diff --git a/server/src/lib/validators.test.ts b/server/src/lib/validators.test.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..ab249d6
--- /dev/null
+++ b/server/src/lib/validators.test.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,299 @@
+import { describe, it, expect } from 'vitest'
+import {
+  pubkeySchema,
+  botNameSchema,
+  satsSchema,
+  idSchema,
+  httpUrlSchema,
+  loginSchema,
+  registerSchema,
+  registerHumanSchema,
+  updateBotSchema,
+  respondSchema,
+  reactSchema,
+  placeBetSchema,
+  depositSchema,
+  withdrawSchema,
+  connectWalletSchema,
+  createInvoiceSchema,
+  submitCashuSchema,
+  zapSchema,
+  disconnectWalletSchema,
+  createTournamentSchema,
+  joinTournamentSchema,
+  startTournamentSchema,
+  joinRankedSchema,
+  testWebhookSchema,
+} from './validators.js'
+
+// --- Primitive schemas ---
+
+describe('pubkeySchema', () => {
+  const valid = 'a'.repeat(64)
+  it('accepts valid 64-char hex', () => { expect(pubkeySchema.safeParse(valid).success).toBe(true) })
+  it('rejects too short', () => { expect(pubkeySchema.safeParse('abc').success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects too long', () => { expect(pubkeySchema.safeParse('a'.repeat(65)).success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects non-hex', () => { expect(pubkeySchema.safeParse('g'.repeat(64)).success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects uppercase', () => { expect(pubkeySchema.safeParse('A'.repeat(64)).success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects empty', () => { expect(pubkeySchema.safeParse('').success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects number', () => { expect(pubkeySchema.safeParse(12345).success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects null', () => { expect(pubkeySchema.safeParse(null).success).toBe(false) })
+})
+
+describe('botNameSchema', () => {
+  it('accepts valid names', () => {
+    expect(botNameSchema.safeParse('ab').success).toBe(true)
+    expect(botNameSchema.safeParse('test-bot_1').success).toBe(true)
+    expect(botNameSchema.safeParse('ABCDEFGHIJKL').success).toBe(true) // 12 chars
+  })
+  it('rejects too short', () => { expect(botNameSchema.safeParse('a').success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects too long', () => { expect(botNameSchema.safeParse('a'.repeat(13)).success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects special chars', () => {
+    expect(botNameSchema.safeParse('bot name').success).toBe(false) // spaces
+    expect(botNameSchema.safeParse('bot@name').success).toBe(false)
+    expect(botNameSchema.safeParse('<script>').success).toBe(false)
+  })
+  it('rejects empty', () => { expect(botNameSchema.safeParse('').success).toBe(false) })
+})
+
+describe('satsSchema', () => {
+  it('accepts valid amounts', () => {
+    expect(satsSchema.safeParse(1).success).toBe(true)
+    expect(satsSchema.safeParse(1_000_000).success).toBe(true)
+  })
+  it('rejects zero', () => { expect(satsSchema.safeParse(0).success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects negative', () => { expect(satsSchema.safeParse(-1).success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects over max', () => { expect(satsSchema.safeParse(1_000_001).success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects non-integer', () => { expect(satsSchema.safeParse(1.5).success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects string', () => { expect(satsSchema.safeParse('100').success).toBe(false) })
+})
+
+describe('idSchema', () => {
+  it('accepts valid IDs', () => {
+    expect(idSchema.safeParse('abc123').success).toBe(true)
+    expect(idSchema.safeParse('x'.repeat(24)).success).toBe(true)
+  })
+  it('rejects empty', () => { expect(idSchema.safeParse('').success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects too long', () => { expect(idSchema.safeParse('x'.repeat(25)).success).toBe(false) })
+})
+
+describe('httpUrlSchema', () => {
+  it('accepts http/https URLs', () => {
+    expect(httpUrlSchema.safeParse('https://example.com').success).toBe(true)
+    expect(httpUrlSchema.safeParse('http://api.bot.dev/hook').success).toBe(true)
+  })
+  it('rejects file:// URLs', () => { expect(httpUrlSchema.safeParse('file:///etc/passwd').success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects ftp:// URLs', () => { expect(httpUrlSchema.safeParse('ftp://files.example.com').success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects non-URLs', () => { expect(httpUrlSchema.safeParse('not a url').success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects javascript: URLs', () => { expect(httpUrlSchema.safeParse('javascript:alert(1)').success).toBe(false) })
+})
+
+// --- Auth schemas ---
