diff --git a/frontend/src/components/FightViewer.vue b/frontend/src/components/FightViewer.vue
index 4741da3..be93050 100644
--- a/frontend/src/components/FightViewer.vue
+++ b/frontend/src/components/FightViewer.vue
@@ -279,8 +279,8 @@ async function replay() {
 
     // Hit text overlay — after playRound completes so it lands on the result
     const hitWords = isCritical
-      ? ['CRITICAL!', 'DEVASTATING!', 'OBLITERATED!', 'ANNIHILATED!', 'WRECKED!']
-      : ['POW!', 'BAM!', 'WHAM!', 'CRACK!', 'SMASH!', 'BOOM!', 'THWACK!']
+      ? ['CRITICAL!', 'OBLITERATED!', 'ANNIHILATED!', 'WRECKED!', 'BRUTAL!', 'CRUSHED!', 'DELETED!', 'ERASED!', 'VAPORIZED!', 'DESTROYED!', 'SHATTERED!', 'TERMINATED!', 'MASSACRED!', 'PULVERIZED!', 'DECIMATED!']
+      : ['POW!', 'BAM!', 'WHAM!', 'CRACK!', 'SMASH!', 'BOOM!', 'THWACK!', 'BONK!', 'CRUNCH!', 'SLAM!', 'WHACK!', 'KAPOW!', 'ZAP!', 'CLONK!', 'THUD!']
     if (aWon || bWon) {
       showHitText(
         hitWords[Math.floor(Math.random() * hitWords.length)],
@@ -358,8 +358,10 @@ async function replay() {
       if (isPerfect) {
         await scene.playPerfect(winningSide, winnerName)
         announceFlawlessVictory()
+        await sleep(600) // let "flawless victory" voice land
       } else {
         await scene.playKO(winningSide, winnerName)
+        await sleep(300) // let fatality voice finish
       }
 
       glitching.value = true
@@ -527,7 +529,7 @@ async function replay() {
           :disabled="isReplaying"
           @click="replay"
         >
-          {{ isReplaying ? 'FIGHTING...' : 'REPLAY FIGHT' }}
+          {{ isReplaying ? 'FIGHTING...' : 'VIDEO REPLAY' }}
         </button>
         <button
           class="w-8 h-8 flex items-center justify-center border border-border/50 text-text-muted
diff --git a/frontend/src/composables/useNostr.ts b/frontend/src/composables/useNostr.ts
index 1bd11a6..ef52b38 100644
--- a/frontend/src/composables/useNostr.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/composables/useNostr.ts
@@ -16,6 +16,7 @@ interface BotData {
   archetype: string
   profilePicUrl: string | null
   customization: BotCustomization | null
+  isHuman?: boolean
   eloRating: number
   wins: number
   losses: number
@@ -169,6 +170,43 @@ export function useNostr() {
     }
   }
 
+  async function registerHuman(name: string, avatarSeed?: string): Promise<BotData> {
+    if (!pubkey.value) throw new Error('Not logged in')
+
+    const res = await fetch('/api/auth/register-human', {
+      method: 'POST',
+      headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
+      body: JSON.stringify({
+        pubkey: pubkey.value,
+        name,
+        avatarSeed,
+        profilePicUrl: profilePicUrl.value,
+      }),
+    })
+
+    const data = await res.json()
+    if (!res.ok) throw new Error(data.error || 'Registration failed')
+
+    bot.value = {
+      id: data.id,
+      name: data.name,
+      avatarSeed: avatarSeed || data.name,
+      archetype: 'human',
+      profilePicUrl: profilePicUrl.value,
+      customization: null,
+      isHuman: true,
+      eloRating: 1200,
+      wins: 0,
+      losses: 0,
+      winStreak: 0,
+      bestStreak: 0,
+      tier: 0,
+    }
+    store('bf_bot', bot.value)
+
+    return bot.value
+  }
+
   function logout() {
     pubkey.value = null
     bot.value = null
@@ -187,6 +225,7 @@ export function useNostr() {
     hasExtension,
     login,
     registerBot,
+    registerHuman,
     updateCustomization,
     logout,
   }
diff --git a/frontend/src/game/FightScene.ts b/frontend/src/game/FightScene.ts
index fc926a7..c066814 100644
--- a/frontend/src/game/FightScene.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/game/FightScene.ts
@@ -6083,10 +6083,10 @@ export async function createFightScene(config: FightSceneConfig) {
     const bubbleH = lines.length * lineH + padY * 2
     const tailSize = 10
 
-    // Position — offset away from center so bubbles don't overlap
-    const offsetX = side === 'a' ? -bubbleW * 0.3 : bubbleW * 0.3
-    const bx = fighter.pos.x + offsetX
-    const by = Math.max(8, fighter.pos.y - 85 - bubbleH)
+    // Position — push bubble to the outside of the bot so it doesn't overlap the sprite
+    const offsetX = side === 'a' ? -bubbleW * 0.7 : bubbleW * 0.7
+    const bx = Math.max(bubbleW / 2 + 4, Math.min(W - bubbleW / 2 - 4, fighter.pos.x + offsetX))
+    const by = Math.max(8, fighter.pos.y - 75 - bubbleH)
 
     const borderColor = side === 'a' ? '#00f0ff' : '#ff2d7b'
     const bgColor = side === 'a' ? '#0a1e2a' : '#2a0a1e'
@@ -6130,15 +6130,27 @@ export async function createFightScene(config: FightSceneConfig) {
       }
     }
 
-    // Text lines
+    // Render text to an offscreen canvas, then display as a sprite
+    // This bypasses kaplay's text rendering which has color issues
+    const textCanvas = document.createElement('canvas')
+    textCanvas.width = bubbleW
+    textCanvas.height = bubbleH
+    const tc = textCanvas.getContext('2d')!
+    tc.fillStyle = '#ffffff'
+    tc.font = `${fontSize}px monospace`
+    tc.textBaseline = 'top'
     for (let i = 0; i < lines.length; i++) {
+      tc.fillText(lines[i], padX, padY + i * lineH + 2)
+    }
+    const spriteKey = `bubble_${side}_${Date.now()}`
+    k.loadSprite(spriteKey, textCanvas.toDataURL()).then(() => {
       const tEl = k.add([
-        k.text(safeText(lines[i]), { size: fontSize, font: 'monospace' }),
-        k.pos(bx - bubbleW / 2 + padX, by + padY + i * lineH + 2),
-        k.color(255, 255, 255), k.opacity(1), k.z(57),
+        k.sprite(spriteKey),
+        k.pos(bx - bubbleW / 2, by),
+        k.opacity(1), k.z(57),
       ])
       allEls.push(tEl)
-    }
+    })
 
     // Border glow pulse
     border.onUpdate(() => {
@@ -7002,7 +7014,8 @@ export async function createFightScene(config: FightSceneConfig) {
       const savedScaleBX = fB?.scale.x
       const savedScaleBY = fB?.scale.y
 
-      // Voice: round start announcements (30% chance)
+      // Voice: round start announcements (30% chance) — fires BEFORE animation starts
+      let didChallengeVoice = false
       if (Math.random() < 0.3) {
         const challengeVoice: Record<string, () => void> = {
           roast_battle: () => announceHype('TIME TO GET ROASTED! SOMEBODY CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT!'),
@@ -7024,9 +7037,11 @@ export async function createFightScene(config: FightSceneConfig) {
           token_economy: () => announceSilly('TOKEN ECONOMY! SOMEBODY\'S GOING BANKRUPT!'),
         }
         const voiceFn = challengeVoice[event.challengeType]
-        if (voiceFn) voiceFn()
-        else if (Math.random() < 0.5) announceRoundHype()
+        if (voiceFn) { voiceFn(); didChallengeVoice = true }
+        else if (Math.random() < 0.5) { announceRoundHype(); didChallengeVoice = true }
       }
+      // Give the voice line time to finish before the first punch lands
+      if (didChallengeVoice) await k.wait(0.8)
 
       // Visual chaos: schizo cut before round (20% chance)
       if (Math.random() < 0.2 && fA && fB) {
@@ -7120,7 +7135,13 @@ export async function createFightScene(config: FightSceneConfig) {
             'CRITICAL! THEIR INSURANCE DOESN\'T COVER THIS!',
             'CRITICAL HIT! THAT WAS PERSONAL!',
             'CRITICAL! EVEN THE REFEREE FELT THAT!',
-          ][Math.floor(Math.random() * 5)])
+            'CRITICAL! SEND THE AMBULANCE! ACTUALLY SEND TWO!',
+            'CRITICAL HIT! THAT BOT\'S WARRANTY JUST EXPIRED!',
+            'CRITICAL! THE SCOREBOARD CAN\'T EVEN HANDLE THIS!',
+            'OHHH CRITICAL! RIGHT IN THE CIRCUITS!',
+            'CRITICAL! THAT\'S NOT A HIT, THAT\'S A STATEMENT!',
+          ][Math.floor(Math.random() * 10)])
+          await k.wait(0.4) // let the voice line land before the hit animation
           announceCrowdReaction('gasp')
           // RGB glitch + hyperspeed lines on critical final blow
           glitchRGB(0.3)
@@ -7212,47 +7233,77 @@ export async function createFightScene(config: FightSceneConfig) {
       }
 
       // Update combos
+      const hasCombo = (aWon && comboA + 1 >= 3) || (bWon && comboB + 1 >= 3)
       if (aWon) {
         comboA++; comboB = 0
-        if (comboA >= 3) { fanfareCombo(comboA); announceHype(`${comboA} hit combo!`); announceCrowdReaction('cheer') }
       } else if (bWon) {
         comboB++; comboA = 0
-        if (comboB >= 3) { fanfareCombo(comboB); announceHype(`${comboB} hit combo!`); announceCrowdReaction('cheer') }
       } else {
         comboA = 0; comboB = 0
       }
 
