Tetris legend and seven-time Tetris World Championship winner Jonas Neubauer has tragically ed away at the age of 39. Neubauer was beloved by many in the gaming world and was often eager to share his strategies and interact with fans, both at conventions and on social media. Neubauer's kind and humble legacy will live on forever in the Tetris community and he will be missed.
The news of Neubauer's death was reported on his own Twitter on Friday night. The posthumous message stated that he ed away from a "sudden medical emergency." Although the exact details of Neubauer's ing remain unclear, the tweet did suggest that more information would be available soon. "He was the absolute best. We are devastated, overwhelmed with grief, and we already miss him dearly," the heartfelt tweet read. The official Tetris Twitter later quoted the tweet, recognizing the "tremendous" loss and taking note of Neubauer's skills, spirit, and kind heart. Fans and friends alike have shared their favorite memories of Neubauer in the Tetris community and beyond online in a collective tribute to the departed.
Neubauer was regarded by many as the greatest Tetris player of all time, having won seven Classic Tetris World Championships since the competition's conception in 2010, and was often recognized for his unpredictability during competitions. One of Neubauer's most recent Tetris strategies was to stack blocks high from left to right and push them to the right whenever possible. Even after Neubauer's 2018 defeat by a gifted young player, he took the loss with grace and continued to seek out new strategies. When he wasn't winning at Tetris, Neubauer spent his time working as a bartender in southern California and running a recreational cannabis startup.
A memorial fund for Neubauer has been created on GoFundMe in partnership with Heather Ito, Neubauer's widow. More than $11,000 have already been raised.
Source: Jonas Neubauer, Tetris