+
+describe('loginSchema', () => {
+  const validPk = 'a'.repeat(64)
+  it('accepts valid login', () => { expect(loginSchema.safeParse({ pubkey: validPk }).success).toBe(true) })
+  it('rejects missing pubkey', () => { expect(loginSchema.safeParse({}).success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects bad pubkey', () => { expect(loginSchema.safeParse({ pubkey: 'short' }).success).toBe(false) })
+})
+
+describe('registerSchema', () => {
+  const base = { pubkey: 'a'.repeat(64), name: 'testbot' }
+  it('accepts minimal registration', () => { expect(registerSchema.safeParse(base).success).toBe(true) })
+  it('accepts full registration', () => {
+    expect(registerSchema.safeParse({
+      ...base,
+      webhookUrl: 'https://mybot.com/hook',
+      archetype: 'warrior',
+      profilePicUrl: 'https://img.com/pic.png',
+      customization: { color: 'red' },
+    }).success).toBe(true)
+  })
+  it('accepts empty webhook (poll mode)', () => {
+    expect(registerSchema.safeParse({ ...base, webhookUrl: '' }).success).toBe(true)
+  })
+  it('rejects bad name', () => {
+    expect(registerSchema.safeParse({ ...base, name: 'x' }).success).toBe(false) // too short
+    expect(registerSchema.safeParse({ ...base, name: 'x'.repeat(13) }).success).toBe(false) // too long
+    expect(registerSchema.safeParse({ ...base, name: 'bad name!' }).success).toBe(false) // special chars
+  })
+  it('rejects bad pubkey', () => {
+    expect(registerSchema.safeParse({ ...base, pubkey: 'bad' }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+})
+
+describe('registerHumanSchema', () => {
+  const base = { pubkey: 'a'.repeat(64), name: 'human01' }
+  it('accepts valid human registration', () => { expect(registerHumanSchema.safeParse(base).success).toBe(true) })
+  it('accepts with avatar seed', () => {
+    expect(registerHumanSchema.safeParse({ ...base, avatarSeed: 'seed123' }).success).toBe(true)
+  })
+})
+
+describe('updateBotSchema', () => {
+  const base = { pubkey: 'a'.repeat(64) }
+  it('accepts pubkey only (no updates)', () => { expect(updateBotSchema.safeParse(base).success).toBe(true) })
+  it('accepts webhook update', () => {
+    expect(updateBotSchema.safeParse({ ...base, webhookUrl: 'https://new.com/hook' }).success).toBe(true)
+  })
+  it('rejects file:// webhook', () => {
+    expect(updateBotSchema.safeParse({ ...base, webhookUrl: 'file:///etc/passwd' }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+})
+
+// --- Fight schemas ---
+
+describe('respondSchema', () => {
+  it('accepts valid response', () => {
+    expect(respondSchema.safeParse({ answer: 'hello' }).success).toBe(true)
+  })
+  it('accepts with trash talk', () => {
+    expect(respondSchema.safeParse({ answer: 'hello', trashTalk: 'rekt' }).success).toBe(true)
+  })
+  it('rejects answer > 2000 chars', () => {
+    expect(respondSchema.safeParse({ answer: 'x'.repeat(2001) }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+  it('rejects trash talk > 200 chars', () => {
+    expect(respondSchema.safeParse({ answer: 'ok', trashTalk: 'x'.repeat(201) }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+})
+
+describe('reactSchema', () => {
+  it('accepts valid emoji', () => { expect(reactSchema.safeParse({ emoji: '🔥' }).success).toBe(true) })
+  it('rejects empty emoji', () => { expect(reactSchema.safeParse({ emoji: '' }).success).toBe(false) })
+  it('rejects oversized emoji', () => { expect(reactSchema.safeParse({ emoji: '🔥'.repeat(5) }).success).toBe(false) })
+})
+
+// --- Bet schemas ---
+
+describe('placeBetSchema', () => {
+  const valid = {
+    fightId: 'fight123',
+    pubkey: 'a'.repeat(64),
+    botId: 'bot456',
+    amountSats: 1000,
+    cashuToken: 'cashuAey...',
+  }
+  it('accepts valid bet', () => { expect(placeBetSchema.safeParse(valid).success).toBe(true) })
+  it('rejects zero amount', () => {
+    expect(placeBetSchema.safeParse({ ...valid, amountSats: 0 }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+  it('rejects negative amount', () => {
+    expect(placeBetSchema.safeParse({ ...valid, amountSats: -100 }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+  it('rejects over-max amount', () => {
+    expect(placeBetSchema.safeParse({ ...valid, amountSats: 999999999 }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+  it('rejects non-integer amount', () => {
+    expect(placeBetSchema.safeParse({ ...valid, amountSats: 1.5 }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+  it('rejects missing fields', () => {
+    expect(placeBetSchema.safeParse({ fightId: 'x' }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+  it('rejects empty cashu token', () => {
+    expect(placeBetSchema.safeParse({ ...valid, cashuToken: '' }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+})