+      // Prioritize: devastating > combo > regular crowd reaction (only one speech per round-end)
       if (isCritical && (aWon || bWon)) {
         fanfareDevastating()
-        announceDramatic([
-          'DEVASTATING! SOMEBODY CALL A DOCTOR!',
-          'DEVASTATING! THAT BOT HAS A FAMILY!',
-          'ABSOLUTELY DEVASTATING! THE CROWD IS LOSING IT!',
-          'DEVASTATING! EVEN THE JANITOR FELT THAT!',
-          'THAT WAS DEVASTATING AND I\'M NOT EVEN BEING DRAMATIC!',
-        ][Math.floor(Math.random() * 5)])
+        if (hasCombo) { fanfareCombo(aWon ? comboA : comboB) } // SFX only, no speech
+        const devastatingLines = [
+          'SOMEBODY CALL A DOCTOR!',
+          'THAT BOT HAS A FAMILY!',
+          'THE CROWD IS LOSING IT!',
+          'EVEN THE JANITOR FELT THAT!',
+          'AND I\'M NOT EVEN BEING DRAMATIC!',
+          'CALL THE FIRE DEPARTMENT!',
+          'I CAN\'T BELIEVE WHAT I JUST WITNESSED!',
+          'THAT\'S GOTTA VOID THE WARRANTY!',
+          'SOMEBODY CHECK ON THAT BOT\'S NEXT OF KIN!',
+          'THE ARENA IS SHAKING!',
+          'THAT WAS ABSOLUTELY RUTHLESS!',
+          'HIS MOTHERBOARD JUST CALLED CRYING!',
+          'EVEN THE REPLAYS ARE SCARED!',
+          'THAT\'S ONE FOR THE HISTORY BOOKS!',
+          'DID ANYONE ELSE FEEL THE EARTH MOVE?',
+          'I\'M GETTING CHILLS AND I\'M MADE OF CODE!',
+          'THE CROWD JUST WENT SILENT... NOW THEY\'RE SCREAMING!',
+          'SOMEBODY GET THE STRETCHER!',
+          'THAT WAS PURE DISRESPECT!',
+          'I NEED A MOMENT TO PROCESS WHAT JUST HAPPENED!',
+          'THE OTHER BOT IS HAVING AN EXISTENTIAL CRISIS!',
+          'THAT HIT REGISTERED ON THE RICHTER SCALE!',
+          'NO RECOVERY FROM THAT ONE!',
+          'I THINK I SAW A PIXEL FLY OFF!',
+          'THE SPECTATORS ARE CALLING THEIR LAWYERS!',
+          'SOMEONE NOTIFY THE UNITED NATIONS!',
+          'THAT SHOULD BE CLASSIFIED AS A WAR CRIME!',
+          'MY GRANDMA COULD FEEL THAT AND SHE\'S OFFLINE!',
+          'THE ARENA INSURANCE PREMIUMS JUST WENT UP!',
+          'THAT BOT IS RECONSIDERING ITS LIFE CHOICES!',
+        ]
+        announceDramatic(devastatingLines[Math.floor(Math.random() * devastatingLines.length)])
+        await k.wait(0.5) // let the voice line play before crowd reacts
         announceCrowdReaction('ooh')
         // Dimensional shift on devastating rounds (60%)
         if (Math.random() < 0.6) dimensionalShift(0.5)
+      } else if (hasCombo) {
+        // Non-critical combo
+        fanfareCombo(aWon ? comboA : comboB)
+        announceHype(`${aWon ? comboA : comboB} hit combo!`)
+        await k.wait(0.4)
+        announceCrowdReaction('cheer')
       } else if (aWon || bWon) {
-        // Regular round win: crowd reacts (40%)
+        // Regular round win: crowd reacts (40%) — only SFX, no speech
         if (Math.random() < 0.4) announceCrowdReaction(Math.random() < 0.5 ? 'cheer' : 'applause')
-      }
-
-      // Emotion: heartfelt announcer moment (8% chance on normal rounds)
-      if (Math.random() < 0.08) {
-        announceCool(heartfeltLines[Math.floor(Math.random() * heartfeltLines.length)])
-      }
-
-      // Crowd sympathy for the loser on devastating rounds (25%)
-      if (isCritical && (aWon || bWon) && Math.random() < 0.25) {
-        const loser = k.get(aWon ? 'fighterB' : 'fighterA')[0]
-        if (loser) {
-          announceSilly(crowdSympathyLines[Math.floor(Math.random() * crowdSympathyLines.length)])
-          spawnCrowdSigns(3, '#4488ff', '\u2665')
+        // Heartfelt announcer moment (10% chance on normal, non-critical rounds)
+        if (Math.random() < 0.1) {
+          await k.wait(0.3)
+          announceCool(heartfeltLines[Math.floor(Math.random() * heartfeltLines.length)])
         }
       }
 
+      // Crowd sympathy for the loser on devastating rounds (25%) — visual only, no speech (devastating voice is still playing)
+      if (isCritical && (aWon || bWon) && Math.random() < 0.25) {
+        spawnCrowdSigns(3, '#4488ff', '\u2665')
+      }
+
       // Crowd signs on big combos (20%)
       if ((comboA >= 3 || comboB >= 3) && Math.random() < 0.2) {
         const comboName = comboA >= 3 ? botA.name : botB.name
@@ -8130,13 +8181,13 @@ export async function createFightScene(config: FightSceneConfig) {
       }
 
       // === Common ending: KO + celebration ===
-      announceFinishHim()
       sfxKO()
       spawnShockwave(loser.pos.x, GROUND_Y, '#ff2d2d')
       spawnSparks(loser.pos.x, loser.pos.y - 20, 25, '#ff2d2d')
       k.shake(18); sfxExplosion()
-      await k.wait(0.2)
+      await k.wait(0.3)
       loser.play('ko')
+      await k.wait(0.4) // pause for visual impact before fatality voice
       announceFatality(fatalityTagline)
       announceCrowdReaction('cheer')
       await k.tween(winner.pos.x, winningSide === 'a' ? HOME_A : HOME_B, 0.25, (v) => { winner.pos.x = v }, k.easings.easeInOutQuad)
@@ -8280,7 +8331,7 @@ export async function createFightScene(config: FightSceneConfig) {
         sfxWin()
         sfxWinAnnounce(winnerName)
       }, 300)
-      announceFlawlessVictory()
+      // FlawlessVictory voice is called by FightViewer after playPerfect returns
       announceCrowdReaction('cheer')
       // Massive fireworks
       for (let i = 0; i < 8; i++) {
diff --git a/frontend/src/game/sounds.ts b/frontend/src/game/sounds.ts
index 28ea7e4..752140a 100644
--- a/frontend/src/game/sounds.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/game/sounds.ts
@@ -269,7 +269,9 @@ function speak(text: string, profileName: string, cancelPrevious: boolean = fals
   if (typeof speechSynthesis === 'undefined') return
   if (masterMuted) return
   if (!voicesLoaded) loadVoices()
-  if (cancelPrevious) speechSynthesis.cancel()
+  // Always cancel queued speech — only the most recent line matters
+  // This prevents stale voiceovers from playing seconds after their visual moment
+  speechSynthesis.cancel()
   const profile = voiceProfiles[profileName] || voiceProfiles.announcer
   const utter = new SpeechSynthesisUtterance(text)
   if (profile.voice) utter.voice = profile.voice
@@ -290,6 +292,7 @@ export function announce(text: string, pitch?: number, rate?: number) {
   if (pitch !== undefined || rate !== undefined) {
     if (typeof speechSynthesis === 'undefined') return
     if (!voicesLoaded) loadVoices()
+    speechSynthesis.cancel() // cancel previous to stay in sync with visuals
     const utter = new SpeechSynthesisUtterance(text)
     const profile = voiceProfiles.announcer
     if (profile.voice) utter.voice = profile.voice
diff --git a/frontend/src/game/sprites/human.ts b/frontend/src/game/sprites/human.ts
index 60c16b3..ace6704 100644
--- a/frontend/src/game/sprites/human.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/game/sprites/human.ts
@@ -179,18 +179,31 @@ export function generateHumanSpriteSheet(
   const pantsDark = darken(secondaryColor, 15)
 
   const wr = Math.max(0, Math.min(1, winRate))
-  const isFat = wr < 0.3 ? true : wr < 0.5 ? rng() > 0.4 : false
-  const isShort = wr < 0.25
+  // Growth stages: baby → toddler → kid → teen → adult → hero → super
+  const isBaby = wr < 0.1
+  const isToddler = wr >= 0.1 && wr < 0.25
+  const isKid = wr >= 0.25 && wr < 0.4
+  const isFat = isBaby || isToddler ? true : wr < 0.5 ? rng() > 0.4 : false
+  const isShort = isBaby || isToddler || isKid
   const isSwole = wr > 0.75
   const isSuperHero = wr > 0.85
   const isSuperMode = wr > 0.9
-  const hasBeard = wr < 0.35 ? true : isSuperMode ? false : rng() > 0.6
-  const hasGlasses = wr < 0.4 ? true : isSuperMode ? false : rng() > 0.5
-  const hasStains = wr < 0.3
-  const hasCheetos = wr < 0.2
+  const hasBeard = isBaby || isToddler || isKid ? false : wr < 0.5 ? rng() > 0.7 : isSuperMode ? false : rng() > 0.6
+  const hasGlasses = isBaby || isToddler ? false : wr < 0.4 ? true : isSuperMode ? false : rng() > 0.5
+  const hasStains = isToddler || isKid
+  const hasCheetos = false
   const hasCape = isSuperHero
   const hasHeadband = wr > 0.7
-  const hasSweatDrops = wr < 0.4
+  const hasSweatDrops = wr < 0.4 && !isBaby
+  const hasDiaper = isBaby
+  const hasPacifier = isBaby && rng() > 0.3
+  const hasBib = isBaby || (isToddler && rng() > 0.5)
+  const hasRattle = isBaby
+  const hasRosyCheeks = isBaby || isToddler
+  const hasTuftHair = isBaby
+  const hasSippyCup = isToddler
+  const hasBackpack = isKid && rng() > 0.5
+  const hasBandaid = isToddler || isKid
 
   const costume = getCostume(archetype)
   const out = '#0a0a0a'
@@ -283,13 +296,34 @@ export function generateHumanSpriteSheet(
       fill(cx - 3 + xOff, bodyTop + yOff - 2, 6, 3, '#ffd700', ox, oy)
     }
 
