diff --git a/frontend/src/components/FightViewer.vue b/frontend/src/components/FightViewer.vue
index cc84eea..4529490 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/FightViewer.vue
+++ b/frontend/src/components/FightViewer.vue
@@ -63,9 +63,9 @@ const hitTextY = ref(30)
 const glitching = ref(false)
 const soundOn = ref(true)
 
-function toggleSound() {
+async function toggleSound() {
   soundOn.value = !soundOn.value
-  ensureAudioContext()
+  await ensureAudioContext()
   setMasterMute(!soundOn.value)
 }
 
@@ -210,7 +210,7 @@ async function replay() {
 
   await initScene()
   if (soundOn.value) {
-    ensureAudioContext()
+    await ensureAudioContext()
     scene?.startMusic()
   }
   await sleep(300)
@@ -509,7 +509,7 @@ async function replay() {
           <div v-if="announcementVisible"
                class="absolute inset-0 flex items-center justify-center pointer-events-none z-20">
             <div class="announce-text-wrapper">
-              <p class="font-funky text-5xl sm:text-7xl tracking-widest announce-text uppercase announce-chromatic"
+              <p class="font-funky text-2xl sm:text-5xl lg:text-7xl tracking-widest announce-text uppercase announce-chromatic"
                  :data-text="announcement"
                  :style="{ color: announcementColor, textShadow: `0 0 20px ${announcementColor}, 0 0 40px ${announcementColor}, 0 0 80px ${announcementColor}40, 0 0 120px ${announcementColor}20` }">
                 {{ announcement }}
@@ -524,7 +524,7 @@ async function replay() {
                class="absolute pointer-events-none z-30"
                :style="{ left: `${hitTextX}%`, top: `${hitTextY}%`, transform: 'translate(-50%, -50%)' }">
             <div class="hit-text-wrapper">
-              <p class="font-neon text-4xl sm:text-5xl tracking-wider hit-text hit-chromatic"
+              <p class="font-neon text-xl sm:text-4xl lg:text-5xl tracking-wider hit-text hit-chromatic"
                  :data-text="hitText"
                  :style="{ color: hitTextColor, textShadow: `0 0 15px ${hitTextColor}, 0 0 30px ${hitTextColor}, 0 0 60px ${hitTextColor}60` }">
                 {{ hitText }}
diff --git a/frontend/src/game/sounds.ts b/frontend/src/game/sounds.ts
index 8b816d2..263ab40 100644
--- a/frontend/src/game/sounds.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/game/sounds.ts
@@ -9,16 +9,24 @@ function getCtx(): AudioContext {
   if (!ctx) {
     ctx = new AudioContext()
     musicGain = ctx.createGain()
-    musicGain.gain.value = 0.12
+    musicGain.gain.value = masterMuted ? 0 : 0.12
     musicGain.connect(ctx.destination)
     sfxGain = ctx.createGain()
-    sfxGain.gain.value = 0.25
+    sfxGain.gain.value = masterMuted ? 0 : 0.25
     sfxGain.connect(ctx.destination)
   }
-  if (ctx.state === 'suspended') ctx.resume()
+  if (ctx.state === 'suspended') {
+    ctx.resume().catch(() => {})
+  }
   return ctx
 }
 
+// Get the SFX destination node (gain is 0 when muted, so audio is silent but context stays valid)
+function getSfxDest(): AudioNode {
+  const c = getCtx()
+  return sfxGain ?? c.destination
+}
+
 function tone(freq: number, type: OscillatorType, duration: number, dest: AudioNode, startTime?: number) {
   const c = getCtx()
   const osc = c.createOscillator()
@@ -263,6 +271,12 @@ function loadVoices() {
 if (typeof speechSynthesis !== 'undefined') {
   speechSynthesis.onvoiceschanged = loadVoices
   loadVoices()
+  // Chrome bug workaround: speechSynthesis pauses after ~15s.
+  // Periodic resume() keeps it alive.
+  setInterval(() => {
+    if (speechSynthesis.speaking && !speechSynthesis.paused) return
+    if (speechSynthesis.paused) speechSynthesis.resume()
+  }, 5000)
 }
 