+
+describe('depositSchema', () => {
+  it('accepts valid deposit', () => {
+    expect(depositSchema.safeParse({ amountSats: 500, pubkey: 'a'.repeat(64) }).success).toBe(true)
+  })
+  it('rejects under minimum (100)', () => {
+    expect(depositSchema.safeParse({ amountSats: 50, pubkey: 'a'.repeat(64) }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+})
+
+describe('withdrawSchema', () => {
+  it('accepts valid withdrawal', () => {
+    expect(withdrawSchema.safeParse({ cashuToken: 'tok', bolt11: 'lnbc...' }).success).toBe(true)
+  })
+  it('rejects missing bolt11', () => {
+    expect(withdrawSchema.safeParse({ cashuToken: 'tok' }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+})
+
+// --- Payment schemas ---
+
+describe('connectWalletSchema', () => {
+  const valid = { pubkey: 'a'.repeat(64), method: 'nwc' as const, connectionData: 'nostr+walletconnect://...' }
+  it('accepts valid connection', () => { expect(connectWalletSchema.safeParse(valid).success).toBe(true) })
+  it('rejects invalid method', () => {
+    expect(connectWalletSchema.safeParse({ ...valid, method: 'paypal' }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+  it('rejects empty connectionData', () => {
+    expect(connectWalletSchema.safeParse({ ...valid, connectionData: '' }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+})
+
+describe('zapSchema', () => {
+  const valid = { winnerId: 'bot1', fightId: 'fight1', amountSats: 100 }
+  it('accepts valid zap', () => { expect(zapSchema.safeParse(valid).success).toBe(true) })
+  it('rejects zero sats', () => { expect(zapSchema.safeParse({ ...valid, amountSats: 0 }).success).toBe(false) })
+})
+
+// --- Tournament schemas ---
+
+describe('createTournamentSchema', () => {
+  const valid = { pubkey: 'a'.repeat(64), name: 'Lightning Cup' }
+  it('accepts minimal tournament', () => { expect(createTournamentSchema.safeParse(valid).success).toBe(true) })
+  it('accepts full tournament', () => {
+    expect(createTournamentSchema.safeParse({
+      ...valid, format: 'round_robin', size: 16, entrySats: 500,
+    }).success).toBe(true)
+  })
+  it('rejects invalid size', () => {
+    expect(createTournamentSchema.safeParse({ ...valid, size: 64 }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+  it('rejects empty name', () => {
+    expect(createTournamentSchema.safeParse({ ...valid, name: '' }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+  it('rejects name > 100 chars', () => {
+    expect(createTournamentSchema.safeParse({ ...valid, name: 'x'.repeat(101) }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+})
+
+// --- Queue schemas ---
+
+describe('joinRankedSchema', () => {
+  it('accepts valid join', () => {
+    expect(joinRankedSchema.safeParse({ paymentId: 'pay123' }).success).toBe(true)
+  })
+  it('accepts with pubkey', () => {
+    expect(joinRankedSchema.safeParse({ paymentId: 'pay123', pubkey: 'a'.repeat(64) }).success).toBe(true)
+  })
+  it('rejects missing paymentId', () => {
+    expect(joinRankedSchema.safeParse({}).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+})
+
+// --- Attack inputs ---
+
+describe('attack inputs', () => {
+  it('rejects SQL injection in pubkey', () => {
+    expect(pubkeySchema.safeParse("' OR 1=1 --").success).toBe(false)
+  })
+  it('rejects XSS in bot name', () => {
+    expect(botNameSchema.safeParse('<img onerror=alert(1)>').success).toBe(false)
+  })
+  it('rejects prototype pollution in customization keys', () => {
+    // The schema allows unknown keys, but Zod strips __proto__ in strict mode
+    const result = registerSchema.safeParse({
+      pubkey: 'a'.repeat(64),
+      name: 'test01',
+      customization: { __proto__: { admin: true } },
+    })
+    // This should still parse (customization is z.record(z.unknown()))
+    // The actual protection is that we never spread customization into objects unsafely
+    expect(result.success).toBe(true)
+  })
+  it('rejects absurdly long answer', () => {
+    expect(respondSchema.safeParse({ answer: 'x'.repeat(10000) }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+  it('rejects negative sats in deposit', () => {
+    expect(depositSchema.safeParse({ amountSats: -1, pubkey: 'a'.repeat(64) }).success).toBe(false)
+  })
+  it('rejects data: URL in webhook', () => {
+    expect(httpUrlSchema.safeParse('data:text/html,<h1>hi</h1>').success).toBe(false)
+  })
+})
diff --git a/server/src/lib/validators.ts b/server/src/lib/validators.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..b633f1b
--- /dev/null
+++ b/server/src/lib/validators.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,157 @@
+import { z } from 'zod'
+
+// --- Reusable primitives ---
+
+/** 64-char hex Nostr pubkey */