+    // ===== DIAPER (babies) =====
+    if (hasDiaper) {
+      const diaperY = legsTop + yOff - 2
+      const diaperW = bodyW + 4
+      const diaperH = 12
+      const dx = cx - Math.floor(diaperW / 2) + xOff
+      // White puffy diaper
+      roundBox(dx, diaperY, diaperW, diaperH, '#f5f5f0', ox, oy)
+      // Diaper tape strips (blue)
+      fill(dx + 3, diaperY + 2, 4, 2, '#66aadd', ox, oy)
+      fill(dx + diaperW - 7, diaperY + 2, 4, 2, '#66aadd', ox, oy)
+      // Little star decoration
+      px(cx + xOff, diaperY + 4, '#ffcc44', ox, oy)
+      px(cx + xOff - 1, diaperY + 5, '#ffcc44', ox, oy)
+      px(cx + xOff + 1, diaperY + 5, '#ffcc44', ox, oy)
+      // Puffy sides
+      fill(dx - 1, diaperY + 3, 2, 4, '#eeeee8', ox, oy)
+      fill(dx + diaperW - 1, diaperY + 3, 2, 4, '#eeeee8', ox, oy)
+    }
+
     // ===== LEGS =====
     const legGap = isRun ? Math.round(Math.sin(t * Math.PI * 2) * 8) : isPanic ? 6 : 3
     const ll = cx - legGap - Math.floor(legW / 2) + xOff
     const rl = cx + legGap - Math.floor(legW / 2) + xOff
 
-    const legColor = costume.onesie ? (costume.hat || shirtColor) : pantsColor
-    const legColorDk = costume.onesie ? darken(costume.hat || shirtColor, 15) : pantsDark
+    // Babies have bare skin-colored legs, toddlers too
+    const legColor = hasDiaper || isToddler ? skinTone : costume.onesie ? (costume.hat || shirtColor) : pantsColor
+    const legColorDk = hasDiaper || isToddler ? skinDark : costume.onesie ? darken(costume.hat || shirtColor, 15) : pantsDark
 
     // Left leg
     roundBox(ll, legsTop + yOff, legW, legH, legColor, ox, oy)
@@ -728,7 +762,17 @@ export function generateHumanSpriteSheet(
     }
 
     // Hair
-    if (!costume.onesie || costume.type !== 'animal') {
+    if (hasTuftHair) {
+      // Baby: just a tiny curl on top
+      px(cx + xOff - 1, hy - 1, hairColor, ox, oy)
+      px(cx + xOff, hy - 2, hairColor, ox, oy)
+      px(cx + xOff + 1, hy - 1, hairColor, ox, oy)
+      px(cx + xOff, hy - 3, lighten(hairColor, 15), ox, oy)
+      px(cx + xOff - 1, hy - 3, hairColor, ox, oy)
+      // Tiny curl
+      px(cx + xOff + 2, hy - 2, hairColor, ox, oy)
+      px(cx + xOff + 3, hy - 1, hairColor, ox, oy)
+    } else if (!costume.onesie || costume.type !== 'animal') {
       // Top hair (fluffy)
       for (let ix = hx; ix < hx + headW; ix++) {
         px(ix, hy, hairColor, ox, oy)
@@ -746,7 +790,7 @@ export function generateHumanSpriteSheet(
       px(hx + 4, hy, lighten(hairColor, 15), ox, oy)
       px(hx + 5, hy - 1, lighten(hairColor, 10), ox, oy)
       // Messy hair for losers
-      if (wr < 0.3) {
+      if (wr < 0.3 && !isKid) {
         px(hx + 2, hy - 2, hairColor, ox, oy)
         px(hx + headW - 4, hy - 3, hairColor, ox, oy)
         px(hx - 1, hy - 1, hairColor, ox, oy)
@@ -777,6 +821,30 @@ export function generateHumanSpriteSheet(
       // Raised cheeks
       fill(leX - 1, eyeY + 2, 3, 2, '#ff8888', ox, oy)
       fill(reX + 4, eyeY + 2, 3, 2, '#ff8888', ox, oy)
+    } else if (isBaby || isToddler) {
+      // BABY/TODDLER: huge sparkly adorable eyes
+      const eyeSize = isBaby ? 8 : 7
+      fill(leX - 1, eyeY - 1, eyeSize, eyeSize, '#ffffff', ox, oy)
+      fill(reX - 1, eyeY - 1, eyeSize, eyeSize, '#ffffff', ox, oy)
+      // Big iris
+      const irisSize = isBaby ? 5 : 4
+      fill(leX + 1, eyeY + 1, irisSize, irisSize, isBaby ? '#5588cc' : '#4466aa', ox, oy)
+      fill(reX + 1, eyeY + 1, irisSize, irisSize, isBaby ? '#5588cc' : '#4466aa', ox, oy)
+      // Big sparkly pupil
+      fill(leX + 2, eyeY + 2, 3, 3, '#000000', ox, oy)
+      fill(reX + 2, eyeY + 2, 3, 3, '#000000', ox, oy)
+      // Two sparkle highlights per eye
+      px(leX + 1, eyeY, '#ffffff', ox, oy)
+      px(leX + 2, eyeY, '#ffffff', ox, oy)
+      px(leX + 4, eyeY + 3, '#ffffff', ox, oy)
+      px(reX + 1, eyeY, '#ffffff', ox, oy)
+      px(reX + 2, eyeY, '#ffffff', ox, oy)
+      px(reX + 4, eyeY + 3, '#ffffff', ox, oy)
+      // Tiny eyebrows (barely there)
+      if (!isBaby) {
+        fill(leX, eyeY - 3, 5, 1, hairColor, ox, oy)
+        fill(reX, eyeY - 3, 5, 1, hairColor, ox, oy)
+      }
     } else {
       // Normal eyes with iris detail
       fill(leX, eyeY, 6, 5, '#ffffff', ox, oy)
@@ -905,8 +973,8 @@ export function generateHumanSpriteSheet(
       }
     }
 
-    // Double chin
-    if (isFat && wr < 0.25) {
+    // Double chin (adults only, not babies)
+    if (isFat && wr >= 0.25 && wr < 0.5) {
       fill(hx + 4, hy + headH, headW - 8, 4, skinTone, ox, oy)
       fill(hx + 5, hy + headH + 3, headW - 10, 2, skinDark, ox, oy)
       fill(hx + 6, hy + headH + 4, headW - 12, 2, skinDark, ox, oy)
@@ -943,6 +1011,100 @@ export function generateHumanSpriteSheet(
       px(hx - 7, hy + 5 + (isIdle ? bounce : 0), darken(hbColor, 15), ox, oy)
     }
 
+    // ===== BABY ACCESSORIES =====
+    if (hasRosyCheeks) {
+      // Pink rosy cheeks
+      const cheekY = hy + Math.floor(headH * 0.55)
+      fill(hx + 2, cheekY, 4, 3, '#ffaaaa', ox, oy)
+      fill(hx + headW - 6, cheekY, 4, 3, '#ffaaaa', ox, oy)
+      px(hx + 3, cheekY + 1, '#ff8888', ox, oy)
+      px(hx + headW - 5, cheekY + 1, '#ff8888', ox, oy)
+    }
+
+    if (hasPacifier && !isCheer && !isPanic && !isCoach) {
+      // Pacifier in mouth
+      const pY = hy + Math.floor(headH * 0.72)
+      // Shield (round part)
+      roundBox(cx - 4 + xOff, pY - 1, 8, 5, '#66ccff', ox, oy)
+      // Nipple (sticks out)
+      fill(cx - 2 + xOff, pY, 4, 3, '#ffcc66', ox, oy)
+      // Handle ring
+      px(cx - 5 + xOff, pY + 1, '#88ddff', ox, oy)
+      px(cx - 6 + xOff, pY, '#88ddff', ox, oy)
+      px(cx - 6 + xOff, pY + 2, '#88ddff', ox, oy)
+      px(cx - 7 + xOff, pY + 1, '#88ddff', ox, oy)
+    }
+
+    if (hasBib) {
+      // Bib around neck area
+      const bibY = neckTop + yOff
+      const bibW = isBaby ? 20 : 16
+      const bx2 = cx - Math.floor(bibW / 2) + xOff
+      fill(bx2, bibY, bibW, 3, '#ffffff', ox, oy)
+      fill(bx2 + 2, bibY + 3, bibW - 4, 6, '#ffffff', ox, oy)
+      fill(bx2 + 4, bibY + 9, bibW - 8, 4, '#ffffff', ox, oy)
+      // Bib border
+      for (let ix = bx2 + 2; ix < bx2 + bibW - 2; ix++) px(ix, bibY + 8, '#dddddd', ox, oy)
+      // Cute stain on bib
+      px(cx - 2 + xOff, bibY + 5, '#ffaa66', ox, oy)
+      px(cx - 1 + xOff, bibY + 6, '#ffaa66', ox, oy)
+      px(cx + xOff, bibY + 5, '#ff8844', ox, oy)
+      // "I <3 AI" text (tiny)
+      px(cx - 3 + xOff, bibY + 4, '#ff4466', ox, oy) // heart
+      px(cx - 2 + xOff, bibY + 3, '#ff4466', ox, oy)
+      px(cx - 4 + xOff, bibY + 3, '#ff4466', ox, oy)
+    }
+
+    if (hasRattle && (isCheer || isIdle)) {
+      // Rattle in raised hand
+      const rattleX = isCheer ? cx + Math.floor(bodyW / 2) + 8 + xOff : cx + Math.floor(bodyW / 2) + 3 + xOff
+      const rattleY = isCheer ? bodyTop + yOff - 10 : bodyTop + yOff + 5
+      // Handle
+      fill(rattleX, rattleY + 4, 2, 8, '#dda844', ox, oy)
+      // Ball
+      roundBox(rattleX - 3, rattleY - 2, 8, 7, '#ff6688', ox, oy)
+      // Sparkle on rattle
+      px(rattleX - 1, rattleY - 1, '#ffffff', ox, oy)
+      px(rattleX + 2, rattleY, '#ffccdd', ox, oy)
+    }
+
+    if (hasSippyCup && (isIdle || isCoach)) {
+      // Sippy cup in hand
+      const scX = cx + Math.floor(bodyW / 2) + 3 + xOff
+      const scY = bodyTop + yOff + Math.floor(bodyH * 0.5)
+      roundBox(scX, scY, 6, 10, '#4488ff', ox, oy)
+      // Lid
+      fill(scX - 1, scY - 1, 8, 2, '#66aaff', ox, oy)
+      // Spout
+      fill(scX + 2, scY - 3, 2, 3, '#66aaff', ox, oy)
+      // Liquid level
+      fill(scX + 1, scY + 4, 4, 4, '#ffaa22', ox, oy)
+    }
+
+    if (hasBandaid) {
+      // Band-aid on forehead or cheek
+      const baidX = hx + headW - 8
+      const baidY = hy + 4
+      fill(baidX, baidY, 6, 3, '#ffcc88', ox, oy)
+      px(baidX + 1, baidY + 1, '#ddaa66', ox, oy)
+      px(baidX + 4, baidY + 1, '#ddaa66', ox, oy)
+      // Cross-hatch in middle
+      px(baidX + 2, baidY, '#eebb77', ox, oy)
+      px(baidX + 3, baidY + 2, '#eebb77', ox, oy)
+    }
+
+    if (hasBackpack && !isCheer) {
+      // Little backpack on back
+      const bpX = cx - Math.floor(bodyW / 2) - 6 + xOff
+      const bpY = bodyTop + yOff + 3
+      roundBox(bpX, bpY, 6, 12, '#ee5533', ox, oy)
+      // Zipper
+      fill(bpX + 2, bpY + 2, 2, 3, '#cc3311', ox, oy)
+      // Strap
+      px(bpX + 5, bpY, '#cc3311', ox, oy)
+      px(bpX + 6, bpY + 1, '#cc3311', ox, oy)
+    }
+
     // Winner glow aura
     if (isSuperHero && !isPanic) {
       for (let a = 0; a < 16; a++) {
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/BotProfilePage.vue b/frontend/src/pages/BotProfilePage.vue
index 15d54c8..a73e842 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/BotProfilePage.vue
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/BotProfilePage.vue
@@ -279,9 +279,21 @@ const tierClass = (t: number) => `tier-${t}`
       </div>
 