 let _speechQueueDepth = 0
@@ -271,11 +285,14 @@ function speak(text: string, profileName: string, cancelPrevious: boolean = fals
   if (typeof speechSynthesis === 'undefined') return
   if (masterMuted) return
   if (!voicesLoaded) loadVoices()
+  // Chrome bug: speechSynthesis can get stuck. Nudge it.
+  if (speechSynthesis.paused) speechSynthesis.resume()
   // Only flush if queue is getting deep — allows voices to overlap naturally
-  if (cancelPrevious || speechSynthesis.pending && speechSynthesis.speaking) {
-    // 2+ queued: drop the queue but let current utterance finish
-    const queued = _speechQueueDepth
-    if (queued > 3) speechSynthesis.cancel()
+  if (cancelPrevious || (speechSynthesis.pending && speechSynthesis.speaking)) {
+    if (_speechQueueDepth > 3) {
+      speechSynthesis.cancel()
+      _speechQueueDepth = 0
+    }
   }
   const profile = voiceProfiles[profileName] || voiceProfiles.announcer
   const utter = new SpeechSynthesisUtterance(text)
@@ -448,7 +465,7 @@ export function announceRoundHype() {
 // === FANFARES (8-bit melodic announcements) ===
 
 export function fanfareRound(roundNum: number) {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx()
   const t = c.currentTime
   // Ascending power chord
@@ -462,7 +479,7 @@ export function fanfareRound(roundNum: number) {
 }
 
 export function fanfareFight() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx()
   const t = c.currentTime
   // Punchy staccato
@@ -474,7 +491,7 @@ export function fanfareFight() {
 }
 
 export function fanfareDevastating() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx()
   const t = c.currentTime
   tone(220, 'sawtooth', 0.2, d, t)
@@ -484,7 +501,7 @@ export function fanfareDevastating() {
 }
 
 export function fanfareCritical() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx()
   const t = c.currentTime
   tone(440, 'square', 0.1, d, t)
@@ -496,7 +513,7 @@ export function fanfareCritical() {
 }
 
 export function fanfareCombo(count: number) {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx()
   const t = c.currentTime
   for (let i = 0; i < Math.min(count, 5); i++) {
@@ -585,7 +602,7 @@ function fmImpact(carrier: number, modRatio: number, duration: number, dest: Aud
 }
 
 export function sfxPunch() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Heavy body thump
   bodyThump(120, 0.12, d, t, 0.3)
@@ -598,7 +615,7 @@ export function sfxPunch() {
 }
 
 export function sfxKick() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Deep bass slam
   bodyThump(80, 0.18, d, t, 0.35)
@@ -611,7 +628,7 @@ export function sfxKick() {
 }
 
 export function sfxSpecial() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Power charge sweep
   sweep(150, 800, 'sawtooth', 0.2, d)
@@ -626,7 +643,7 @@ export function sfxSpecial() {
 }
 
 export function sfxCritical() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Massive bass hit
   bodyThump(60, 0.3, d, t, 0.4)
@@ -648,7 +665,7 @@ export function sfxCritical() {
 }
 
 export function sfxGunshot() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Sharp transient
   highSnap(6000, 0.015, d, t)
@@ -662,7 +679,7 @@ export function sfxGunshot() {
 }
 
 export function sfxBulletHit() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   bodyThump(150, 0.06, d, t, 0.2)
   highSnap(4000, 0.02, d, t)
@@ -671,7 +688,7 @@ export function sfxBulletHit() {
 }
 
 export function sfxJetpack() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Turbine rumble — layered oscillators with modulation
   const osc1 = c.createOscillator(); osc1.type = 'sawtooth'
@@ -698,7 +715,7 @@ export function sfxJetpack() {
 }
 
