CEO 2025: Kobayan Returns Following Airport Controversy

Kobayan, a Japanese Street Fighter player, rose to prominence last year following his incredible victory at TOPANGA Championship 5. He participated in several major tournaments throughout the year and entered 2025 in strong form.

He is set to compete in Street Fighter League: Japan with Saishunkan Sol Kumamoto (SSK), but things took a turn when it was discovered that he could not participate in Combo Breaker 2025. Reportedly, Kobayan may have unintentionally provided incorrect information to immigration officials at the airport, which put his career in jeopardy due to the potential legal consequences.

Following the incident, his team, Answer M Gaming, released a statement explaining that Kobayan would return to Japan and would not be competing at Combo Breaker.

The organization has now released a follow-up statement confirming that Kobayan will take part in CEO 2025. They also issued an apology and aimed to clear up the controversy surrounding his last visit to the U.S.

"We sincerely appreciate your comments regarding this post."

"There is no doubt that the main cause of this incident was a lack of support for our team's players. Our team has had extensive discussions not only with the management team but also with our players to prevent such incidents from happening again in the future. It is difficult to have interpreters and companions accompany players to every match, but the team will do its utmost to provide support."

"To everyone who was looking forward to it, we have some really unfortunate news. It's a lack of management power."

"I am truly sorry."

"The goal of AMG players is to participate in the CAPCOM CUP. Kobayan will continue his activities to achieve his big goals, such as winning the SFL with SS Kumamoto, so please continue to support him."

"Regarding Kobayan, we are currently preparing for his participation as CEO. Please wait for new information."

Kobayan also released a personal statement in which he once again apologized and confirmed that he will be returning to his regular streaming activities and competitive duties.

"I apologize for the inconvenience caused to everyone who has supported me due to my lack of knowledge. I'm sorry. I will be more careful with my words and actions to prevent this from happening again in the future.

"We will be resuming our activities such as streaming and X, so please look forward to it."

SSK expressed their continued support for Kobayan, stating that they will provide him with whatever assistance he needs for his future activities and his time with them in Street Fighter League: Japan.