+export const pubkeySchema = z.string().length(64).regex(/^[0-9a-f]{64}$/)
+
+/** Bot/fighter name: 2-12 alphanumeric, hyphens, underscores */
+export const botNameSchema = z.string().min(2).max(12).regex(/^[a-zA-Z0-9_-]+$/)
+
+/** Sats amount: positive integer, max 1M */
+export const satsSchema = z.number().int().min(1).max(1_000_000)
+
+/** Generic nanoid-style ID (max 24 chars) */
+export const idSchema = z.string().min(1).max(24)
+
+/** URL that must be http or https */
+export const httpUrlSchema = z.string().url().refine(
+  (u) => { try { return ['http:', 'https:'].includes(new URL(u).protocol) } catch { return false } },
+  { message: 'URL must be http or https' },
+)
+
+// --- Auth schemas ---
+
+export const loginSchema = z.object({
+  pubkey: pubkeySchema,
+})
+
+export const registerSchema = z.object({
+  pubkey: pubkeySchema,
+  name: botNameSchema,
+  webhookUrl: z.string().url().optional().or(z.literal('')),
+  archetype: z.string().min(1).max(50).optional(),
+  profilePicUrl: httpUrlSchema.optional().nullable(),
+  customization: z.record(z.string(), z.unknown()).optional().nullable(),
+})
+
+export const registerHumanSchema = z.object({
+  pubkey: pubkeySchema,
+  name: botNameSchema,
+  profilePicUrl: httpUrlSchema.optional().nullable(),
+  avatarSeed: z.string().min(1).max(50).optional(),
+})
+
+export const updateBotSchema = z.object({
+  pubkey: pubkeySchema,
+  webhookUrl: httpUrlSchema.max(2048).optional(),
+  profilePicUrl: httpUrlSchema.max(2048).optional(),
+  customization: z.record(z.string(), z.unknown()).optional().nullable(),
+})
+
+// --- Fight schemas ---
+
+export const respondSchema = z.object({
+  answer: z.string().max(2000),
+  trashTalk: z.string().max(200).optional(),
+})
+
+export const reactSchema = z.object({
+  emoji: z.string().min(1).max(8),
+})
+
+// --- Bet schemas ---
+
+export const placeBetSchema = z.object({
+  fightId: idSchema,
+  pubkey: pubkeySchema,
+  botId: idSchema,
+  amountSats: satsSchema,
+  cashuToken: z.string().min(1),
+})
+
+export const depositSchema = z.object({
+  amountSats: z.number().int().min(100).max(1_000_000),
+  pubkey: pubkeySchema,
+})
+
+export const withdrawSchema = z.object({
+  cashuToken: z.string().min(1),
+  bolt11: z.string().min(1),
+})
+
+// --- Payment schemas ---
+
+export const connectWalletSchema = z.object({
+  pubkey: pubkeySchema,
+  method: z.enum(['nwc', 'lnaddress', 'cashu_mint']),
+  connectionData: z.string().min(1),
+})
+
+export const createInvoiceSchema = z.object({
+  botId: idSchema,
+  pubkey: pubkeySchema.optional(),
+})
+
+export const submitCashuSchema = z.object({
+  botId: idSchema,
+  token: z.string().min(1),
+})
+
+export const zapSchema = z.object({
+  winnerId: idSchema,
+  fightId: idSchema,
+  amountSats: satsSchema,
+})
+
+export const disconnectWalletSchema = z.object({
+  pubkey: pubkeySchema,
+})
+
+// --- Tournament schemas ---
+
+export const createTournamentSchema = z.object({
+  pubkey: pubkeySchema,
+  name: z.string().min(1).max(100),
+  format: z.enum(['single_elim', 'round_robin']).optional(),
+  size: z.union([z.literal(8), z.literal(16), z.literal(32)]).optional(),
+  entrySats: z.number().int().min(0).max(1_000_000).optional(),
+})
+
+export const joinTournamentSchema = z.object({
+  pubkey: pubkeySchema,
+  paymentId: idSchema.optional(),
+})
+
+export const startTournamentSchema = z.object({
+  pubkey: pubkeySchema,
+})
+
+// --- Queue schemas ---
+
+export const joinRankedSchema = z.object({
+  paymentId: idSchema,
+  pubkey: pubkeySchema.optional(),
+})
+
+// --- Docs schemas ---
+
+export const testWebhookSchema = z.object({
+  url: httpUrlSchema,
+  type: z.string().min(1).max(50).optional(),
+})
+
+// --- Error formatting helper ---
+
+/** Map Zod validation errors to user-friendly messages by field name */
+export function formatZodError(
+  error: z.ZodError,
+  fieldMessages?: Record<string, string>,
+  fallback = 'Invalid input.',
+): string {
+  const firstIssue = error.issues[0]
+  if (!firstIssue) return fallback
+  const field = String(firstIssue.path[0] ?? '')
+  if (field && fieldMessages?.[field]) return fieldMessages[field]
+  return fallback
+}
diff --git a/server/src/routes/auth.ts b/server/src/routes/auth.ts
index 30908a7..e6a0e08 100644
--- a/server/src/routes/auth.ts
+++ b/server/src/routes/auth.ts
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import { validateCustomization } from '../engine/customization.js'
 import { testWebhook } from '../engine/webhook-test.js'
 import { rateLimit } from '../middleware/rate-limit.js'
 import { isCreatorPubkey } from '../lib/constants.js'
+import { loginSchema, registerSchema, registerHumanSchema, updateBotSchema, pubkeySchema, formatZodError } from '../lib/validators.js'
 
