(2)Dante vs (17)Laharl vs (26)Raz 2013

Ulti's Analysis
Given the entire debate surrounding this match was whether or not Dante could perform well enough to beat Squirtle in round 2, it was hard to really judge this match. See, Dante has scored round 1 blowouts before choking in round 2 before, except for the one time he got lucky and had to face Tails. 70% on Q*Bert. 77% on Ryo Hazuki. 80% on Ratchet. 71% on Terra. 65% on Ryu Hayabusa. 70% on Axel.

And now, 70% on Laharl. At this point, for Dante to make me believe he wasn't destined to choke against a strong character in round 2, those round 1 percentages would have to start being in the 90s. Every year, we see Dante perform well in round 1 and think he's fine. And every year, he gets his ass whipped early. This year was especially risky because of the whole DmC Donte nonsense, but at least he has his blowout win on Laharl. Congrats, I guess?