Go1 knows that Hidden Gear resets overheating in real life it seems
The heatwave currently hitting much of Europe is certainly no joke, and it’s now impacting one of the biggest gaming events of the year.
Just prior to the start of the Esports World Cup 2026, one of the top competitors for Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves was almost taken out of the event before making it to the arena, but that wasn’t enough to extinguish his fighting spirit.
DFM|Go1 was one of the favorites going into the expansive tournament though the excessive heat ended up being almost too much for his body in Paris, France.
Reports from Go1 himself and other players on the scene indicate the longtime Japanese pro was hit with heatstroke just hours before his EWC sets began, which put his health and participation in jeopardy.
Although there’s been a lot of discourse lately about Europe’s general lack of indoor air conditioning, that was not the cause of Go1’s condition here.
Instead, it apparently stemmed from a broken air conditioner on the players’ travel bus that reportedly led to temperatures during the ride exceeding 39 degrees Celsius / 102 Fahrenheit inside the vehicle according to Go1.
After they arrived at their destination, Go1 reportedly collapsed despite taking precautions and was brought inside the hotel where an ambulance was then called to assist him and assess his health.
“I am truly sorry for causing everyone worry and inconvenience due to my poor health this time,” wrote Go1 on X after the incident when translated into English. “Although I had prepared by bringing heatstroke prevention goods from Japan, an air conditioning failure in the shuttle bus from the venue caused the interior temperature to reach 39 degrees, resulting in my developing heatstroke.”
“I have now recovered to the point where I can eat and walk, but I still have lingering fatigue, so I am currently discussing my participation in the tournament with the EWC organizers.
I offer my heartfelt gratitude to Kim Debu-san, who devotedly cared for me on-site, along with all the other Japanese players; and to Ryan Hart-san and NYChrisG-san, who provided interpretation and explanations in English.”
“Regarding future participation in EWC, I will provide an update once I assess my recovery.”
この度は、体調不良により皆様にご心配とご迷惑をおかけしてしまい、大変申し訳ありません。
日本から熱中症対策グッズを持参するなど準備はしておりましたが、会場からのシャトルバス内の空調トラブルにより車内が39度まで達してしまい、熱中症を発症してしまいました。…— DFM/PWS / GO1 (@GO13151) July 8, 2026
Heatstroke is considered a serious medical emergency, which can cause issues like confusion, weakness and fainting that requires immediate attention to avoid potential permanent damage or even death.
While there were questions at the time if the 38-year-old would be well enough to perform at EWC, he was apparently given the greenlight at a follow-up exam and entered the arena today as planned.
“My condition is also heading toward recovery, so I just underwent a medical check at the venue,” wrote Go1. “I received a diagnosis that there are no issues with my blood pressure or the like, and I will continue to thoroughly manage my health while participating in the tournament. I am truly sorry for causing you worry this time. I will do my very best and give it my all!”
体調も快復に向かっておりますので、先ほど会場にてメディカルチェックを受けてまいりました。
血圧等に問題はないとの診断をいただき、引き続き体調管理を徹底した上で大会へ参加させていただきます。
この度はご心配をおかけし、申し訳ございませんでした。ベストを尽くしてがんばります！— DFM/PWS / GO1 (@GO13151) July 8, 2026
And as expected, he certainly did do his best.
Go1 was among the first to play in Fatal Fury in the first stage’s Group B where he put on a clinic.
The veteran convincingly defeated AbaO’s Billy with his Marco 3-0, and he wasn’t done there.
Go1 then had to face off in a Mr. Karate mirror match against VIT|Fenrich where he once again came out on top with a 3-2 victory.
This allowed Go1 to advance to the second stage of the event on the winner’s side where he’ll now have a day to rest and recover further before going back into the action.
It certainly makes sense why Go1 would not want to withdraw from the EWC after all the hard work he put in and traveling to France, especially with the event’s $1 million prize pool on the line and $250,000 of that going to first place.
Players’ health and safety, however, should always be the top priority in situations like these, which is part of the reason EWC was moved out of Saudi Arabia this year to begin with, so we’re glad to see his condition wasn’t serious and didn’t require further treatment.
This happened because the bus we were on was easily over 90 degrees. At one point I even texted my sponsor saying its way too hot and I can barely breath. When we got off the bus Go1 collapsed, due to the heat. We brought him inside the hotel, and the ambulance was called. They… https://t.co/qeQp6twnRU
— Chris G (@NYChrisG) July 8, 2026
Other competitors like NYChrisG also reported the excessive heat on their bus as an issue as well, so hopefully that problem will be solved and won’t impact the rest of the event moving forward.
Sometimes these things are unavoidable and outside of your control, but it’s always important to pay close attention to the weather and climate during travel and to do your best to prepare and stay hydrated.
You health and body are more important than the game.
We’re just glad Go1 is alright and still able to put on a clinic himself after that scary situation.
