Fortnite Drops Ippei Mizuhara as First Convicted Felon Character

NEW YORK, NY - Fortnite is swinging for the fences with its latest character drop, and this time, they’re diving into uncharted territory. The popular battle royale game just announced the addition of Ippei Mizuhara—former interpreter for MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani—as a playable character. According to Statfax, Mizuhara makes history as the first convicted felon to be featured in Fortnite, setting a wild new record for both the game and Major League Baseball’s growing presence in the virtual world.

This bombshell comes just weeks after Fortnite revealed Shohei Ohtani as the first-ever MLB player to join the game’s roster. Ohtani’s addition was a massive moment for baseball fans, blending the worlds of America’s pastime and gaming culture with his larger-than-life persona. Now, Fortnite is doubling down by adding Mizuhara, a figure tied to Ohtani in real life but for all the wrong reasons. It’s a bold move by Epic Games, and one that’s already sparking heated conversations across the baseball and gaming communities.

For those who’ve been living under a rock, Mizuhara’s had a whirlwind offseason. The 40-year-old was recently convicted in a California court for his role in a gambling scandal that rocked the MLB world. Mizuhara, once Ohtani’s trusted interpreter, admitted to stealing nearly $17 million from the Dodgers superstar to pay off illegal gambling debts. He was sentenced to nearly five years in prison for bank fraud and wire fraud, a stunning fall from grace for someone who was once a key part of Ohtani’s inner circle. But prison bars aren’t slowing Mizuhara down—he’s already confirmed to appear as a contestant in the third season of Netflix’s hit series Squid Game. Talk about a redemption arc… or at least a bizarre one.

Now, Mizuhara steps into Fortnite with a character design that leans hard into his real-life infamy. Rocking an orange prison jumpsuit—a nod to his current legal troubles—Mizuhara’s in-game model is surrounded by poker chips and playing cards, a cheeky reference to the gambling scandal that landed him behind bars. The character’s bio doesn’t shy away from the controversy either, describing him as “a high-stakes risk-taker who’s always looking for the next big score.”

Let’s break down Ippei Mizuhara’s skills and traits in Fortnite, because this character is as slippery as his real-life counterpart. His primary strengths? Stealing money and committing wire fraud. In-game, Mizuhara comes equipped with a unique ability called “Bank Heist,” which lets him siphon resources like gold bars and materials from nearby opponents. It’s a sneaky move that can leave enemies scrambling to rebuild while Mizuhara makes off with the loot. His secondary trait, “Wire Fraud Dash,” gives him a speed boost to escape after a successful steal, making him a slippery target in the heat of battle. Pair that with a custom emote where he shuffles a deck of cards and tosses poker chips in the air, and you’ve got a character that’s equal parts chaotic and controversial.

Fortnite’s decision to add Mizuhara so soon after Ohtani feels like a deliberate one-two punch, tying the two figures together in the game just as they were in real life. Ohtani’s character, with his dual-wielding bat-and-ball mechanics, has already become a fan favorite for his versatility on the virtual battlefield. Mizuhara, on the other hand, brings a darker edge to the roster, leaning into his criminal antics as a gameplay mechanic. It’s a risky move by Epic Games, but one that’s sure to keep players talking.

The MLB and Fortnite crossover is heating up, and Statfax is here for it. Mizuhara’s addition as the first convicted felon in the game’s history is a record that’s as wild as it sounds, and it’s a testament to Fortnite’s willingness to push boundaries. Whether you’re a fan of the move or think it’s in poor taste, one thing’s for sure: Ippei Mizuhara’s Fortnite debut is a gamble that’s already paying off in buzz. What’s next for Fortnite’s MLB roster? We’ll be keeping our eyes peeled.