       <template v-else>
-        <!-- Header with human + bot character -->
+        <!-- Header -->
         <div class="text-center mb-5">
-          <div class="flex items-end justify-between mb-3 relative">
+          <!-- Human player: just the human avatar, centered -->
+          <div v-if="stats.archetype === 'human'" class="flex justify-center mb-3">
+            <HumanPreview
+              :seed="stats.avatarSeed || stats.name"
+              archetype="human"
+              :size="220"
+              :win-rate="(stats.winRate || 0) / 100"
+              anim="idle"
+              class="drop-shadow-[0_0_20px_rgba(0,255,255,0.3)]"
+            />
+          </div>
+          <!-- Bot player: human controller + wire + bot sprite -->
+          <div v-else class="flex items-end justify-between mb-3 relative">
             <HumanPreview
               :seed="stats.avatarSeed || stats.name"
               :archetype="stats.archetype || 'standard'"
@@ -338,7 +350,7 @@ const tierClass = (t: number) => `tier-${t}`
             #{{ stats.rank }} of {{ stats.totalBots }}
           </p>
           <button
-            v-if="isOwner"
+            v-if="isOwner && stats.archetype !== 'human'"
             class="mt-2 font-mono text-[10px] text-neon-cyan/60 hover:text-neon-cyan transition-colors"
             @click="showCustomize = !showCustomize; if (showCustomize) initCustForm()"
           >
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/FightPage.vue b/frontend/src/pages/FightPage.vue
index b1a2eba..72283e8 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/FightPage.vue
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/FightPage.vue
@@ -1,8 +1,15 @@
 <script setup lang="ts">
-import { ref, computed, onMounted, onUnmounted } from 'vue'
+import { ref, computed, onMounted, onUnmounted, nextTick } from 'vue'
 import { useRoute, useRouter } from 'vue-router'
 import FightViewer from '../components/FightViewer.vue'
 import { useNostr } from '../composables/useNostr'
+import { createFightScene, type FightSceneController } from '../game/FightScene'
+import {
+  fanfareRound,
+  sfxCrowdCheer, sfxApplause, sfxDrumRoll,
+  announceFinishHim, announceFlawlessVictory, announceDeepIntro,
+  setMusicIntensity, stopAllAudio, ensureAudioContext, setMasterMute,
+} from '../game/sounds'
 
 const route = useRoute()
 const router = useRouter()
@@ -20,21 +27,89 @@ const autoBattleCount = ref(0)
 let pollHandle: ReturnType<typeof setInterval> | null = null
 let pollCount = 0
 
+// Human fight detection
+const isHumanFight = computed(() => !!myBot.value?.isHuman || myBot.value?.archetype === 'human')
+
+// Human challenge state
+const humanChallenge = ref<{
+  type: string
+  label: string
+  prompt: string
+  roundNumber: number
+  remainingMs: number
+  scoring: string
+} | null>(null)
+const humanAnswer = ref('')
+const humanTimer = ref(5)
+const humanSubmitted = ref(false)
+let humanPollHandle: ReturnType<typeof setInterval> | null = null
+let timerHandle: ReturnType<typeof setInterval> | null = null
+const answerInput = ref<HTMLInputElement | null>(null)
+
+// Live human fight scene state
+const liveFightData = ref<any>(null)
+const liveCanvas = ref<HTMLCanvasElement>()
+const liveLogEl = ref<HTMLElement>()
+let liveScene: FightSceneController | null = null
+const liveLogItems = ref<{ type: string; round: number; text: string; color: string }[]>([])
+const liveHpA = ref(100)
+const liveHpB = ref(100)
+const liveCurrentRound = ref(0)
+const roundCooldown = ref(0)
+let cooldownHandle: ReturnType<typeof setInterval> | null = null
+let eventSource: EventSource | null = null
+const liveSceneReady = ref(false)
+const liveSoundOn = ref(true)
+const liveAnnouncement = ref('')
+const liveAnnouncementColor = ref('#ffffff')
+const liveAnnouncementVisible = ref(false)
+const currentChallengeInfo = ref<{ type: string; label: string } | null>(null)
+
 const myBotId = computed(() => {
-  if (!isLoggedIn.value || !myBot.value || !fight.value) return null
-  if (myBot.value.id === fight.value.botA?.id) return fight.value.botA.id
-  if (myBot.value.id === fight.value.botB?.id) return fight.value.botB.id
+  if (!isLoggedIn.value || !myBot.value) return null
+  const f = fight.value || liveFightData.value
+  if (!f) return null
+  if (myBot.value.id === f.botA?.id) return f.botA.id
+  if (myBot.value.id === f.botB?.id) return f.botB.id
   return null
 })
 
 const showOverlay = computed(() => replayDone.value && !isRequeueing.value && !autoBattle.value)
 
+function sleep(ms: number) { return new Promise(resolve => setTimeout(resolve, ms)) }
+function scrollLiveLog() { nextTick(() => { liveLogEl.value?.scrollTo({ top: liveLogEl.value.scrollHeight, behavior: 'smooth' }) }) }
+
+const challengeLabel = (type: string) => {
+  const labels: Record<string, string> = {
+    speed_blitz: 'SPEED BLITZ', riddle: 'RIDDLE ME THIS', code_golf: 'CODE GOLF',
+    roast_battle: 'ROAST BATTLE', hallucination_check: 'HALLUCINATION CHECK',
+    token_economy: 'TOKEN ECONOMY', creative_writing: 'CREATIVE WRITING',
+    math_blitz: 'MATH BLITZ', trap_card: 'TRAP CARD',
+    food_fight: 'FOOD FIGHT', wrestling_match: 'WRESTLING MATCH',
+    music_battle: 'MUSIC BATTLE', magic_duel: 'MAGIC DUEL',
+    sports_showdown: 'SPORTS SHOWDOWN', nature_clash: 'NATURE CLASH',
+    space_war: 'SPACE WAR', hack_battle: 'HACK BATTLE',
+    meme_war: 'MEME WAR', animal_kingdom: 'ANIMAL KINGDOM',
+    demolition: 'DEMOLITION DERBY', vehicle_mayhem: 'VEHICLE MAYHEM',
+    medieval_combat: 'MEDIEVAL COMBAT',
+  }
+  return labels[type] || type.replace(/_/g, ' ').toUpperCase()
+}
+
+const tierClass = (t: number) => `tier-${t}`
+
+// --- Load fight data ---
 async function loadFight(): Promise<string | null> {
   try {
     const res = await fetch(`/api/fights/${fightId.value}`)
     if (res.ok) {
       const data = await res.json()
       liveRounds.value = data.rounds?.length || 0
+
+      if (isHumanFight.value && !liveFightData.value && data.botA && data.botB) {
+        liveFightData.value = data
+      }
+
       if (data.status === 'finished') {
         fight.value = data
       }
@@ -51,15 +126,311 @@ function startPolling() {
     const s = await loadFight()
     if (s === 'finished') {
       isLive.value = false
+      stopHumanPolling()
       if (pollHandle) { clearInterval(pollHandle); pollHandle = null }
-    } else if (pollCount > 60) {
+    } else if (pollCount > 120) {
       isLive.value = false
-      fightError.value = 'Fight took too long. It may still be running — try refreshing.'
+      fightError.value = 'Fight took too long. Try refreshing.'
+      stopHumanPolling()
       if (pollHandle) { clearInterval(pollHandle); pollHandle = null }
     }
   }, 1500)
 }
 
