The vibrant and intensely competitive world of professional Street Fighter has been dealt a significant blow with the sudden retirement of Kakeru Watanabe, widely known by his in-game moniker "Kakeru." At just 28 years old and at the zenith of his career, Kakeru, a celebrated Capcom Cup champion, has been forced to step away from the controller indefinitely due to a diagnosis of neurological dysfunction. This development has sent ripples of concern and support throughout the fighting game community (FGC), a testament to the profound impact Kakeru has had on the genre in a remarkably short period.
Kakeru’s ascent in the Street Fighter scene gained significant momentum in the twilight years of Street Fighter V, a period that saw a resurgence of competitive interest following the global pandemic. His true dominance, however, became undeniable with the release of Street Fighter 6 in 2023. As one of the pioneering Japanese players to make a substantial mark on the game’s burgeoning competitive landscape, Kakeru quickly established himself as a formidable force. His prowess was dramatically showcased at Evolution Championship Series (Evo) 2023, the most prestigious fighting game tournament in the world, where he secured a remarkable Top 8 finish, placing fourth among a staggering field of approximately 7,000 competitors. This achievement alone signaled his arrival as a top-tier talent capable of challenging the established elite on the global stage.
The year 2024 proved to be Kakeru’s annus mirabilis, a period marked by a series of his most significant career triumphs. He demonstrated exceptional consistency and skill by clinching second place at Evo Japan, followed by another impressive runner-up finish at the highly competitive Topanga Cup. These strong performances culminated in his crowning achievement: winning the most coveted tournament in the Street Fighter calendar, the Capcom Cup. This victory solidified his status as the undisputed best player in the world at that moment, a dream realized for any aspiring professional fighting game competitor.
Kakeru’s formidable streak of success continued into the current year, 2025. He maintained his high level of play by achieving a Top 8 placement at the esteemed Red Bull Kumite event. Further underscoring his consistent dominance, he once again reached the grand finals of Evo 2025, facing off against the formidable two-time Capcom Cup champion, MenaRD. Though he ultimately secured second place in this epic showdown, his consistent presence in the final stages of major tournaments highlighted his unwavering commitment and exceptional skill.
However, the first signs of a disruption to Kakeru’s stellar trajectory emerged in August during the highly anticipated Esports World Cup. While en route to compete, Kakeru abruptly withdrew from the tournament, citing a severe case of food poisoning that necessitated emergency medical treatment. This sudden withdrawal cast a shadow of concern over his participation in subsequent events. Following a period of relative quiet, the FGC was shaken to its core in October when Kakeru released a statement that brought his professional career to an abrupt halt.
Kakeru’s Retirement Amidst Neurological Health Concerns
The Street Fighter League, a team-based competition that commenced in August, saw Kakeru’s notable absence, a consequence of the health issues that first surfaced during the Esports World Cup. On October 22, both Kakeru and his esports organization, ZETA DIVISION, jointly announced his retirement from competitive fighting games for the foreseeable future. The statement revealed the underlying cause: Kakeru’s struggle with neurological dysfunction.
In a heartfelt message shared on X (formerly Twitter), Kakeru expressed his decision to step back from his professional esports endeavors. He began by offering a sincere apology for the extended silence and the concern his hiatus had caused. "Approximately two months have passed since the sudden suspension of activities," Kakeru stated. "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 elaborated on the nature of his condition, explaining, "The ‘neural dysfunction,’ which was the reason for the suspension of activities, continued, making it difficult to continue competing as a player." This direct acknowledgment of the debilitating nature of his diagnosis underscored the gravity of the situation and the insurmountable challenges it presented to his professional career.
Neurological dysfunction is a broad medical term encompassing conditions where the brain experiences difficulties in transmitting and receiving signals to and from the body. The specific symptoms can vary widely depending on the severity and exact nature of the dysfunction, potentially manifesting as muscle weakness, impaired coordination, involuntary muscle spasms, persistent headaches, and in more severe cases, seizures. While Kakeru has not disclosed the precise nature or severity of his neurological dysfunction, its impact on his ability to perform at the elite level required for professional fighting games is clear.
A Career Defined by Excellence and Consistency
Kakeru’s impact on the Street Fighter 6 scene cannot be overstated. Even in the game’s relatively short lifespan since its 2023 release, he has etched his name in the annals of competitive gaming history. According to data compiled by Liquipedia FGC administrator "incross," Kakeru stands as the highest-earning Street Fighter 6 player to date. This remarkable financial success is a direct reflection of his consistent tournament victories and high placements.
Furthermore, Kakeru’s tournament performance statistics paint a picture of unparalleled dominance. His win rate in tournament sets across major events hovers around an astonishing 80%, a figure that signifies an exceptionally rare occurrence of defeat in professional competition. This statistic is particularly noteworthy when considering the caliber of opponents he consistently faces and the high stakes involved in every match.
A detailed breakdown of his achievements highlights his consistent presence at the pinnacle of competitive play. Out of the numerous offline events he has participated in, Kakeru has achieved a Top 8 finish in a remarkable 14 out of 22 tournaments. This includes multiple appearances in the grand finals of prestigious events like Evo, demonstrating his ability to consistently perform under immense pressure and against the world’s best players. His consistency in reaching the final stages of major tournaments solidifies his legacy as one of the game’s most dominant and influential figures.
Community Rallies in Support
The news of Kakeru’s retirement has been met with an outpouring of support and well wishes from the global fighting game community. Players, fans, and industry figures have taken to social media platforms to express their admiration for his past achievements and to offer encouragement for his recovery. Tributes have flooded in, celebrating his skill, sportsmanship, and the indelible mark he has left on the Street Fighter 6 landscape.
Many have expressed a collective hope for his swift and full recovery, with the fervent wish that he might one day return to the competitive stage. The FGC is a close-knit community, and the adversity faced by one of its brightest stars has galvanized a wave of solidarity. The shared sentiment is that Kakeru’s contributions to the sport have been immense, and his absence will be deeply felt.
The implications of Kakeru’s retirement extend beyond the individual. The departure of a player of his caliber from the competitive circuit creates a vacuum that will undoubtedly influence future tournament outcomes and the broader narrative of Street Fighter 6 esports. His consistent high-level performances have set a benchmark for aspiring players and have contributed significantly to the game’s growing popularity and viewership.
As Kakeru embarks on this unexpected hiatus to focus on his health, the fighting game community stands united in wishing him the very best. His legacy as a Capcom Cup champion and a dominant force in Street Fighter 6 is firmly established, and while his competitive future remains uncertain, his impact on the sport is undeniable. The hope is that with time, care, and the unwavering support of the community, Kakeru will find a path toward recovery and, perhaps, a return to the game he loves so dearly.