Waluigi

is a fictional character in the Mario franchise. He plays the role of Luigi's arch-rival and accompanies Wario in spin-offs from the main Mario series, often for the sake of causing mischief and problems. He was created by Camelot employee Fumihide Aoki and was voiced from 2000 to 2023 by Charles Martinet, who described Waluigi as someone who has a lot of self-pity and would "cheat to win". First debuting in the 2000 Nintendo 64 game Mario Tennis to polarized reception from the media, Waluigi has since attained a cult following, especially helped through his use as an Internet meme. Creation and characteristics Waluigi was created during the development of the game Mario Tennis, to serve as the bitter rival to Luigi and introduced as Wario's younger brother in the American version of the game. He was created by Fumihide Aoki and is voiced by Charles Martinet. His name is a portmanteau of Luigi's name and the Japanese adjective meaning "bad"; hence, a "bad Luigi".