A unique Street Fighter 6 tournament, the "Sleep Fighter," is coming to Japan, prioritizing sleep as a key competitive element. This Capcom-endorsed event, sponsored by SS Pharmaceuticals to promote their sleep aid Drewell, introduces a groundbreaking rule: sleep deprivation equals penalty points.
Sleep Points: A New Metric in Esports
This team-based tournament pits three-player teams against each other in best-of-three matches. Points are awarded for wins, but crucially, teams also earn "Sleep Points" based on their collective sleep hours. In the week leading up to the tournament, each player must log at least six hours of sleep nightly. Teams failing to reach the 126-hour threshold will lose five points for every hour short. The team with the most total sleep time gains a significant advantage—choosing the tournament's match conditions.
SS Pharmaceuticals' campaign, "Let's Do the Challenge, Let's Sleep First," highlights the importance of sleep for peak performance. The Sleep Fighter tournament is reportedly the first esports competition to penalize insufficient sleep, a novel approach to promoting healthy habits.
The Sleep Fighter tournament takes place on August 31st at the Ryogoku KFC Hall in Tokyo. Limited in-person attendance (100 people, lottery-based) will be complemented by a live stream on YouTube and Twitch. Details regarding the broadcast will be announced on the official tournament website and Twitter (X) account.
Top Talent Takes the Stage
The tournament boasts a star-studded lineup featuring prominent professional players and streamers, including two-time EVO champion "Itazan" Itabashi Zangief and top SF player Dogura, among others. Get ready for a day of intense competition and a unique focus on sleep wellness!