 export const authRouter = new Hono()
 
@@ -26,12 +27,11 @@ authRouter.get("/check-name/:name", async (c) => {
 
 // Login with Nostr pubkey (rate limited: 30 per minute per IP)
 authRouter.post('/login', rateLimit(60_000, 30), async (c) => {
-  const body = await c.req.json()
-  const { pubkey } = body
-
-  if (!pubkey || typeof pubkey !== 'string' || pubkey.length !== 64) {
+  const parsed = loginSchema.safeParse(await c.req.json().catch(() => ({})))
+  if (!parsed.success) {
     return c.json({ error: 'Invalid pubkey.' }, 400)
   }
+  const { pubkey } = parsed.data
 
   const rows = await db.select({
     id: schema.bots.id,
@@ -130,20 +130,15 @@ authRouter.post('/login', rateLimit(60_000, 30), async (c) => {
 
 // Register a new bot with Nostr pubkey
 authRouter.post('/register', rateLimit(600_000, 10), async (c) => {
-  const body = await c.req.json()
-  const { pubkey, name, webhookUrl, archetype, profilePicUrl, customization: rawCustomization } = body
-
-  if (!pubkey || typeof pubkey !== 'string' || pubkey.length !== 64) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'Invalid pubkey.' }, 400)
-  }
-
-  if (!name || typeof name !== 'string' || name.length < 2 || name.length > 12) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'Name must be 2-12 characters.' }, 400)
-  }
-
-  if (!/^[a-zA-Z0-9_-]+$/.test(name)) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'Name must be alphanumeric, hyphens, or underscores.' }, 400)
+  const parsed = registerSchema.safeParse(await c.req.json().catch(() => ({})))
+  if (!parsed.success) {
+    return c.json({ error: formatZodError(parsed.error, {
+      pubkey: 'Invalid pubkey.',
+      name: 'Name must be 2-12 alphanumeric characters, hyphens, or underscores.',
+      webhookUrl: 'webhookUrl must be a valid URL.',
+    }, 'Invalid registration data.') }, 400)
   }
+  const { pubkey, name, webhookUrl, archetype, profilePicUrl, customization: rawCustomization } = parsed.data
 
   // Validate customization
   const custResult = validateCustomization(rawCustomization)
@@ -242,20 +237,14 @@ authRouter.post('/register', rateLimit(600_000, 10), async (c) => {
 
 // Register a human player (no webhook required)
 authRouter.post('/register-human', rateLimit(600_000, 10), async (c) => {
-  const body = await c.req.json()
-  const { pubkey, name, profilePicUrl, avatarSeed } = body
-
-  if (!pubkey || typeof pubkey !== 'string' || pubkey.length !== 64) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'Invalid pubkey.' }, 400)
-  }
-
-  if (!name || typeof name !== 'string' || name.length < 2 || name.length > 12) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'Name must be 2-12 characters.' }, 400)
-  }
-
-  if (!/^[a-zA-Z0-9_-]+$/.test(name)) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'Name must be alphanumeric, hyphens, or underscores.' }, 400)
+  const parsed = registerHumanSchema.safeParse(await c.req.json().catch(() => ({})))
+  if (!parsed.success) {
+    return c.json({ error: formatZodError(parsed.error, {
+      pubkey: 'Invalid pubkey.',
+      name: 'Name must be 2-12 alphanumeric characters, hyphens, or underscores.',
+    }, 'Invalid registration data.') }, 400)
   }
+  const { pubkey, name, profilePicUrl, avatarSeed } = parsed.data
 
   const normalizedName = name.toLowerCase()
 
@@ -306,12 +295,11 @@ authRouter.post('/register-human', rateLimit(600_000, 10), async (c) => {
 
 // Update bot webhook and/or customization (requires pubkey match)
 authRouter.post('/update', rateLimit(60_000, 10), async (c) => {
-  const body = await c.req.json()
-  const { pubkey, webhookUrl, profilePicUrl, customization: rawCustomization } = body
-
-  if (!pubkey || typeof pubkey !== 'string' || pubkey.length !== 64) {
+  const parsed = updateBotSchema.safeParse(await c.req.json().catch(() => ({})))
+  if (!parsed.success) {
     return c.json({ error: 'Invalid pubkey.' }, 400)
   }
+  const { pubkey, webhookUrl, profilePicUrl, customization: rawCustomization } = parsed.data
 
   const rows = await db.select({ id: schema.bots.id, customization: schema.bots.customization })
     .from(schema.bots)
diff --git a/server/src/routes/bets.test.ts b/server/src/routes/bets.test.ts
index 8bb69ee..e4b272a 100644
--- a/server/src/routes/bets.test.ts
+++ b/server/src/routes/bets.test.ts
@@ -57,7 +57,7 @@ async function placeBetReq(cashuToken: string, overrides: Record<string, any> =
     headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
     body: JSON.stringify({
       fightId: 'test-fight',
-      pubkey: 'deadbeef',
+      pubkey: 'a'.repeat(64),
       botId: 'test-bot',
       amountSats: 100,
       cashuToken,
diff --git a/server/src/routes/bets.ts b/server/src/routes/bets.ts
index 89ee717..0f594bb 100644
--- a/server/src/routes/bets.ts
+++ b/server/src/routes/bets.ts
@@ -1,5 +1,6 @@
 import { Hono } from 'hono'
 import { toError } from '../lib/utils.js'
+import { placeBetSchema, depositSchema, withdrawSchema, formatZodError } from '../lib/validators.js'
 import { getDecodedToken } from '@cashu/cashu-ts'
 import { db, schema } from '../db/index.js'
 import { eq, desc } from 'drizzle-orm'
@@ -49,16 +50,13 @@ betsRouter.get('/odds/:fightId', async (c) => {
 
 // Place a bet
 betsRouter.post('/place', rateLimit(60_000, 10), async (c) => {
-  const body = await c.req.json()
-  const { fightId, pubkey, botId, amountSats, cashuToken } = body
-
-  if (!fightId || !pubkey || !botId || !amountSats || !cashuToken) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'Missing required fields.' }, 400)
-  }
-
-  if (typeof amountSats !== 'number' || !Number.isInteger(amountSats) || amountSats < 1 || amountSats > 1_000_000) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'amountSats must be an integer between 1 and 1,000,000' }, 400)
+  const parsed = placeBetSchema.safeParse(await c.req.json().catch(() => ({})))
+  if (!parsed.success) {
+    return c.json({ error: formatZodError(parsed.error, {
+      amountSats: 'amountSats must be an integer between 1 and 1,000,000',
+    }, 'Missing required fields.') }, 400)
   }
+  const { fightId, pubkey, botId, amountSats, cashuToken } = parsed.data
 
