expediting passport replacement to ensure his attendance at the prestigious fighting game championship.
I’ve reconsidered my position. I’m accelerating passport replacement to compete at Summit. I refuse to let these obstacles defeat me. I possess the strength to overcome this challenge
VOTE https://t.co/pcxv4xTYLc
— Liquid | Riddles (@RiddlesMK) August 3, 2021
The gaming community hopes the talented Canadian competitor returns home safely and can eventually revisit the United States under more favorable circumstances when international travel becomes less complicated.
This theft incident occurred merely one month after fellow Smash professional Fatality had his entire savings stolen at a gas station following tournament competition, highlighting concerning security patterns for traveling esports professionals.
Professional gamers competing internationally should consider using hotel safes for important documents, carrying tournament earnings in secure digital forms when possible, and maintaining separate copies of identification in different locations throughout their luggage.
No reproduction without permission：SeeYouSoon Game Club » Canadian Smash pro’s passport and money stolen while trapped in “hellhole” USA How Canadian Smash pro Riddles overcame passport theft and travel restrictions to compete again