Kakeru Watanabe, a titan of the competitive Street Fighter 6 scene and reigning Capcom Cup champion, has announced his immediate retirement from professional play due to a diagnosis of neurological dysfunction. The sudden decision, revealed on October 22, 2025, has sent ripples of shock and concern throughout the global fighting game community (FGC), prematurely ending the career of a player who had ascended to the pinnacle of his sport at the tender age of 28.
Watanabe, known universally by his gamertag "Kakeru," emerged as a formidable force in the latter stages of Street Fighter V‘s competitive lifecycle, with his career trajectory accelerating significantly in the years following the global pandemic. His transition to Street Fighter 6 in 2023 marked a new era of dominance, quickly establishing him as one of Japan’s premier talents in the highly competitive landscape of the new title. His prowess was undeniable, culminating in a remarkable Top 8 finish at the prestigious Evolution Championship Series (Evo) in 2023, where he secured an impressive 4th place out of an estimated 7,000 participants. This early success signaled his arrival as a top-tier contender, but it was in 2024 that Kakeru truly etched his name in Street Fighter history.
The year 2024 proved to be Kakeru’s most triumphant, marked by a series of exceptional performances that solidified his status as an elite competitor. He achieved a second-place finish at Evo Japan, demonstrating consistent high-level play. Further bolstering his impressive resume, he clinched another second-place position at the esteemed Topanga Cup, a testament to his consistent performance against the world’s best. The undisputed highlight of his 2024 campaign, however, was his victory at the Capcom Cup, the most prestigious tournament in the Street Fighter calendar. This victory not only crowned him the world champion but also cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players of his generation.
Kakeru’s momentum carried strongly into 2025. He continued to showcase his exceptional skill by securing a Top 8 placement at the highly anticipated Red Bull Kumite event. His dominance was further underscored by a second-place finish at Evo 2025, where he faced off against two-time Capcom Cup champion MenaRD in a thrilling grand final. This consistent string of high-profile successes painted a picture of a player at the absolute zenith of his career, poised to defend his Capcom Cup title and continue to set new benchmarks in Street Fighter 6.
A Sudden Health Crisis Emerges
However, the trajectory of Kakeru’s stellar career took an abrupt and concerning turn during the Esports World Cup (EWC) in August 2025. While participating in the prestigious event, Kakeru unexpectedly withdrew from the competition. At the time, his team cited severe food poisoning as the reason for his withdrawal, necessitating immediate medical attention. The FGC expressed sympathy for his condition, with many anticipating a swift recovery and a return to the competitive stage.
The period following the Esports World Cup remained relatively quiet regarding Kakeru’s competitive activities. Fans and followers were left speculating about his health and his return to the circuit. This period of uncertainty was dramatically brought to an end in October 2025, when Kakeru, in conjunction with his organization ZETA Division, released a statement that profoundly impacted the Street Fighter community.
Kakeru Announces Retirement Due to Neurological Dysfunction Diagnosis
On October 22, 2025, both Kakeru and ZETA Division officially announced his retirement from competitive fighting games for the foreseeable future. The somber news revealed the underlying cause for his withdrawal from the Esports World Cup and his subsequent absence from the Street Fighter League, a team-based competition that commenced in August. The official reason cited for his hiatus and subsequent retirement was a diagnosis of neurological dysfunction.
In a heartfelt statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), Kakeru articulated his decision. He began by expressing his sincerest apologies for the extended silence and the worry his sudden withdrawal had caused. "I have decided to retire from my activities as an esports player," Kakeru stated. He continued, "Approximately two months have passed since the sudden suspension of activities. During this time, I sincerely apologize from the bottom of my heart for causing you all great worry and inconvenience without being able to report the detailed situation."
He then elaborated on the medical challenges he has been facing. "The ‘neural dysfunction,’ which was the reason for the suspension of activities, continued, making it difficult to continue competing as a player," he explained. This statement provided a clear, albeit devastating, explanation for his departure from the professional circuit.
Neurological dysfunction is a broad term encompassing a range of conditions where the brain experiences difficulties in processing and transmitting signals to and from the body. The specific nature and severity of these dysfunctions can vary widely, leading to a diverse spectrum of symptoms. These can include motor impairments such as weakness or problems with coordination and balance, sensory disturbances, involuntary muscle spasms, debilitating headaches, and in more severe cases, even seizures. The exact nature of Kakeru’s specific neurological dysfunction has not been publicly disclosed, but its impact has been severe enough to force him away from the demanding environment of professional esports.
A Legacy of Dominance and Community Support
Kakeru’s career, though tragically cut short, leaves an indelible mark on the Street Fighter 6 landscape. Even in the game’s relatively short lifespan since its release in 2023, he has achieved unparalleled success. Data compiled by FGC statistics resource Liquipedia FGC, as highlighted by administrator "incross," reveals Kakeru’s remarkable standing. He is currently recognized as the highest-earning Street Fighter 6 player globally, a testament to his consistent tournament victories and high placings. Furthermore, his tournament set win rate stands at an astonishing 80%, indicating an exceptional level of consistency and dominance in professional competition.
His performance data paints a picture of a player who rarely faltered on the grand stage. Across a majority of major offline events he has entered, Kakeru has consistently reached the Top 8, a feat that underscores his position as one of the game’s most formidable players. His performances include multiple Grand Finals appearances at major tournaments, including two at Evo.
The fighting game community, renowned for its passionate and supportive nature, has rallied behind Kakeru in the wake of this distressing news. Social media platforms have been flooded with messages of support, admiration for his achievements, and well wishes for his recovery. Competitors, fans, and industry figures alike have expressed their sadness at his premature retirement, while simultaneously celebrating the immense contributions he has made to the Street Fighter 6 scene. Many have voiced their hope for his full recovery, with the aspiration that he might one day return to the competitive arena, stronger than before.
The impact of Kakeru’s retirement extends beyond the individual. His sudden departure from the top tier of Street Fighter 6 creates a significant void in the competitive scene. As the reigning Capcom Cup champion and a consistent top performer, his absence will undoubtedly alter the dynamics of future major tournaments. The competitive landscape, which had grown accustomed to his formidable presence and strategic brilliance, will now adapt to a new era without one of its most dominant figures.
The fighting game community eagerly awaits any further updates on Kakeru’s health and expresses a collective hope for his well-being and eventual recovery. His legacy as a champion and a celebrated competitor in Street Fighter 6 is firmly secured, but the FGC will undoubtedly miss witnessing his electrifying performances and his pursuit of further greatness on the competitive stage. The premature end to such a promising career serves as a stark reminder of the physical and mental demands of elite esports and the unpredictable nature of health challenges that can affect even the most accomplished athletes.