 export function sfxExplosion() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Massive sub thump
   bodyThump(40, 0.5, d, t, 0.4)
@@ -720,7 +737,7 @@ export function sfxExplosion() {
 }
 
 export function sfxBlock() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Metallic shield ring
   fmImpact(800, 1.5, 0.12, d, t)
@@ -730,7 +747,7 @@ export function sfxBlock() {
 }
 
 export function sfxDodge() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Quick air whoosh
   sweep(300, 1200, 'sine', 0.1, d)
@@ -740,7 +757,7 @@ export function sfxDodge() {
 }
 
 export function sfxClash() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Two impacts overlapping
   bodyThump(100, 0.1, d, t, 0.25)
@@ -754,7 +771,7 @@ export function sfxClash() {
 // === KO + WIN ===
 
 export function sfxKO() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Earth-shaking bass
   bodyThump(30, 0.6, d, t, 0.5)
@@ -774,7 +791,7 @@ export function sfxKO() {
 }
 
 export function sfxPerfect() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Massive descending power
   bodyThump(30, 0.8, d, t, 0.45)
@@ -793,7 +810,7 @@ export function sfxPerfect() {
 }
 
 export function sfxWin() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Victory jingle — richer with harmonics and FM shimmer
   const melody = [
@@ -821,7 +838,7 @@ export function sfxWinAnnounce(winnerName: string) {
 }
 
 export function sfxRoundStart() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Bell-like tones with FM shimmer
   fmImpact(440, 2, 0.2, d, t)
@@ -836,7 +853,7 @@ export function sfxRoundStart() {
 // === SILLY / FUNNY SOUNDS ===
 
 export function sfxBoing() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Spring with resonance
   sweep(200, 900, 'sine', 0.12, d)
@@ -846,7 +863,7 @@ export function sfxBoing() {
 }
 
 export function sfxWomp() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Sad trombone — richer with vibrato
   const notes = [[294, 0.25], [277, 0.25], [262, 0.25], [247, 0.5]] as [number, number][]
@@ -860,19 +877,19 @@ export function sfxWomp() {
 }
 
 export function sfxSlideUp() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   sweep(200, 2000, 'sine', 0.25, d)
   sweep(210, 2100, 'sine', 0.25, d) // chorus
 }
 
 export function sfxSlideDown() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   sweep(2000, 100, 'sine', 0.35, d)
   sweep(2020, 110, 'sine', 0.35, d)
 }
 
 export function sfxBonk() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   bodyThump(200, 0.06, d, t, 0.2)
   fmImpact(800, 3, 0.06, d, t)
@@ -881,7 +898,7 @@ export function sfxBonk() {
 }
 
 export function sfxSplat() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   bodyThump(100, 0.1, d, t, 0.2)
   noise(0.12, d, t)
@@ -891,7 +908,7 @@ export function sfxSplat() {
 }
 
 export function sfxZap() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Electric arc
   sweep(100, 4000, 'sawtooth', 0.06, d)
@@ -902,7 +919,7 @@ export function sfxZap() {
 }
 
 export function sfxZoomWhoosh() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   // Layered Doppler whoosh
   sweep(80, 1800, 'sawtooth', 0.2, d)
@@ -917,7 +934,7 @@ export function sfxZoomWhoosh() {
 }
 
 export function sfxRapidPunch() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   for (let i = 0; i < 4; i++) {
     const ht = t + i * 0.04
@@ -928,7 +945,7 @@ export function sfxRapidPunch() {
 }
 
 export function sfxPowerUp() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   for (let i = 0; i < 6; i++) {
     const freq = 300 + i * 100
@@ -939,7 +956,7 @@ export function sfxPowerUp() {
 }
 
 export function sfxCoin() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   fmImpact(988, 1.5, 0.1, d, t)
   fmImpact(1319, 1.5, 0.15, d, t + 0.06)
@@ -948,7 +965,7 @@ export function sfxCoin() {
 }
 
 export function sfxFail() {
-  const d = sfxGain ?? getCtx().destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const c = getCtx(); const t = c.currentTime
   sweep(600, 80, 'sawtooth', 0.25, d)
   bodyThump(80, 0.2, d, t + 0.15, 0.15)
@@ -1828,8 +1845,15 @@ export function isMasterMuted(): boolean {
   return masterMuted
 }
 
