"Street Fighter 6": World Champion Sho Announces Retirement from Competitive Play Due to Ongoing Neurological Issues for Approximately Two Months

Note: the original Japanese article can be found at:
https://www.4gamer.net/games/635/G063504/20251023034/

Editorial Department: Oritaka | 2025/10/23 07:44 (UTC)

ZETA DIVISION has today (October 23, 2025) announced the retirement of player Kakeru, who belongs to the STREET FIGHTER department. The decision comes as a result of ongoing health issues related to neurological function, and he will now focus entirely on recovering his health.

Announcement regarding Kakeru from the STREET FIGHTER Department and roster update for “Street Fighter League: Pro-JP 2025” https://t.co/upXutst2qV pic.twitter.com/vRKN7jQuj1

— ZETA DIVISION (@zetadivision) October 23, 2025

Kakeru claimed victory at the “Capcom Cup 11,” the pro-tour final of Street Fighter 6, held in March this year at Ryogoku Kokugikan, becoming world champion.

The photo above was taken during coverage of the Capcom Cup 11 Thumbnail image No.003 / “Street Fighter 6” - World Champion Kakeru announces retirement from competitive play. He has been experiencing ongoing neurological issues for about two months, making continued participation as a player difficult

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Capcom Cup 11 Final Report: Kakeru defeats rising star Blaz from Chile to claim the title of world’s strongest in Street Fighter 6

From March 5 to 8, 2025, the pro-tour final of Street Fighter 6, titled “Capcom Cup 11,” took place at Ryogoku Kokugikan in Tokyo. Japanese player Kakeru, who delivered an astonishing run through the tournament, defeated Chilean rising star Blaz twice to claim victory on home soil, securing the championship title and a prize of $1 million.

[March 10, 2025, 17:00]

At the “Esports World Cup 2025” in August, Kakeru was forced to withdraw from competition due to illness despite receiving emergency medical treatment at the infirmary (related post).

His health issues have continued, making it impossible for him to continue competing as an athlete. After careful discussion with his team about the possibility of continuing future activities, he has decided to retire.

Announcement

?Thank you so much for all your warm support.

?As officially announced by ZETA DIVISION today, I have made the decision to retire from competitive esports.

?It’s been nearly two months since my sudden withdrawal…

— ZETA Kakeru (Kakeru) (@Kakeru_FGC) October 23, 2025

Regarding the “Street Fighter League: Pro-JP 2025,” Kakeru will be removed from ZETA DIVISION Geekly’s roster starting from Round 6, and Yamaguchi will participate as a special substitute.

Team Registration Change for Kakeru and Yamaguchi of “ZETA DIVISION Geekly”

Thank you all so much for your continued support of the “Street Fighter League: Pro-JP 2025.”

This time, “ZETA DIVISION…

— CAPCOM eSports (@CAPCOM_eSports) October 23, 2025

Official ZETA DIVISION Website: Announcement on Kakeru’s Future Activities in the STREET FIGHTER Department and Roster Update for “Street Fighter League: Pro-JP 2025”