A unique Street Fighter 6 tournament, dubbed "Sleep Fighter," is making waves in Japan. This Capcom-backed event, sponsored by SS Pharmaceuticals to promote their sleep aid Drewell, introduces a groundbreaking rule: sufficient sleep is mandatory for competition.
Sleep Points: A New Metric in Esports
This team-based tournament (three players per team) uses a best-of-three match format. Teams earn points through victories, but crucially, also accumulate "Sleep Points" based on each member's sleep hours.
In the week prior to the tournament, each player must log at least six hours of sleep nightly. Teams failing to reach a collective 126 hours will face a five-point penalty for every deficient hour. The team boasting the most total sleep time earns the privilege of setting the tournament's match conditions.
SS Pharmaceuticals highlights the importance of sleep for peak performance, launching the "Let's Do the Challenge, Let's Sleep First" campaign to promote healthy sleep habits in Japan. The Sleep Fighter tournament is reportedly the first esports event to penalize insufficient sleep.
Tournament Details and Notable Participants
The Sleep Fighter tournament takes place on August 31st at the Ryogoku KFC Hall in Tokyo. Attendance is limited to 100 lottery-selected individuals. For global viewers, the event will be live-streamed on YouTube and Twitch; broadcast details will be announced on the official website and Twitter (X) account.
The tournament features a stellar lineup of over a dozen professional players and streamers, including two-time EVO champion "Itazan" Itabashi Zangief and top SF player Dogura. This event promises a thrilling blend of competitive gaming and a focus on sleep wellness.