-export function ensureAudioContext() {
-  getCtx()
+export async function ensureAudioContext() {
+  const c = getCtx()
+  if (c.state === 'suspended') {
+    try { await c.resume() } catch {}
+  }
+  // Prime speech synthesis on user gesture — some browsers need this
+  if (typeof speechSynthesis !== 'undefined' && !voicesLoaded) {
+    loadVoices()
+  }
 }
 
 // === CROWD SOUNDS ===
@@ -1837,7 +1861,7 @@ export function ensureAudioContext() {
 
 export function sfxCrowdOoh() {
   const c = getCtx()
-  const d = sfxGain ?? c.destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const t = c.currentTime
   // Rising "ooh" — filtered noise sweep
   for (let i = 0; i < 3; i++) {
@@ -1857,7 +1881,7 @@ export function sfxCrowdOoh() {
 
 export function sfxCrowdGasp() {
   const c = getCtx()
-  const d = sfxGain ?? c.destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const t = c.currentTime
   // Sharp intake — high noise burst + quick sine chirps
   const bufSize = Math.max(1, Math.floor(c.sampleRate * 0.15))
@@ -1886,7 +1910,7 @@ export function sfxCrowdGasp() {
 
 export function sfxCrowdCheer() {
   const c = getCtx()
-  const d = sfxGain ?? c.destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const t = c.currentTime
   // Layered noise + sine clusters = roaring crowd
   for (let layer = 0; layer < 3; layer++) {
@@ -1909,7 +1933,7 @@ export function sfxCrowdCheer() {
 
 export function sfxApplause() {
   const c = getCtx()
-  const d = sfxGain ?? c.destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const t = c.currentTime
   // Crackling filtered noise = many hands clapping
   for (let burst = 0; burst < 6; burst++) {
@@ -1930,7 +1954,7 @@ export function sfxApplause() {
 
 export function sfxDrumRoll() {
   const c = getCtx()
-  const d = sfxGain ?? c.destination
+  const d = getSfxDest()
   const t = c.currentTime
   // Rapid snare hits building in intensity
   const hits = 16
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/FightPage.vue b/frontend/src/pages/FightPage.vue
index 70358af..f904415 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/FightPage.vue
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/FightPage.vue
@@ -268,7 +268,7 @@ async function initLiveScene() {
 
   if (liveScene) {
     if (liveSoundOn.value) {
-      ensureAudioContext()
+      await ensureAudioContext()
       liveScene.startMusic()
     }
     announceDeepIntro()
@@ -517,9 +517,9 @@ async function handleFightEnd(data: any) {
   if (pollHandle) { clearInterval(pollHandle); pollHandle = null }
 }
 
-function toggleLiveSound() {
+async function toggleLiveSound() {
   liveSoundOn.value = !liveSoundOn.value
-  ensureAudioContext()
+  await ensureAudioContext()
   setMasterMute(!liveSoundOn.value)
 }
 
@@ -829,7 +829,7 @@ function stopAutoBattle() {
           <Transition name="announce">
             <div v-if="liveAnnouncementVisible"
                  class="absolute inset-0 flex items-center justify-center pointer-events-none z-20">
-              <p class="font-funky text-5xl sm:text-7xl tracking-widest uppercase announce-text"
+              <p class="font-funky text-2xl sm:text-5xl lg:text-7xl tracking-widest uppercase announce-text"
                  :style="{ color: liveAnnouncementColor, textShadow: `0 0 20px ${liveAnnouncementColor}, 0 0 40px ${liveAnnouncementColor}` }">
                 {{ liveAnnouncement }}
               </p>