Capcom Cup 11 Breaks Viewership Records in Tokyo Showdown
The recently concluded Capcom Cup 11, held from March 5-8, 2025 in Tokyo, Japan, marked the pinnacle of the Capcom Pro Tour 2024 season. The prestigious tournament brought together 48 elite players who had qualified through various high-level competitions worldwide, all vying for shares of an impressive $1.28 million prize pool.
Tournament reached its climax in a thrilling grand final between Derek “BlaZ” Blaz and eventual champion Kakeru, drawing over 350,000 concurrent viewers and establishing itself as one of the most-watched Street Fighter tournaments in history.
Street Fighter’s Resurgence
The 2023 release of Street Fighter 6 has breathed new life into the competitive fighting game scene. Viewership numbers nearly doubled following the game’s launch, and Street Fighter events have since maintained their dominance in fighting game community viewership. Capcom Cup 11 not only stands as the most-watched Capcom Cup ever but also as 2025’s premier Street Fighter tournament to date. This success has positioned Street Fighter as the 10th most popular esports title of the year as of March 10.
Rising Stars Take Center Stage
Both finalists represent the new wave of Street Fighter talent. While Kakeru has been competing since 2015, it was the arrival of Street Fighter 6 that propelled him to elite status. His championship victory earned him an astounding $1 million in prize money and secured his qualification for the Esports World Cup 2025, along with the other top-eight finishers.
A Legacy Continued
Street Fighter’s enduring legacy, which began in 1987, continues to thrive with a robust competitive ecosystem. The franchise maintains a devoted global following, with Street Fighter 6 attracting an influx of new enthusiasts to the competitive scene.
In the historical context, Capcom Cup 11 ranks as the third most-viewed Street Fighter esports event in recorded history, while claiming the title of most popular Capcom Cup ever held.
The Future of Capcom Cup
Since Capcom Cup 10, the tournament series has received increased support from Capcom, evidenced by the expanded player pool and substantially larger prize purses. Looking ahead, Capcom Cup seems positioned to remain a cornerstone of the Street Fighter competitive landscape and likely one of its annual viewership highlights.
Top Esports Games of 2025 (as of March 10)
Street Fighter – 354,049 peak viewers (Capcom Cup 11)
League of Legends – 1,907,634 peak viewers (LCK Cup 2025)
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang – 1,776,078 peak viewers (MPL Indonesia Season 15)
Valorant – 1,319,067 peak viewers (VCT 2025: Masters Bangkok)
Counter-Strike – 1,299,747 peak viewers (IEM Katowice 2025)
Apex Legends – 540,364 peak viewers (ALGS: 2024 Championship)
Fortnite – 478,290 peak viewers (FNCS 2025 – Major 1: Europe)
Dota 2 – 416,220 peak viewers (DreamLeague Season 25)
Honor of Kings – 380,820 peak viewers (Honor of Kings Invitational 2025 Season 3)
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege – 379,376 peak viewers (Six Invitational 2025)