+// --- Human challenge polling ---
+function startHumanPolling() {
+  if (!myBot.value) return
+  pollForChallenge()
+  humanPollHandle = setInterval(pollForChallenge, 400)
+}
+
+function stopHumanPolling() {
+  if (humanPollHandle) { clearInterval(humanPollHandle); humanPollHandle = null }
+  if (timerHandle) { clearInterval(timerHandle); timerHandle = null }
+  if (cooldownHandle) { clearInterval(cooldownHandle); cooldownHandle = null }
+}
+
+async function pollForChallenge() {
+  if (!myBot.value) return
+  try {
+    const res = await fetch(`/api/fights/${fightId.value}/challenge/${myBot.value.id}`)
+    if (!res.ok) return
+    const data = await res.json()
+
+    if (data.pending) {
+      if (roundCooldown.value > 0) return
+      if (!humanChallenge.value || humanChallenge.value.roundNumber !== data.roundNumber) {
+        humanChallenge.value = data
+        humanAnswer.value = ''
+        humanSubmitted.value = false
+        humanTimer.value = Math.ceil(data.remainingMs / 1000)
+        startTimer()
+        await nextTick()
+        answerInput.value?.focus()
+      }
+    } else if (data.fightStatus === 'finished') {
+      humanChallenge.value = null
+      humanSubmitted.value = false
+    } else if (humanSubmitted.value) {
+      humanChallenge.value = null
+    }
+  } catch { /* */ }
+}
+
+function startTimer() {
+  if (timerHandle) clearInterval(timerHandle)
+  timerHandle = setInterval(() => {
+    humanTimer.value--
+    if (humanTimer.value <= 0) {
+      if (timerHandle) clearInterval(timerHandle)
+      if (!humanSubmitted.value) humanSubmitted.value = true
+    }
+  }, 1000)
+}
+
+async function submitHumanAnswer() {
+  if (!myBot.value || !humanChallenge.value || humanSubmitted.value) return
+  if (!humanAnswer.value.trim()) return
+
+  humanSubmitted.value = true
+  if (timerHandle) clearInterval(timerHandle)
+
+  try {
+    await fetch(`/api/fights/${fightId.value}/respond/${myBot.value.id}`, {
+      method: 'POST',
+      headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
+      body: JSON.stringify({ answer: humanAnswer.value.trim() }),
+    })
+  } catch { /* */ }
+}
+
+// --- Live scene management ---
+async function initLiveScene() {
+  const data = liveFightData.value
+  if (!data?.botA || !data?.botB || !liveCanvas.value) return
+
+  if (liveScene) { liveScene.destroy(); liveScene = null }
+
+  const container = liveCanvas.value.parentElement
+  if (container) {
+    const oldCanvas = liveCanvas.value
+    const newCanvas = document.createElement('canvas')
+    newCanvas.className = oldCanvas.className
+    newCanvas.width = container.clientWidth
+    newCanvas.height = container.clientHeight
+    oldCanvas.replaceWith(newCanvas)
+    liveCanvas.value = newCanvas
+  }
+
+  liveScene = await createFightScene({
+    canvas: liveCanvas.value,
+    botA: { name: data.botA.name, seed: data.botA.avatarSeed || data.botA.name, tier: data.botA.tier, archetype: data.botA.archetype, customization: data.botA.customization },
+    botB: { name: data.botB.name, seed: data.botB.avatarSeed || data.botB.name, tier: data.botB.tier, archetype: data.botB.archetype, customization: data.botB.customization },
+    arena: data.arena,
+  })
+
+  liveSceneReady.value = true
+
+  if (liveScene) {
+    if (liveSoundOn.value) {
+      ensureAudioContext()
+      liveScene.startMusic()
+    }
+    announceDeepIntro()
+    await liveScene.playEntrance()
+  }
+
+  liveLogItems.value.push(
+    { type: 'system', round: 0, text: `ARENA: ${data.arenaInfo?.name || 'THE RING'}`, color: 'neon-purple' },
+    { type: 'system', round: 0, text: `${data.botA.name} vs ${data.botB.name}`, color: 'text-secondary' },
+    { type: 'divider', round: 0, text: '', color: '' },
+  )
+  scrollLiveLog()
+}
+
+// --- SSE connection ---
+function connectSSE() {
+  eventSource = new EventSource(`/api/fights/${fightId.value}/stream`)
+
+  eventSource.addEventListener('round_start', (e) => {
+    try {
+      const data = JSON.parse(e.data)
+      currentChallengeInfo.value = { type: data.challenge.type, label: data.challenge.label }
+    } catch { /* */ }
+  })
+
+  eventSource.addEventListener('round_end', (e) => {
+    try {
+      handleRoundEnd(JSON.parse(e.data))
+    } catch { /* */ }
+  })
+
+  eventSource.addEventListener('fight_end', (e) => {
+    try {
+      handleFightEnd(JSON.parse(e.data))
+    } catch { /* */ }
+  })
+
+  eventSource.onerror = () => { /* SSE reconnects automatically */ }
+}
+
+function disconnectSSE() {
+  if (eventSource) { eventSource.close(); eventSource = null }
+}
+
+async function showLiveOverlay(text: string, color: string, duration: number) {
+  liveAnnouncement.value = text
+  liveAnnouncementColor.value = color
+  liveAnnouncementVisible.value = true
+  await sleep(duration)
+  liveAnnouncementVisible.value = false
+  await sleep(60)
+}
+
+async function handleRoundEnd(data: any) {
+  const fd = liveFightData.value
+  if (!fd) return
+
+  const round = data.round
+  const result = data.result
+  const hp = data.hp
+
+  liveCurrentRound.value = round
+
+  // Clear challenge state
+  humanChallenge.value = null
+  humanSubmitted.value = false
+  if (timerHandle) { clearInterval(timerHandle); timerHandle = null }
+
+  // Update HP (server 0-200, display 0-100)
+  liveHpA.value = Math.round((hp.a / 200) * 100)
+  liveHpB.value = Math.round((hp.b / 200) * 100)
+  setMusicIntensity(1 - Math.min(liveHpA.value, liveHpB.value) / 100)
+
+  const aWon = result.winnerId === fd.botA.id
+  const bWon = result.winnerId === fd.botB.id
+  const isCritical = Math.abs((result.botAScore || 0) - (result.botBScore || 0)) > 4
+
+  // Use challenge info from round_start SSE, fall back to generic
+  const cLabel = currentChallengeInfo.value?.label || challengeLabel(currentChallengeInfo.value?.type || '')
+
+  liveLogItems.value.push(
+    { type: 'header', round, text: `ROUND ${round}: ${cLabel}`, color: 'neon-purple' },
+  )
+  if (result.botAResponse) {
+    liveLogItems.value.push({ type: 'responseA', round, text: `${fd.botA.name}: ${result.botAResponse.slice(0, 120)}`, color: 'neon-cyan' })
+  }
+  if (result.botBResponse) {
+    liveLogItems.value.push({ type: 'responseB', round, text: `${fd.botB.name}: ${result.botBResponse.slice(0, 120)}`, color: 'neon-pink' })
+  }
+  if (result.narration) {
+    liveLogItems.value.push({ type: 'narration', round, text: `>> ${result.narration}`, color: 'neon-yellow' })
+  }
+  const winnerName = aWon ? fd.botA.name : bWon ? fd.botB.name : 'DRAW'
+  liveLogItems.value.push(
+    { type: 'result', round, text: `${winnerName} ${aWon || bWon ? 'wins round!' : '- no winner'} (${result.botAScore} vs ${result.botBScore})`, color: aWon ? 'neon-cyan' : bWon ? 'neon-pink' : 'text-muted' },
+    { type: 'divider', round, text: '', color: '' },
+  )
+  scrollLiveLog()
+
+  // Play round animation
+  if (liveScene) {
+    fanfareRound(round)
+    if (result.botAResponse) liveScene.showSpeechBubble('a', result.botAResponse.slice(0, 60), 3)
+    if (result.botBResponse) {
+      setTimeout(() => {
+        if (liveScene && result.botBResponse) liveScene.showSpeechBubble('b', result.botBResponse.slice(0, 60), 2.5)
+      }, 300)
+    }
+
+    try {
+      await liveScene.playRound({
+        round,
+        challengeType: currentChallengeInfo.value?.type || '',
+        winnerId: result.winnerId,
+        botAId: fd.botA.id,
+        botBId: fd.botB.id,
+        narration: result.narration || '',
+        isCritical,
+        botAScore: result.botAScore || 0,
+        botBScore: result.botBScore || 0,
+      })
+    } catch { /* */ }
+
+    if (aWon || bWon) {
+      await liveScene.playTaunt(aWon ? 'a' : 'b')
+    }
+  }
+
+  currentChallengeInfo.value = null
+
+  // Countdown before next round
+  roundCooldown.value = 3
+  cooldownHandle = setInterval(() => {
+    roundCooldown.value--
+    if (roundCooldown.value <= 0) {
+      if (cooldownHandle) { clearInterval(cooldownHandle); cooldownHandle = null }
+    }
+  }, 1000)
+}
+
+async function handleFightEnd(data: any) {
+  const fd = liveFightData.value
+  if (!fd) return
+
+  // Clear challenge
+  humanChallenge.value = null
+  humanSubmitted.value = false
+  roundCooldown.value = 0
+  if (cooldownHandle) { clearInterval(cooldownHandle); cooldownHandle = null }
+
+  // Final HP
+  if (data.winnerId) {
+    if (data.winnerId === fd.botA.id) liveHpB.value = 0
+    else liveHpA.value = 0
+  }
+
+  // KO sequence
+  if (liveScene && data.winnerId) {
+    const winningSide = (data.winnerId === fd.botA.id ? 'a' : 'b') as 'a' | 'b'
+
+    sfxDrumRoll()
+    await sleep(500)
+    announceFinishHim()
+    await showLiveOverlay('FINISH IT!', '#ff2d2d', 900)
+
+    if (data.isPerfect) {
+      await liveScene.playPerfect(winningSide, data.winnerName)
+      announceFlawlessVictory()
+    } else {
+      await liveScene.playKO(winningSide, data.winnerName)
+    }
+
+    sfxApplause()
+    sfxCrowdCheer()
+    await showLiveOverlay(`${data.winnerName} WINS!`, '#00f0ff', 2000)
+    liveScene.stopMusic()
+  }
+
+  // Clean up live scene
+  if (liveScene) { liveScene.destroy(); liveScene = null }
+  liveSceneReady.value = false
+
+  // Load full fight data for replay
+  await loadFight()
+  isLive.value = false
+  disconnectSSE()
+  stopHumanPolling()
+  if (pollHandle) { clearInterval(pollHandle); pollHandle = null }
+}
+
+function toggleLiveSound() {
+  liveSoundOn.value = !liveSoundOn.value
+  ensureAudioContext()
+  setMasterMute(!liveSoundOn.value)
+}
+
+// --- Mount / Unmount ---
 onMounted(async () => {
   const status = await loadFight()
   isLoading.value = false
@@ -68,23 +439,48 @@ onMounted(async () => {
     isLive.value = true
   }
 
