Tokyo, Japan – A major controversy has erupted following the Guilty Gear -STRIVE- championship match at EVO Japan 2025, after reports surfaced that the PlayStation 5 console used during the finals allegedly overheated—potentially altering the outcome of the game.
EVO, one of the most prestigious fighting game tournaments globally, has drawn thousands of participants and over 400,000 online viewers this year. Since Sony acquired a partial stake in the event alongside Endeavor, PS5s have become the standard platform for competitive matches. However, the recent grand final incident has sparked renewed debate over whether the console is suited for high-stakes competitive play.
What Happened During the Match
During the climactic match between RedDitto (USA) and Kim “Daru” Jae-won (South Korea), both players unexpectedly paused mid-game. RedDitto later alleged on social media that the PS5 may have overheated, affecting his Brooks controller adapter’s performance. He tweeted:
“I think the PS5 is melting my Brooks adapter.”
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The moment in question can be clearly seen in the tournament footage, where both competitors appear momentarily confused, breaking the match’s momentum.
Following RedDitto’s post, several professional players and fans criticized the tournament’s heavy reliance on PS5 consoles, citing repeated issues during other matches as well.
Sony’s Influence Under Scrutiny
Sony’s increased control over EVO has brought branding consistency but also hardware dependencies. While using PS5s across all matches simplifies logistics, it also introduces a single point of failure. When that hardware falters—especially during a grand final—it damages competitive integrity and audience trust.
Industry Reactions
Many players voiced frustration online, with some suggesting that competitive organizers diversify their hardware setup or at least ensure better cooling solutions are implemented. Others called for more rigorous testing under tournament conditions to prevent similar malfunctions in the future.
EVO organizers have yet to release an official statement addressing the specific incident during the Guilty Gear -STRIVE- finals, though internal discussions are reportedly underway.
What’s Next for EVO and Competitive eSports?
This incident has reignited discussions about tournament standards, especially in an era where hardware branding and sponsorships often dictate platform decisions. As games push console hardware to its limits, especially in high-pressure, extended play sessions, event organizers may need to rethink setup configurations or risk further setbacks in future events.
For now, fans and players alike will be watching closely to see how EVO and Sony respond—not just with statements, but with changes that ensure the reliability of competitive matches moving forward.