Northern California

Northern California, commonly abbreviated as NorCal, is a Smash region located in the United States. It covers the northern half of the state of California, including the San Francisco Bay Area, one of the largest metropolitan areas in the country. While most regions are divided by state, California is split into northern and southern portions, as the state's large size has resulted in the development of two largely independent centers of Smash activity.

With a huge concentration of young people and college students, NorCal has been one of the most active Smash regions in the U.S. since the series' competitive beginnings. 's Tournament Go series, considered the first major Smash tournaments, were held here, and thus the region can be considered the birthplace of competitive Smash. NorCal is at present most famous for the tournaments, considered the premiere grassroots Smash supermajor today and one of the most iconic and prestigious tournament series in history. Its Melee scene is dominated by the "NorCal trio", consisting of three of the best players in the United States:, , and.

Globally ranked players
These NorCal players are ranked on the SSBMRank 2022. These NorCal players have been ranked globally in the past; their highest placement is listed:
 * 57th on the 2016 SSBMRank.
 * 94th on the 2014 SSBMRank.
 * 90th on the 2013 SSBMRank.
 * Notable commentator. 62nd on the 2013 SSBMRank.
 * Originally from Pennsylvania. 37th on the 2015 SSBMRank.
 * 46th on the 2013 SSBMRank.
 * 61st on the 2014 SSBMRank.
 * Currently resides in Tristate. 27th on the 2016 SSBMRank and 2017 SSBMRank.
 * Notable commentator. 55th on the 2013 SSBMRank.
 * 95th on the 2014 SSBMRank.
 * 3rd on the RetroSSBMRank 2001-2003 and RetroSSBMRank 2005.
 * 6th on the RetroSSBMRank 2001-2003.
 * 94th on the 2017 SSBMRank.
 * Originally from Pennsylvania. 33rd on the 2016 SSBMRank.
 * 29th on the 2013 SSBMRank.
 * 58th on the 2019 MPGR.
 * Originally from New York. 17th on the 2016 SSBMRank.
 * Known for teaming with, forming one of the most dominant doubles teams in the world. 12th on the 2013 SSBMRank.
 * Honorable Mention on the RetroSSBMRank 2009.
 * 51st on the 2018 MPGR.
 * 7th on the 2013 SSBMRank.
 * 47th on the 2014 SSBMRank.
 * 5th on the RetroSSBMRank 2001-2003.
 * Notable commentator. 61st on the 2013 SSBMRank.
 * Briefly resided in NorCal. Honorable Mention on the RetroSSBMRank 2006.
 * Notable commentator. 91st on the 2014 SSBMRank.
 * 7th on the RetroSSBMRank 2009 and RetroSSBMRank 2011

Other notable players

 * One of the TOs for.
 * One of the TOs for.
 * One of the best Link players in the world.
 * One of the members who participated in the Wombo Combo.
 * One of the members who participated in the Wombo Combo.

Major tournaments hosted
A list of significant regional and national Melee events hosted in NorCal; nationals are highlighted in bold.

Globally Ranked Players
These NorCal players were ranked on the PGR 100. These NorCal players have been ranked globally in the past; their highest placement is listed:
 * 31st on the PGR v1.

Other notable players

 * Currently resides in Washington.

Globally Ranked Players
These NorCal players are ranked on the UltRank 2022 and/or the OrionRank 2022. These NorCal players have been ranked globally in the past; their highest placement is listed:
 * One of the best Wii Fit Trainer players in the world. 84th on the OrionRank Ultimate: Eclipse.

Nationally ranked players
These NorCal players were ranked on the OrionRank 2022 North America. These NorCal players have been ranked nationally in the past; their highest placement is listed:
 * 154th on the OrionRank North America Top 200.
 * 125th on the OrionRank North America Top 200.
 * 172nd on the OrionRank North America Top 200.
 * 183rd on the OrionRank North America Top 200.

Globally Ranked Players
These NorCal players are ranked on the PMRank 2022. These NorCal players have been ranked globally in the past; their highest placement is listed:
 * 8th on the PMRank 2019.
 * Originally from Texas. 33rd on the PMRank 2016.
 * The best Project M player from 2016 to 2017

Other Notable Players

 * -Skilled Melee Sheik player who is proficient in Project M as well.
 * -Skilled Melee Sheik player who is proficient in Project M as well.