-  if (isLive.value) startPolling()
+  if (isLive.value) {
+    startPolling()
+    if (isHumanFight.value) {
+      startHumanPolling()
+      connectSSE()
+      await nextTick()
+      await nextTick()
+      if (liveFightData.value) await initLiveScene()
+    }
+  }
 })
 
 onUnmounted(() => {
   if (pollHandle) clearInterval(pollHandle)
+  stopHumanPolling()
+  disconnectSSE()
+  stopAllAudio()
+  if (liveScene) { liveScene.destroy(); liveScene = null }
   autoBattle.value = false
 })
 
+// --- Fight again / matchmake ---
 async function fightAgain(botId: string) {
   if (isRequeueing.value) return
   isRequeueing.value = true
   replayDone.value = false
+  humanChallenge.value = null
+  humanSubmitted.value = false
+  roundCooldown.value = 0
+  if (liveScene) { liveScene.destroy(); liveScene = null }
+  liveSceneReady.value = false
+  liveFightData.value = null
+  liveLogItems.value = []
+  liveHpA.value = 100
+  liveHpB.value = 100
+  liveCurrentRound.value = 0
+  disconnectSSE()
+
   try {
     const res = await fetch(`/api/queue/join/${botId}`, { method: 'POST' })
     if (res.ok) {
       const data = await res.json()
-      // Load the new fight in-place (new scene)
       fightId.value = data.fightId
       fight.value = null
       isLive.value = true
@@ -92,6 +488,19 @@ async function fightAgain(botId: string) {
       fightError.value = ''
       window.history.replaceState({}, '', `/arena/${data.fightId}`)
       startPolling()
+      if (isHumanFight.value) {
+        startHumanPolling()
+        connectSSE()
+        // Wait for fight data to arrive so we can init scene
+        for (let i = 0; i < 20; i++) {
+          await loadFight()
+          if (liveFightData.value) break
+          await sleep(300)
+        }
+        await nextTick()
+        await nextTick()
+        if (liveFightData.value) await initLiveScene()
+      }
     }
   } catch { /* */ }
   isRequeueing.value = false
@@ -143,6 +552,169 @@ function stopAutoBattle() {
       <p class="font-display text-text-muted animate-pulse tracking-wider">LOADING FIGHT...</p>
     </div>
 
+    <!-- LIVE HUMAN FIGHT: full arena view with input -->
+    <div v-else-if="isLive && isHumanFight" class="flex-1 flex flex-col lg:flex-row gap-1 sm:gap-2 min-h-0">
+
+      <!-- Battle Log + Human Input -->
+      <div class="h-[40vh] sm:h-auto lg:w-[38%] flex flex-col min-h-0 border border-border rounded-lg bg-black/90 overflow-hidden order-2 lg:order-1">
+        <div class="bg-surface-raised border-b border-border px-3 py-1.5 flex items-center gap-2 flex-shrink-0">
+          <span class="w-2.5 h-2.5 rounded-full bg-ko" />
+          <span class="w-2.5 h-2.5 rounded-full bg-neon-yellow" />
+          <span class="w-2.5 h-2.5 rounded-full bg-neon-green" />
+          <span class="font-pixel text-[10px] text-text-muted ml-2 tracking-wider">BATTLE LOG</span>
+        </div>
+        <div ref="liveLogEl" class="flex-1 overflow-y-auto p-2 sm:p-4 font-mono text-xs sm:text-sm space-y-1.5 leading-relaxed">
+          <div v-for="(item, idx) in liveLogItems" :key="idx">
+            <div v-if="item.type === 'divider'" class="py-1.5"><div class="border-t border-white/5" /></div>
+            <p v-else-if="item.type === 'header'" class="text-neon-purple font-bold text-base tracking-wide pt-3 pb-1 uppercase">{{ item.text }}</p>
+            <div v-else-if="item.type === 'responseA'" class="bg-neon-cyan/[0.04] border-l-2 border-neon-cyan/30 rounded-r-md px-3 py-1.5 my-1">
+              <p class="text-neon-cyan text-sm leading-snug">{{ item.text }}</p>
+            </div>
+            <div v-else-if="item.type === 'responseB'" class="bg-neon-pink/[0.04] border-l-2 border-neon-pink/30 rounded-r-md px-3 py-1.5 my-1">
+              <p class="text-neon-pink text-sm leading-snug">{{ item.text }}</p>
+            </div>
+            <div v-else-if="item.type === 'narration'" class="bg-neon-yellow/[0.06] border border-neon-yellow/20 rounded-md px-3 py-1.5 my-1">
+              <p class="text-neon-yellow font-bold text-sm">{{ item.text }}</p>
+            </div>
+            <p v-else-if="item.type === 'result'" :class="['font-bold text-sm pl-2 py-0.5', item.color === 'neon-cyan' ? 'text-neon-cyan' : item.color === 'neon-pink' ? 'text-neon-pink' : 'text-text-secondary']">{{ item.text }}</p>
+            <p v-else-if="item.type === 'system'" :class="['text-sm', item.color === 'neon-purple' ? 'text-neon-purple font-bold tracking-wider' : 'text-text-muted']">{{ item.text }}</p>
+          </div>
+          <div v-if="liveLogItems.length === 0" class="text-neon-purple italic pt-8 text-center text-sm">Waiting for fight to begin...</div>
+        </div>
+
+        <!-- Human Input at bottom of battle log -->
+        <div class="px-3 py-2 border-t border-border bg-surface-raised/80 flex-shrink-0">
+          <div v-if="roundCooldown > 0" class="text-center py-1">
+            <p class="font-display text-neon-yellow text-sm tracking-widest animate-pulse">
+              NEXT ROUND IN {{ roundCooldown }}...
+            </p>
+          </div>
+          <div v-else-if="humanChallenge && !humanSubmitted">
+            <div class="flex items-center justify-between mb-1">
+              <div class="flex items-center gap-2">
+                <span class="font-display font-black text-[10px] tracking-wider text-neon-cyan">
+                  R{{ humanChallenge.roundNumber }}
+                </span>
+                <span class="font-display font-bold text-[9px] tracking-wider text-neon-purple uppercase">
+                  {{ humanChallenge.label }}
+                </span>
+              </div>
+              <span
+                class="font-display font-black text-sm tracking-wider tabular-nums"
+                :class="humanTimer <= 2 ? 'text-ko animate-pulse' : 'text-neon-yellow'"
+              >
+                {{ humanTimer }}s
+              </span>
+            </div>
+            <p class="font-mono text-[11px] text-text-primary leading-snug mb-1.5 line-clamp-2">
+              {{ humanChallenge.prompt }}
+            </p>
+            <div class="flex gap-2">
+              <input
+                ref="answerInput"
+                v-model="humanAnswer"
+                type="text"
+                maxlength="200"
+                placeholder="Type fast..."
+                class="flex-1 bg-surface border-2 border-border px-2 py-1.5 text-sm font-mono
+                       text-text-primary placeholder-text-muted
+                       focus:outline-none focus:border-neon-pink/50 transition-colors"
+                @keyup.enter="submitHumanAnswer"
+              />
+              <button
+                class="px-3 py-1.5 bg-neon-pink/10 border-2 border-neon-pink text-neon-pink
+                       font-display font-black text-xs tracking-wider
+                       hover:bg-neon-pink/20 transition-all disabled:opacity-30"
+                :disabled="!humanAnswer.trim()"
+                @click="submitHumanAnswer"
+              >
+                GO
+              </button>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+          <div v-else-if="humanSubmitted" class="text-center py-1">
+            <p class="font-mono text-text-muted text-xs animate-pulse">Scoring round...</p>
+          </div>
+          <div v-else class="flex items-center justify-between py-1">
+            <p class="font-mono text-text-muted text-xs">Waiting for challenge...</p>
+            <button
+              class="w-7 h-7 flex items-center justify-center border border-border/50 text-text-muted
+                     hover:text-neon-cyan hover:border-neon-cyan/50 transition-all"
+              :title="liveSoundOn ? 'Mute' : 'Unmute'"
+              @click="toggleLiveSound"
+            >
+              <svg v-if="liveSoundOn" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" class="w-3.5 h-3.5">
+                <path d="M11 5L6 9H2v6h4l5 4V5z"/><path d="M19.07 4.93a10 10 0 010 14.14M15.54 8.46a5 5 0 010 7.07"/>
+              </svg>
+              <svg v-else xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2" class="w-3.5 h-3.5">
+                <path d="M11 5L6 9H2v6h4l5 4V5z"/><line x1="23" y1="9" x2="17" y2="15"/><line x1="17" y1="9" x2="23" y2="15"/>
+              </svg>
+            </button>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+
+      <!-- Game Canvas + Human Input -->
+      <div class="lg:w-[62%] flex flex-col min-h-0 border border-border rounded-lg bg-black overflow-hidden order-1 lg:order-2">
+
+        <!-- Health bars -->
+        <div v-if="liveFightData?.botA" class="px-2 sm:px-3 py-1.5 sm:py-2 bg-surface-raised/80 border-b border-border flex-shrink-0">
+          <div class="flex items-center gap-1 sm:gap-2">
+            <div class="flex-shrink-0 min-w-0 max-w-[25%] sm:max-w-none">
+              <p class="font-marker text-[10px] sm:text-sm tracking-wider truncate text-neon-cyan">
+                {{ liveFightData.botA.name }}
+              </p>
+            </div>
+            <div class="flex-1 h-4 sm:h-5 bg-black/50 rounded-sm overflow-hidden border border-neon-cyan/30">
+              <div class="h-full bg-gradient-to-r from-neon-cyan to-neon-purple transition-all duration-500" :style="{ width: `${liveHpA}%` }" />
+            </div>
+            <span class="font-mono font-bold text-[10px] sm:text-sm w-6 sm:w-8 text-right" :class="liveHpA > 50 ? 'text-neon-cyan' : liveHpA > 20 ? 'text-neon-yellow' : 'text-ko'">{{ liveHpA }}</span>
+            <span class="font-funky text-neon-purple text-base sm:text-xl px-0.5 sm:px-1">VS</span>
+            <span class="font-mono font-bold text-[10px] sm:text-sm w-6 sm:w-8 text-left" :class="liveHpB > 50 ? 'text-neon-pink' : liveHpB > 20 ? 'text-neon-yellow' : 'text-ko'">{{ liveHpB }}</span>
+            <div class="flex-1 h-4 sm:h-5 bg-black/50 rounded-sm overflow-hidden border border-neon-pink/30">
+              <div class="h-full bg-gradient-to-l from-neon-pink to-neon-purple transition-all duration-500 ml-auto" :style="{ width: `${liveHpB}%` }" />
+            </div>
+            <div class="flex-shrink-0 min-w-0 max-w-[25%] sm:max-w-none">
+              <p class="font-marker text-[10px] sm:text-sm tracking-wider truncate text-right text-neon-pink">
+                {{ liveFightData.botB.name }}
+              </p>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+          <div class="flex items-center justify-between mt-0.5">
+            <span class="font-pixel text-[8px] sm:text-[9px]" :class="tierClass(liveFightData.botA.tier || 0)">{{ Math.round(liveFightData.botA.eloRating || 0) }}</span>
+            <span class="font-pixel text-[8px] sm:text-[9px] text-text-muted">{{ liveFightData.arenaInfo?.name }} | R{{ liveCurrentRound }}</span>
+            <span class="font-pixel text-[8px] sm:text-[9px]" :class="tierClass(liveFightData.botB.tier || 0)">{{ Math.round(liveFightData.botB.eloRating || 0) }}</span>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+
+        <!-- Canvas area -->
+        <div class="flex-1 relative min-h-0">
+          <canvas ref="liveCanvas" class="w-full h-full block" />
+
+          <!-- Floating announcement -->
+          <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"
+                 :style="{ color: liveAnnouncementColor, textShadow: `0 0 20px ${liveAnnouncementColor}, 0 0 40px ${liveAnnouncementColor}` }">
+                {{ liveAnnouncement }}
+              </p>
+            </div>
+          </Transition>
+
+          <!-- Loading scene overlay -->
+          <div v-if="!liveSceneReady" class="absolute inset-0 flex items-center justify-center bg-black/80 z-10">
+            <div class="text-center">
+              <div class="w-12 h-12 border-4 border-neon-pink/30 border-t-neon-pink rounded-full animate-spin mx-auto mb-3" />
+              <p class="font-display text-neon-pink tracking-widest animate-pulse">LOADING ARENA...</p>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+
+      </div>
+    </div>
+
+    <!-- LIVE BOT FIGHT: spinner -->
     <div v-else-if="isLive && !fight" class="flex-1 flex flex-col items-center justify-center gap-4">
       <div class="w-16 h-16 border-4 border-neon-pink/30 border-t-neon-pink rounded-full animate-spin" />
       <p class="font-display text-neon-pink text-xl tracking-widest animate-pulse glow-pink">FIGHT IN PROGRESS</p>
@@ -174,7 +746,7 @@ function stopAutoBattle() {
       <div class="flex-1 min-h-0 relative">
         <FightViewer :key="fightId" :fight="fight" :autoplay="true" class="h-full" @replay-done="onReplayDone" />
 