   // Validate Cashu token format before any DB lookups
   try {
@@ -161,13 +159,14 @@ betsRouter.get('/history/:pubkey', async (c) => {
 
 // Lightning deposit — get invoice
 betsRouter.post('/deposit', rateLimit(60_000, 5), async (c) => {
-  const { amountSats, pubkey } = await c.req.json()
-  if (!amountSats || !pubkey) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'Missing amountSats or pubkey.' }, 400)
-  }
-  if (amountSats < 100 || amountSats > 1_000_000) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'Amount must be 100-1,000,000 sats.' }, 400)
+  const parsed = depositSchema.safeParse(await c.req.json().catch(() => ({})))
+  if (!parsed.success) {
+    return c.json({ error: formatZodError(parsed.error, {
+      amountSats: 'Amount must be 100-1,000,000 sats.',
+      pubkey: 'Missing amountSats or pubkey.',
+    }, 'Missing amountSats or pubkey.') }, 400)
   }
+  const { amountSats, pubkey } = parsed.data
 
   const invoice = await createDepositInvoice(amountSats, pubkey)
   return c.json(invoice)
@@ -175,10 +174,11 @@ betsRouter.post('/deposit', rateLimit(60_000, 5), async (c) => {
 
 // Lightning withdraw — burn Cashu tokens, pay LN invoice
 betsRouter.post('/withdraw', rateLimit(60_000, 3), async (c) => {
-  const { cashuToken, bolt11 } = await c.req.json()
-  if (!cashuToken || !bolt11) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'Missing cashuToken or bolt11 invoice.' }, 400)
+  const parsed = withdrawSchema.safeParse(await c.req.json().catch(() => ({})))
+  if (!parsed.success) {
+    return c.json({ error: parsed.error.issues[0]?.message || 'Missing cashuToken or bolt11 invoice.' }, 400)
   }
+  const { cashuToken, bolt11 } = parsed.data
 
   const result = await withdrawToLightning(cashuToken, bolt11)
   if (!result.success) {
diff --git a/server/src/routes/bots.ts b/server/src/routes/bots.ts
index 1fce91c..d2a6d98 100644
--- a/server/src/routes/bots.ts
+++ b/server/src/routes/bots.ts
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import { computeAchievements } from '../engine/achievements.js'
 import { isAllowedWebhookUrl } from '../engine/orchestrator.js'
 import { testWebhook } from '../engine/webhook-test.js'
 import { rateLimit } from '../middleware/rate-limit.js'
+import { botNameSchema, httpUrlSchema } from '../lib/validators.js'
 
 export const botsRouter = new Hono()
 
@@ -34,12 +35,8 @@ botsRouter.post('/', rateLimit(3600_000, 5), async (c) => {
   const body = await c.req.json()
   const { name, webhook_url, avatar_seed } = body
 
-  if (!name || typeof name !== 'string' || name.length < 2 || name.length > 12) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'Name must be 2-12 characters.' }, 400)
-  }
-
-  if (!/^[a-zA-Z0-9_-]+$/.test(name)) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'Name must be alphanumeric, hyphens, or underscores.' }, 400)
+  if (!botNameSchema.safeParse(name).success) {
+    return c.json({ error: 'Name must be 2-12 alphanumeric characters, hyphens, or underscores.' }, 400)
   }
 
   // Force lowercase for case-insensitive uniqueness
diff --git a/server/src/routes/docs.ts b/server/src/routes/docs.ts
index 90b3a1f..1dfabe4 100644
--- a/server/src/routes/docs.ts
+++ b/server/src/routes/docs.ts
@@ -1,6 +1,6 @@
 import { Hono } from 'hono'
-import { z } from 'zod'
 import { getAllChallengeTypes } from '../engine/challenges.js'
+import { testWebhookSchema } from '../lib/validators.js'
 export const docsRouter = new Hono()
 
 docsRouter.get('/webhook', (c) => {
@@ -166,17 +166,20 @@ docsRouter.get('/webhook', (c) => {
 // POST /test — interactive webhook tester (no auth required)
 docsRouter.post('/test', async (c) => {
   const body = await c.req.json()
-  const validTypes = getAllChallengeTypes()
-  const testSchema = z.object({
-    url: z.string().url(),
-    type: z.enum(validTypes as [string, ...string[]]).optional(),
-  })
-  const parsed = testSchema.safeParse(body)
+  const parsed = testWebhookSchema.safeParse(body)
   if (!parsed.success) {
     return c.json({ error: parsed.error.issues[0]?.message || 'Invalid request' }, 400)
   }
   const { url, type } = parsed.data
 
