"EVO Japan 2025 presented by Levtech (EVO Japan 2025)", a fighting game festival being held from May 9 (Fri.) to 11 (Sun.), 2025. We interviewed " GUILTY GEAR -STRIVE- (GGST)" division winner, PAR Daru_I-No (@Daru_ino )!
Interview with Daru_I-No, the winner of GGST!

- You were updating your X during the time the match break.
I was waiting for the game to resume in a relaxed state with doing X. Because if I stay too concentrated during the wait, it just drains my energy.
RedDittoのパットがトラブル
— PAR | Daru_I-No (@Daru_ino) May 10, 2025
- You won the championship without losing a single game. Were you "ready" for it?
I was especially focused on the match with HAPPY CHAOS this time. After defeating Leffen and Tiger Pop, I thought I had a good chance. I was confident in the RAMLETHAL match, so I knew from the beginning that I would win if I played RedDitto.

- The AWT is being held in Korea.
It's my hometown, so I can go there from my parents' house! It couldn't be better (laughs). I am really happy. I will do my best to prepare to win against the Koreans.

- Is this your first time to win a big tournament?
I have won SEA Major and other AWT-related tournaments, but this is my first time at the EVO level. My best result so far was second place at EVO 2021 ONLINE Asia, so I am really happy to surpass that. I was not trying to prepare a big story, but to show what I am doing now. I think that my hard work has led to this victory.

- Why did you stick to I-NO and what is the appeal of her?
The character I-NO can take a chance against anyone. On the other hand, any character can take a chance on you, but no matter how bad your chemistry is, depending on your own efforts, it can lead to results like this one. If you are interested in I-NO, I hope you will enjoy "reading each other" during the game.

- What made you fall in love with I-NO in the first place?
It was her face! (laughs).
- It changes depending on the work.
She is the best every time. She is always the best and the most beloved (laughs).
