Just months after winning the $1 million grand prize at Capcom Cup 11, Street Fighter 6 pro Kakeru “Kakeru” Watanabe is stepping away from pro play due to health issues with no clue if he’ll return.
Back in August 2025, Kakeru suddenly became sick and had to be hospitalized during the Esports World Cup, a tournament he was projected as a frontrunner to win. And, in the time since, he hasn’t said anything publicly or attended any events.
Now, two months later, he’s revealed that he’s retiring due to ongoing health issues and giving up his Street Fighter League spot due to “neurological dysfunction” that came as a result of his illness.
Kakeru had a bright career ahead as someone who’s still at the top of his game after 6 years of actively competing, but that career has unfortunately come to an abrupt end.
Street Fighter 6 Pros in Mourning as Kakeru Suddenly Retires
For Kakeru, winning Capcom Cup 11 made him a superstar. Street Fighter 6 is generally popular around the world, but it’s a cultural touchstone in Japan, making him the player to watch in SF6’s biggest region.
He’s known for calculated play and unbeatable pressure, using JP’s zoning tools to play at just the right range where his opponent can’t play. His airtight game plan and calculated approach made him revered even amongst other pro players, with the best of the best looking to practice with him whenever they could.
But, with the onset of his health issues, he’s been unable to compete at his best and has officially retired from pro play and will be leaving Zeta Division.
“The team and I have carefully discussed the possibilities for continuing my activities in the future, but I judged that it would be difficult to continue as a player any longer and submitted my retirement. The team prioritized my health and respected this decision,” Kakeru explained.
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Street Fighter 6 Pro Kakeru Retires in His Prime Due to Sudden Health Issues
Breaking News: Unexpected Retirement Shakes the Street Fighter Scene
In recent hours, the competitive gaming community was stunned by the announcement that Kakeru, one of the foremost Street Fighter 6 professional players worldwide, has retired prematurely due to sudden and serious health issues. Known for his lightning-fast reactions and innovative gameplay, Kakeru’s unexpected exit has sparked numerous conversations about the pressures and health challenges faced by esports athletes.
Kakeru: A Brief Career Overview
Before his retirement, Kakeru had firmly established himself as a dominant force in the global Street Fighter 6 esports scene. His skillful mastery of key characters and strategic mindgames won him countless tournaments and fan admiration.
- Championships won: 12 major titles across multiple regions
- Top-ranking player for 3 consecutive years
- Known for versatile character pool and adaptive strategies
Year Major Tournament Placement 2023 Capcom Pro Tour Finals 1st Place 2024 Red Bull kumite 2nd Place 2024 EVO Championship Series 1st Place The Sudden Health Issue: What We Know So Far
Kakeru has been remarkably private about his health struggles, only recently releasing a sincere statement disclosing a “sudden diagnosis” requiring immediate attention and long-term management. While specifics about the nature of his health issues remain confidential, community support has poured in as fans and fellow players express their hopes for his full recovery.
His announcement emphasized:
- The necessity to prioritize health above competitive ambitions
- Gratitude to fans and teammates for years of support
- Commitment to recovery and possibly returning as a mentor or coach in the future
Impact on the Street Fighter 6 Esports Community
Kakeru’s retirement creates a vacuum at the top echelons of the competitive scene. Experts and players alike speculate on the upcoming meta changes and shifts in dominance among elite players.
Industry impacts include:
- Intense competition among rising stars aiming to fill Kakeru’s place
- Increased awareness around player health and well-being in esports
- Potential surge in community-led wellness initiatives and support networks
Community Reactions
Social media platforms and esports forums have sparked with tributes and heartfelt messages. Below are notable reactions:
Source Reaction Professional Player “Akimoto” “Kakeru was an inspiration to us all. Wishing him strength and health ahead.” Esports Journalist “Mia Lee” “This brings to light the importance of mental and physical care in esports.” Fan Community “Forever a legend. Hoping to see him back someday in any capacity.” Health Challenges in esports: A Growing Concern
Kakeru’s retirement sheds light on a critical but often overlooked issue – the physical and mental health of professional gamers. Long hours of practice, constant travel, and the pressure to perform at the highest level can seriously affect players’ well-being.
Common health Risks Among Esports Professionals
- repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI): Wrist, hand, and arm pain caused by continuous gaming motions.
- Mental Health Struggles: Anxiety, burnout, and depression due to intense competition and public scrutiny.
- Sleep disorders: erratic schedules and nervous excitement frequently enough disrupt proper rest.
Practical Tips for Esports Players to Maintain Health
- Regular physical exercise focusing on flexibility and strength
- Breaks during practice sessions to avoid overuse injuries
- Mindfulness and stress management techniques such as meditation
- Maintaining a balanced diet and proper hydration
- Seeking professional support for mental health issues without stigma
Looking Ahead: Kakeru’s Potential Future Roles in the Community
Though stepping back from active competition, Kakeru’s deep expertise and leadership could translate into roles such as:
- Coaching and mentoring upcoming Street Fighter 6 talents
- Esports commentary or analyst roles leveraging his gameplay insights
- Advocacy for player health and wellness programs
Case Study: Transition from Pro Player to Coach
Many retired esports pros have successfully transitioned to coaching roles, contributing to the scene by nurturing future champions. Kakeru’s analytical skills and vast experience position him well for such a path.
Firsthand Experience: Insights from Fellow Players
Veterans in the Street Fighter community have shared their perspectives on balancing the demands of professional gaming while safeguarding health:
“It’s easy to push thru pain when passion runs high, but listening to your body is key. Kakeru’s decision, though tough, is a brave reminder for all of us.”
Summary table: kakeru’s Career vs. Health Timeline
Year Career Highlight Health Event 2020 Entered professional Street Fighter circuit no known issues 2023 won Capcom Pro Tour Finals Onset of minor symptoms reported privately 2025 (October) Announcement of retirement Public disclosure of serious health condition この度、ZETA DIVISIONから発表がありました通り、私はeスポーツ選手としての活動を引退することを決断いたしました。
突然の活動休止から約2カ月が経過してしまいました。…
— ZETA Kakeru(翔) (@Kakeru_FGC) October 23, 2025
“I feel truly sorry for leaving the roster midway through the SFL season, to my teammates and to all the fans who believed in my return and waited for me.”
Outside of that, Kakeru didn’t give any additional detail on his condition and chose to keep information about his health private. However, he gave no timeline for when, or if, he’d return to pro play and is officially retiring.
Other pros were just as surprised by the news as fans were. 3-time Evo champion Saul “MenaRD” Leonardo Mena II gave his condolences and wished him the best.
“If only we could have played together for longer… We pray for your swift recovery. Please take care of yourself,” Mena lamented.
2024/2025 EWC winner Zeng “Xiaohai” Zhuojun also chimed in, saying that he hopes that retirement will only be a “temporary break” for Kakeru and that he’ll be able to compete again.
His announcement tweet hit 10 million views in a matter of hours, with dozens of other pros wishing him well and fans from around the world hoping that he’ll one day return.
For now, though, him choosing to bow out of the Street Fighter League gives Amjad “AngryBird” Al-Shalabi a spot in the league and a guaranteed qualification for Capcom Cup 12.
