Capcom Releases Statement on Pay-Per-View Model in Esports

Capcom has stirred the gaming community with its recent announcement to switch to a pay-per-view model for its Street Fighter 6 esports events. This new model, starting with Capcom Cup 12 and the Street Fighter League: World Championship 2025, brings a significant change to how fans will experience these major competitions. Previously free to watch, these finals are now set to be streamed behind a digital paywall, prompting a wave of discontent from fans of the fighting game community.

Capcom Responds to Fan Backlash

Capcom’s recent statement explains the shift to a pay-per-view model as a strategic move to elevate the tournaments to globally competitive levels and to bolster support for teams, partners, and associated business avenues. Capcom stated: “The decision to introduce Pay-Per-View live streaming for Capcom Cup 12 and Street Fighter League: World Championship 2025 stems from our commitment to promoting our esports business in a sustainable manner over the medium to long term.” However, the change has not been well-received, facing criticism from both fans and esports athletes, such as Nathan ‘Mister Crimson’ Massol, who argues that the paywall might hinder player visibility. Pricing details for tickets, initially set for announcement in late October, have been postponed until all preparations are finalized. Ticket sales for the Street Fighter League events are scheduled to begin on November 12th, 2025. Free replays of the finals will be released on March 21st for Capcom Cup 12, and March 22nd for the World Championship, a week after the events conclude.

Capcom Cup 12 and Street Fighter League

Capcom Cup 12 will serve as the pinnacle of the 2025 Capcom Pro Tour, running from March 11th to 14th, 2026. The tournament will feature the top 48 qualified players, who will compete through three phases to win a substantial portion of the $1.28 million (~£960,000) prize pool. Similarly, the Street Fighter League: World Championship 2025 marks the highlight of the league’s eighth season, with elite players from Japan, the US, and Europe vying for a share of the $200,000 (~£150,000) increased prize pool.