Gonzalo ‘ZeRo’ Raúl Barrios Castro Returns to Twitch After Ban
Former Super Smash Brothers Ultimate (SSBU) pro, Gonzalo ‘ZeRo‘ Raúl Barrios Castro, has made a significant comeback to Twitch after a lengthy five-year ban. The ZeRo unban is a momentous occasion for the SSBU community.
ZeRo’s return to the streaming platform has triggered mixed reactions online, with some commending his remarkable physical transformation, while others are bringing attention to the previous allegations that led to his ban.
Amid Twitch updating its ban policies, introducing expiration dates for violations and allowing appeals for indefinite suspensions, ZeRo has seized this opportunity to re-establish his presence in the streaming world.
During his ban, ZeRo remained active in the SSBU esports scene by organizing his own tournament and expressing plans to cover the upcoming Smash game rumored for the Nintendo Switch 2.
Despite the controversies surrounding his ban, ZeRo has been candid about his personal growth during this hiatus. He shared, “I have real friends now, found the love of my life, and discovered a new passion that brings me more happiness than gaming ever did.”
ZeRo’s ban in 2020 stemmed from allegations of sexual assault and misconduct, which he vehemently denies. The pro player faced accusations from former roommate Jacqueline ‘Jisu’ Choe, including sharing inappropriate content with her while she was underage and abusive behavior towards his ex-wife.
Following a settlement in a defamation lawsuit against Jisu, ZeRo filed an appeal to lift his Twitch ban, which was finally granted after three years. His return has sparked a range of reactions from the community, with some expressing support for his personal growth and others voicing concerns about his past actions.