GO1 Wins MVP At Japanese Esports Awards

Japanese esports athlete Goichi “GO1” Kishida emerged as the standout winner at the Japan Esports Awards, where he was named Annual Outstanding Esports Player of the Year.

GO1 was one of several fighting game players recognized on the night, but after a stellar 2025 season, he was the clear choice for the event’s top honor. His year included major victories at Combo Breaker, Evo, and the Esports World Cup in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves, alongside multiple high placements across Street Fighter 6 tournaments.

Taking to social media following the announcement, GO1 said:

“I'm already honored just to receive the Player of the Match award, but I never even dreamed that I'd be selected as MVP.
Overwhelmed with joy, I'm so emotional that I apologize.
It's truly thanks to everyone's support that I was able to receive such a wonderful award. Once again, thank you so much!”

The award was presented by Tokido, who claimed the same honor last year.

Looking ahead, GO1 has a massive 2026 on the horizon. With City of the Wolves set to move into top competitive gear and a Capcom Cup spot still within reach, the veteran remains firmly in the spotlight. While he missed out on the automatic qualification slot for his region, he is still alive in the regional finals, currently fighting through the losers’ bracket, where he is set to face Hibiki.

The regional final will take place on February 8, 2026.