A unique Street Fighter tournament, dubbed "Sleep Fighter," is set to take place in Japan, emphasizing the importance of rest for gamers. Here's everything you need to know about this innovative event and the notable participants involved.
Street Fighter Tournament “Sleep Fighter” Announced in Japan
Players Need to Start Racking Up Sleep Points a Week Before Tourney
Not getting enough sleep could cost you dearly at the upcoming "Sleep Fighter" Street Fighter tournament. This groundbreaking event, officially backed by Capcom and organized by SS Pharmaceuticals, aims to promote the company's sleep-aid drug, Drewell.
The Sleep Fighter tournament is structured as a team-based competition, with each team consisting of three players. Teams will battle it out in a "best-of-three" format, striving to accumulate the highest number of points to advance. Points are earned not only through victories but also through "Sleep Points," which are awarded based on the sleep hours logged by team members.
In the week leading up to the tournament, each player must ensure they get at least six hours of sleep per night. Teams that fail to reach a collective total of 126 sleep hours will face a penalty of five points for each hour they fall short. Additionally, the team with the highest total sleep time will have the privilege of setting the match conditions for the tournament.
SS Pharmaceuticals is using this event to highlight the critical role that sleep plays in peak performance. Their campaign, "Let's Do the Challenge, Let's Sleep First," seeks to promote healthy sleep habits across Japan. Sleep Fighter marks the first esports tournament to introduce a rule penalizing players for inadequate sleep, as stated on the official website.
The Sleep Fighter tournament is scheduled for August 31 at Ryogoku KFC Hall in Tokyo. Due to limited capacity, only 100 attendees will be admitted, selected through a lottery system. For fans outside Japan, the event will be live-streamed on YouTube and Twitch, with further broadcast details to be announced on the official tournament website and Twitter (X) account.
The tournament will feature over a dozen professional players and game streamers, blending competitive gaming with a focus on sleep wellness. Notable participants include two-time EVO champion "Itazan" Itabashi Zangief, top Street Fighter player Dogura, and many more.
