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Capcom Cup 12 Faces Backlash Over Pay-Per-View Model
A First for Street Fighter’s Premier Tournament
Capcom has announced that the Top 16 stage of Capcom Cup 12, scheduled for March 11–14, 2026, will be broadcast exclusively via a pay-per-view model. The finals, which feature a record-breaking $1 million grand prize for the winner, were expected to mark a high point for Street Fighter 6 esports.
Instead, the announcement has been met with heavy criticism from fans and community figures alike.
Pricing and Restrictions
According to Capcom, digital tickets will cost ¥4,000 (approx. US$27) to watch the Capcom Cup 12 finals. Access to the Street Fighter League World Cup requires an additional ¥2,000 (approx. US$13).
The decision also prohibits co-streaming by prominent community influencers, a long-standing tradition that has helped amplify Street Fighter’s reach. Critics argue this could sharply reduce viewership and visibility for the event.
Delayed Free Replays Without Commentary
Capcom confirmed that free replays will be available from March 21–22, 2026, ten days after the event. However, these will be uploaded without commentary, diminishing the excitement and context of the matches.
This approach for Capcom Cup 12 is a stark contrast to the free and open-access model that has fuelled the fighting game community for years. Fans point out that the PPV model is largely outdated across sports and entertainment, raising questions about Capcom’s strategy.
Community Reaction
Reaction from the fighting game community has been overwhelmingly negative, with many players and fans labelling the move “out of touch.” Concerns centre on reduced accessibility, a potential drop in audience engagement, and long-term harm to the visibility of competitive Street Fighter.
Capcom has not yet provided a clear rationale for the change. With the tournament only months away, the backlash has cast a shadow over what was meant to be the most high-profile Capcom Cup to date.