+  // Validate challenge type if provided
+  if (type) {
+    const validTypes = getAllChallengeTypes()
+    if (!validTypes.includes(type)) {
+      return c.json({ error: 'Invalid challenge type' }, 400)
+    }
+  }
+
   // Validate URL protocol and host
   let parsedUrl: URL
   try {
diff --git a/server/src/routes/fights.ts b/server/src/routes/fights.ts
index f0d87d4..30111bb 100644
--- a/server/src/routes/fights.ts
+++ b/server/src/routes/fights.ts
@@ -1,4 +1,3 @@
-import { z } from 'zod'
 import { Hono } from 'hono'
 import { logger } from '../lib/logger.js'
 import { streamSSE } from 'hono/streaming'
@@ -14,16 +13,7 @@ import { getPendingChallenge, getPendingAnswers, submitHumanResponse } from '../
 import { getPendingPollChallenge, submitPollResponse, isPollingBot } from '../engine/poll-responses.js'
 import { authenticateBot } from '../middleware/bot-auth.js'
 import { checkAnswer } from '../engine/answers.js'
-
-// --- Request validation schemas ---
-const respondSchema = z.object({
-  answer: z.string().max(2000),
-  trashTalk: z.string().max(200).optional(),
-})
-
-const reactSchema = z.object({
-  emoji: z.string().min(1),
-})
+import { respondSchema, reactSchema } from '../lib/validators.js'
 
 const isValidId = (id: string) => /^[a-zA-Z0-9_-]{1,64}$/.test(id)
 
diff --git a/server/src/routes/payments.ts b/server/src/routes/payments.ts
index c46db4f..3db6f12 100644
--- a/server/src/routes/payments.ts
+++ b/server/src/routes/payments.ts
@@ -6,20 +6,17 @@ import { eq } from 'drizzle-orm'
 import { createEntryInvoice, checkPaymentStatus, redeemCashuToken } from '../engine/payments.js'
 import { encrypt, decrypt } from '../engine/crypto.js'
 import { rateLimit } from '../middleware/rate-limit.js'
+import { connectWalletSchema, createInvoiceSchema, submitCashuSchema, disconnectWalletSchema, zapSchema, formatZodError } from '../lib/validators.js'
 
 export const paymentsRouter = new Hono()
 
 // POST /connect-wallet
 paymentsRouter.post('/connect-wallet', async (c) => {
-  const { pubkey, method, connectionData } = await c.req.json<{
-    pubkey: string
-    method: 'nwc' | 'lnaddress' | 'cashu_mint'
-    connectionData: string
-  }>()
-
-  if (!pubkey || !method || !connectionData) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'Missing pubkey, method, or connectionData' }, 400)
+  const parsed = connectWalletSchema.safeParse(await c.req.json().catch(() => ({})))
+  if (!parsed.success) {
+    return c.json({ error: formatZodError(parsed.error, {}, 'Missing pubkey, method, or connectionData') }, 400)
   }
+  const { pubkey, method, connectionData } = parsed.data
 
   // Look up bot by publicKey
   const botRows = await db.select({ id: schema.bots.id })
@@ -86,8 +83,9 @@ paymentsRouter.get('/wallet-status', async (c) => {
 
 // POST /create-invoice — rate limited: 10 per minute per IP
 paymentsRouter.post('/create-invoice', rateLimit(60_000, 10), async (c) => {
-  const { botId, pubkey } = await c.req.json<{ botId: string; pubkey?: string }>()
-  if (!botId) return c.json({ error: 'Missing botId' }, 400)
+  const parsed = createInvoiceSchema.safeParse(await c.req.json().catch(() => ({})))
+  if (!parsed.success) return c.json({ error: formatZodError(parsed.error, { botId: 'Missing botId' }, 'Missing botId') }, 400)
+  const { botId, pubkey } = parsed.data
 
   // In production, verify bot ownership
   if (process.env.NODE_ENV === 'production') {
@@ -185,8 +183,9 @@ paymentsRouter.post('/confirm/:paymentId', rateLimit(60_000, 20), async (c) => {
 
 // POST /submit-cashu
 paymentsRouter.post('/submit-cashu', async (c) => {
-  const { botId, token } = await c.req.json<{ botId: string; token: string }>()
-  if (!botId || !token) return c.json({ error: 'Missing botId or token' }, 400)
+  const parsed = submitCashuSchema.safeParse(await c.req.json().catch(() => ({})))
+  if (!parsed.success) return c.json({ error: formatZodError(parsed.error, {}, 'Missing botId or token') }, 400)
+  const { botId, token } = parsed.data
 
   try {
     const result = await redeemCashuToken(token, botId)
@@ -252,8 +251,9 @@ paymentsRouter.post('/claim/:paymentId', async (c) => {
 
 // DELETE /disconnect-wallet
 paymentsRouter.delete('/disconnect-wallet', async (c) => {
-  const { pubkey } = await c.req.json<{ pubkey: string }>()
-  if (!pubkey) return c.json({ error: 'Missing pubkey' }, 400)
+  const parsed = disconnectWalletSchema.safeParse(await c.req.json().catch(() => ({})))
+  if (!parsed.success) return c.json({ error: formatZodError(parsed.error, {}, 'Missing pubkey') }, 400)
+  const { pubkey } = parsed.data
 
   const botRows = await db.select({ id: schema.bots.id })
     .from(schema.bots)
@@ -275,16 +275,11 @@ paymentsRouter.delete('/disconnect-wallet', async (c) => {
 
 // POST /zap — zap sats to a fight winner
 paymentsRouter.post('/zap', rateLimit(60_000, 10), async (c) => {
-  const { winnerId, fightId, amountSats } = await c.req.json<{
-    winnerId: string
-    fightId: string
-    amountSats: number
-  }>()
-
-  if (!winnerId || !fightId) return c.json({ error: 'Missing winnerId or fightId' }, 400)
-  if (typeof amountSats !== 'number' || !Number.isInteger(amountSats) || amountSats < 1 || amountSats > 1_000_000) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'amountSats must be an integer between 1 and 1,000,000' }, 400)
+  const parsed = zapSchema.safeParse(await c.req.json().catch(() => ({})))
+  if (!parsed.success) {
+    return c.json({ error: formatZodError(parsed.error, { amountSats: 'amountSats must be an integer between 1 and 1,000,000' }, 'Missing winnerId or fightId') }, 400)
   }
+  const { winnerId, fightId, amountSats } = parsed.data
   const amount = amountSats
 