-        <!-- Post-fight overlay — on top of the game canvas -->
+        <!-- Post-fight overlay -->
         <Transition name="fade-up">
           <div v-if="showOverlay"
                class="absolute inset-0 z-50 flex items-end justify-center pointer-events-none pb-16 sm:pb-20">
@@ -182,20 +754,25 @@ function stopAutoBattle() {
                         bg-black/80 backdrop-blur-sm border border-white/10 rounded-xl
                         px-4 sm:px-8 py-4 sm:py-6 shadow-2xl max-w-md w-full mx-4">
 
-              <!-- Owner actions -->
               <template v-if="myBotId">
                 <button
+                  :disabled="isRequeueing"
                   class="w-full py-3 bg-neon-cyan/10 border-2 border-neon-cyan/50 text-neon-cyan
                          font-display font-black text-sm tracking-widest rounded-lg
-                         hover:bg-neon-cyan/20 hover:border-neon-cyan transition-all neon-border-cyan"
+                         hover:bg-neon-cyan/20 hover:border-neon-cyan transition-all neon-border-cyan
+                         disabled:opacity-50 disabled:cursor-wait flex items-center justify-center gap-2"
                   @click="fightAgain(myBotId!)"
                 >
-                  FIGHT ANOTHER BOT
+                  <span v-if="isRequeueing" class="w-4 h-4 border-2 border-neon-cyan/30 border-t-neon-cyan rounded-full animate-spin" />
+                  {{ isRequeueing ? 'MATCHING...' : 'FIGHT ANOTHER BOT' }}
                 </button>
                 <button
+                  v-if="!isHumanFight"
+                  :disabled="isRequeueing"
                   class="w-full py-3 bg-neon-yellow/10 border-2 border-neon-yellow/50 text-neon-yellow
                          font-display font-black text-sm tracking-widest rounded-lg
-                         hover:bg-neon-yellow/20 hover:border-neon-yellow transition-all"
+                         hover:bg-neon-yellow/20 hover:border-neon-yellow transition-all
+                         disabled:opacity-50 disabled:cursor-wait"
                   @click="startAutoBattle"
                 >
                   AUTO BATTLE
@@ -205,16 +782,18 @@ function stopAutoBattle() {
                 </button>
               </template>
 