   // Verify the fight exists and this bot actually won
diff --git a/server/src/routes/queue.ts b/server/src/routes/queue.ts
index 0be7f15..73a71b6 100644
--- a/server/src/routes/queue.ts
+++ b/server/src/routes/queue.ts
@@ -4,6 +4,7 @@ import { eq } from 'drizzle-orm'
 import { joinQueue, leaveQueue, getQueueSize, getQueueSnapshot } from '../engine/queue.js'
 import { joinRankedQueue, getRankedQueueStatus } from '../engine/ranked-queue.js'
 import { rateLimit } from '../middleware/rate-limit.js'
+import { joinRankedSchema } from '../lib/validators.js'
 
 export const queueRouter = new Hono()
 
@@ -53,11 +54,11 @@ queueRouter.get('/ranked-status', (c) => {
 // Join ranked queue — requires confirmed payment + bot ownership
 queueRouter.post('/join-ranked/:botId', async (c) => {
   const botId = c.req.param('botId')
-  const { paymentId, pubkey } = await c.req.json<{ paymentId: string; pubkey?: string }>()
-
-  if (!paymentId) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'Missing paymentId' }, 400)
+  const parsed = joinRankedSchema.safeParse(await c.req.json().catch(() => ({})))
+  if (!parsed.success) {
+    return c.json({ error: parsed.error.issues[0]?.message || 'Missing paymentId' }, 400)
   }
+  const { paymentId, pubkey } = parsed.data
 
   // Verify bot ownership in production
   if (process.env.NODE_ENV === 'production') {
diff --git a/server/src/routes/tournaments.ts b/server/src/routes/tournaments.ts
index a5366ac..222f2cb 100644
--- a/server/src/routes/tournaments.ts
+++ b/server/src/routes/tournaments.ts
@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ import {
   getTournamentBracket,
   listTournaments,
 } from '../engine/tournaments.js'
+import { createTournamentSchema, joinTournamentSchema, startTournamentSchema, formatZodError } from '../lib/validators.js'
 
 export const tournamentsRouter = new Hono()
 
@@ -30,27 +31,21 @@ tournamentsRouter.get('/:id', async (c) => {
 
 // Create a tournament (admin only — creator pubkey required)
 tournamentsRouter.post('/', async (c) => {
-  const body = await c.req.json<{
-    pubkey: string
-    name: string
-    format?: 'single_elim' | 'round_robin'
-    size?: 8 | 16 | 32
-    entrySats?: number
-  }>()
+  const parsed = createTournamentSchema.safeParse(await c.req.json().catch(() => ({})))
+  if (!parsed.success) {
+    return c.json({ error: formatZodError(parsed.error, {
+      name: 'Tournament name required (1-100 chars)',
+      size: 'Size must be 8, 16, or 32',
+    }, 'Invalid tournament data') }, 400)
+  }
+  const body = parsed.data
 
   if (!isCreatorPubkey(body.pubkey)) {
     return c.json({ error: 'Only the creator can create tournaments' }, 403)
   }
 
-  if (!body.name || body.name.length < 1 || body.name.length > 100) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'Tournament name required (1-100 chars)' }, 400)
-  }
-
   const format = body.format ?? 'single_elim'
   const size = body.size ?? 8
-  if (![8, 16, 32].includes(size)) {
-    return c.json({ error: 'Size must be 8, 16, or 32' }, 400)
-  }
 
   const id = createTournament(body.name, format, size, body.entrySats ?? 0)
   return c.json({ id, name: body.name, format, size }, 201)
@@ -59,9 +54,9 @@ tournamentsRouter.post('/', async (c) => {
 // Join a tournament
 tournamentsRouter.post('/:id/join', async (c) => {
   const tournamentId = c.req.param('id')
-  const body = await c.req.json<{ pubkey: string; paymentId?: string }>()
-
-  if (!body.pubkey) return c.json({ error: 'pubkey required' }, 400)
+  const parsed = joinTournamentSchema.safeParse(await c.req.json().catch(() => ({})))
+  if (!parsed.success) return c.json({ error: formatZodError(parsed.error, { pubkey: 'pubkey required' }, 'pubkey required') }, 400)
+  const body = parsed.data
 
   // Look up bot by pubkey
   const bot = db.select().from(schema.bots)
@@ -81,7 +76,9 @@ tournamentsRouter.post('/:id/join', async (c) => {
 // Start a tournament (admin only)
 tournamentsRouter.post('/:id/start', async (c) => {
   const tournamentId = c.req.param('id')
-  const body = await c.req.json<{ pubkey: string }>()
+  const parsed = startTournamentSchema.safeParse(await c.req.json().catch(() => ({})))
+  if (!parsed.success) return c.json({ error: formatZodError(parsed.error, { pubkey: 'pubkey required' }, 'pubkey required') }, 400)
+  const body = parsed.data
 
   if (!isCreatorPubkey(body.pubkey)) {
     return c.json({ error: 'Only the creator can start tournaments' }, 403)