-              <!-- Spectator actions -->
               <template v-else-if="isLoggedIn && myBot">
                 <button
+                  :disabled="isRequeueing"
                   class="w-full py-3 bg-neon-cyan/10 border-2 border-neon-cyan/50 text-neon-cyan
                          font-display font-black text-sm tracking-widest rounded-lg
-                         hover:bg-neon-cyan/20 hover:border-neon-cyan transition-all neon-border-cyan"
+                         hover:bg-neon-cyan/20 hover:border-neon-cyan transition-all neon-border-cyan
+                         disabled:opacity-50 disabled:cursor-wait flex items-center justify-center gap-2"
                   @click="matchmake(myBot!.id)"
                 >
-                  FIGHT WITH MY BOT
-                  <span class="block font-mono text-[9px] tracking-wider text-neon-cyan/60 mt-0.5">
+                  <span v-if="isRequeueing" class="w-4 h-4 border-2 border-neon-cyan/30 border-t-neon-cyan rounded-full animate-spin" />
+                  {{ isRequeueing ? 'MATCHING...' : 'FIGHT WITH MY BOT' }}
+                  <span v-if="!isRequeueing" class="block font-mono text-[9px] tracking-wider text-neon-cyan/60 mt-0.5">
                     {{ myBot!.name.toUpperCase() }}
                   </span>
                 </button>
@@ -267,4 +846,18 @@ function stopAutoBattle() {
   opacity: 0;
   transform: translateY(10px);
 }
+
+.announce-enter-active { animation: announce-in 0.3s cubic-bezier(0.34, 1.56, 0.64, 1); }
+.announce-leave-active { animation: announce-out 0.25s ease-in; }
+@keyframes announce-in { from { opacity: 0; transform: scale(0.1) rotate(-15deg); filter: blur(8px); } to { opacity: 1; transform: scale(1) rotate(0); filter: blur(0); } }
+@keyframes announce-out { from { opacity: 1; } to { opacity: 0; transform: scale(1.5) rotate(5deg); filter: blur(4px); } }
+
+.announce-text {
+  animation: announce-pulse 0.4s ease-in-out infinite alternate;
+  -webkit-text-stroke: 1px rgba(0,0,0,0.3);
+}
+@keyframes announce-pulse {
+  from { transform: scale(1) rotate(-1deg); }
+  to { transform: scale(1.08) rotate(1deg); }
+}
 </style>
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/HumanFightPage.vue b/frontend/src/pages/HumanFightPage.vue
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..6e062c7
--- /dev/null
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/HumanFightPage.vue
@@ -0,0 +1,361 @@
+<script setup lang="ts">
+import { ref, computed, onMounted, onUnmounted, nextTick } from 'vue'
+import { useRoute, useRouter } from 'vue-router'
+import { useNostr } from '../composables/useNostr'
+import FightViewer from '../components/FightViewer.vue'
+
+const route = useRoute()
+const router = useRouter()
+const { bot: myBot, isLoggedIn } = useNostr()
+
+const fightId = ref(route.params.fightId as string)
+const fight = ref<any>(null)
+const phase = ref<'waiting' | 'challenge' | 'submitted' | 'between' | 'finished' | 'replay' | 'error'>('waiting')
+const error = ref('')
+
+// Challenge state
+const currentChallenge = ref<{
+  type: string
+  label: string
+  prompt: string
+  roundNumber: number
+  timeoutMs: number
+  remainingMs: number
+  scoring: string
+} | null>(null)
+const answer = ref('')
+const trashTalk = ref('')
+const remainingSeconds = ref(45)
+const showTrashTalk = ref(false)
+
+// Round results tracking
+const roundResults = ref<Array<{
+  round: number
+  won: boolean
+  hpA: number
+  hpB: number
+}>>([])
+const currentRound = ref(0)
+const myHp = ref(200)
+const enemyHp = ref(200)
+const opponentName = ref('')
+
+let pollHandle: ReturnType<typeof setInterval> | null = null
+let timerHandle: ReturnType<typeof setInterval> | null = null
+const answerInput = ref<HTMLTextAreaElement | null>(null)
+
+const myBotId = computed(() => myBot.value?.id || '')
+const isMyFight = computed(() => {
+  if (!fight.value || !myBot.value) return false
+  return fight.value.botAId === myBot.value.id || fight.value.botBId === myBot.value.id
+})
+const amSideA = computed(() => fight.value?.botAId === myBot.value?.id)
+
+onMounted(() => {
+  if (!myBot.value) {
+    router.push('/join')
+    return
+  }
+  startPolling()
+})
+
+onUnmounted(() => {
+  stopPolling()
+  stopTimer()
+})
+
+function startPolling() {
+  pollForChallenge()
+  pollHandle = setInterval(pollForChallenge, 600)
+}
+
+function stopPolling() {
+  if (pollHandle) { clearInterval(pollHandle); pollHandle = null }
+}
+
+function startTimer(remainingMs: number) {
+  stopTimer()
+  remainingSeconds.value = Math.ceil(remainingMs / 1000)
+  timerHandle = setInterval(() => {
+    remainingSeconds.value--
+    if (remainingSeconds.value <= 0) {
+      stopTimer()
+      if (phase.value === 'challenge') {
+        phase.value = 'submitted'
+      }
+    }
+  }, 1000)
+}
+
+function stopTimer() {
+  if (timerHandle) { clearInterval(timerHandle); timerHandle = null }
+}
+
+async function pollForChallenge() {
+  if (!myBotId.value || phase.value === 'finished' || phase.value === 'replay' || phase.value === 'error') return
+
+  try {
+    const res = await fetch(`/api/fights/${fightId.value}/challenge/${myBotId.value}`)
+    if (!res.ok) return
+    const data = await res.json()
+
+    if (data.pending) {
+      if (phase.value !== 'challenge' || currentChallenge.value?.roundNumber !== data.roundNumber) {
+        currentChallenge.value = data
+        currentRound.value = data.roundNumber
+        answer.value = ''
+        trashTalk.value = ''
+        showTrashTalk.value = false
+        phase.value = 'challenge'
+        startTimer(data.remainingMs)
+        await nextTick()
+        answerInput.value?.focus()
+      }
+    } else if (data.fightStatus === 'finished') {
+      stopPolling()
+      stopTimer()
+      await loadFight()
+      phase.value = 'finished'
+    } else if (phase.value === 'submitted') {
+      // Between rounds — waiting for next challenge or fight end
+      phase.value = 'between'
+    }
+  } catch {
+    // Network hiccup, keep polling
+  }
+}
+
+async function submitAnswer() {
+  if (!currentChallenge.value || phase.value !== 'challenge') return
+  if (!answer.value.trim()) return
+
+  stopTimer()
+  phase.value = 'submitted'
+
+  try {
+    const res = await fetch(`/api/fights/${fightId.value}/respond/${myBotId.value}`, {
+      method: 'POST',
+      headers: { 'Content-Type': 'application/json' },
+      body: JSON.stringify({
+        answer: answer.value.trim(),
+        trashTalk: trashTalk.value.trim() || undefined,
+      }),
+    })
+
+    if (!res.ok) {
+      const data = await res.json()
+      error.value = data.error || 'Failed to submit.'
+    }
+  } catch {
+    error.value = 'Network error submitting answer.'
+  }
+}
+
+async function loadFight() {
+  try {
+    const res = await fetch(`/api/fights/${fightId.value}`)
+    if (res.ok) {
+      const data = await res.json()
+      fight.value = data
+      if (data.botA && data.botB) {
+        const enemy = amSideA.value ? data.botB : data.botA
+        opponentName.value = enemy?.name || 'Unknown'
+      }
+      if (data.rounds) {
+        let hpA = 200, hpB = 200
+        roundResults.value = data.rounds.map((r: any) => {
+          // Approximate HP from scores — actual HP tracked in fight record
+          return { round: r.roundNumber, won: r.winnerId === myBotId.value, hpA: 0, hpB: 0 }
+        })
+        myHp.value = amSideA.value ? data.botAHp : data.botBHp
+        enemyHp.value = amSideA.value ? data.botBHp : data.botAHp
+      }
+    }
+  } catch { /* */ }
+}
+
+function watchReplay() {
+  phase.value = 'replay'
+}
+
+function fightAgain() {
+  router.push('/join')
+}
+
+function goToArena() {
+  router.push(`/arena/${fightId.value}`)
+}
+</script>
+
+<template>
+  <div class="min-h-[calc(100vh-4rem)] flex flex-col items-center px-4 py-4 overflow-y-auto">
+    <div class="max-w-lg w-full">
+
+      <!-- PHASE: WAITING -->
+      <div v-if="phase === 'waiting'" class="flex flex-col items-center justify-center min-h-[60vh] gap-4">
+        <div class="w-12 h-12 border-4 border-neon-pink/30 border-t-neon-pink rounded-full animate-spin" />
+        <p class="font-display text-neon-pink text-lg tracking-widest animate-pulse glow-pink">
+          FIGHT STARTING...
+        </p>
+        <p class="font-mono text-text-muted text-xs">Waiting for first challenge</p>
+      </div>
+
+      <!-- PHASE: CHALLENGE (type your answer) -->
+      <div v-else-if="phase === 'challenge' && currentChallenge" class="slide-up">
+        <div class="flex items-center justify-between mb-3">
+          <span class="font-display font-black text-sm tracking-wider text-neon-cyan">
+            ROUND {{ currentChallenge.roundNumber }}
+          </span>
+          <span
+            class="font-display font-black text-lg tracking-wider"
+            :class="remainingSeconds <= 10 ? 'text-ko animate-pulse' : 'text-neon-yellow'"
+          >
+            {{ remainingSeconds }}s
+          </span>
+        </div>
+
+        <div class="p-3 border-2 border-neon-purple/30 bg-neon-purple/5 mb-3">
+          <div class="flex items-center gap-2 mb-1.5">
+            <span class="font-display font-bold text-[10px] tracking-wider text-neon-purple uppercase">
+              {{ currentChallenge.label }}
+            </span>
+            <span class="font-mono text-[9px] text-text-muted">
+              {{ currentChallenge.scoring === 'factual' ? 'FACTUAL' : 'CREATIVE' }}
+            </span>
+          </div>
+          <p class="font-mono text-sm text-text-primary leading-relaxed">
+            {{ currentChallenge.prompt }}
+          </p>
+        </div>
+
+        <textarea
+          ref="answerInput"
+          v-model="answer"
+          rows="4"
+          placeholder="Type your answer..."
+          class="w-full bg-surface border-2 border-border px-4 py-3 text-sm font-mono
+                 text-text-primary placeholder-text-muted resize-none
+                 focus:outline-none focus:border-neon-pink/50 transition-colors mb-2"
+          @keydown.ctrl.enter="submitAnswer"
+          @keydown.meta.enter="submitAnswer"
+        />
+
+        <button
+          v-if="!showTrashTalk"
+          class="font-mono text-[10px] text-text-muted hover:text-neon-yellow transition-colors mb-2"
+          @click="showTrashTalk = true"
+        >
+          + add trash talk
+        </button>
+        <input
+          v-if="showTrashTalk"
+          v-model="trashTalk"
+          type="text"
+          maxlength="200"
+          placeholder="Talk smack to your opponent..."
+          class="w-full bg-surface border border-border px-3 py-2 text-xs font-mono
+                 text-neon-yellow placeholder-text-muted
+                 focus:outline-none focus:border-neon-yellow/50 transition-colors mb-2"
+        />
+
+        <button
+          class="w-full py-4 bg-neon-pink/10 border-2 border-neon-pink text-neon-pink
+                 font-display font-black text-lg tracking-[0.15em]
+                 hover:bg-neon-pink/20 transition-all neon-border-pink
+                 disabled:opacity-30 disabled:cursor-not-allowed"
+          :disabled="!answer.trim()"
+          @click="submitAnswer"
+        >
+          SUBMIT ANSWER
+        </button>
+        <p class="font-mono text-[10px] text-text-muted text-center mt-1">
+          Ctrl+Enter to submit
+        </p>
+      </div>
+
+      <!-- PHASE: SUBMITTED / BETWEEN ROUNDS -->
+      <div v-else-if="phase === 'submitted' || phase === 'between'" class="flex flex-col items-center justify-center min-h-[60vh] gap-4">
+        <div class="w-10 h-10 border-3 border-neon-cyan/30 border-t-neon-cyan rounded-full animate-spin" />
+        <p class="font-display text-neon-cyan text-sm tracking-widest">
+          {{ phase === 'submitted' ? 'ANSWER SUBMITTED' : 'NEXT ROUND...' }}
+        </p>
+        <p class="font-mono text-text-muted text-xs">Waiting for round result</p>
+      </div>
+
+      <!-- PHASE: FINISHED -->
+      <div v-else-if="phase === 'finished' && fight" class="slide-up">
+        <div class="text-center mb-6">
+          <h2
+            class="font-display font-black text-4xl tracking-wider mb-2"
+            :class="fight.winnerId === myBotId ? 'text-neon-cyan glow-cyan' : 'text-ko'"
+          >
+            {{ fight.winnerId === myBotId ? 'YOU WIN' : fight.winnerId ? 'YOU LOSE' : 'DRAW' }}
+          </h2>
+          <p class="font-mono text-text-muted text-xs">
+            {{ fight.totalRounds }} rounds vs {{ opponentName || 'opponent' }}
+          </p>
+          <p class="font-mono text-xs mt-1">
+            <span class="text-neon-cyan">{{ myHp }}/200 HP</span>
+            <span class="text-text-muted mx-2">vs</span>
+            <span class="text-neon-pink">{{ enemyHp }}/200 HP</span>
+          </p>
+        </div>
+
+        <div class="space-y-2">
+          <button
+            class="w-full py-4 bg-neon-cyan/10 border-2 border-neon-cyan/50 text-neon-cyan
+                   font-display font-black text-sm tracking-widest
+                   hover:bg-neon-cyan/20 transition-all neon-border-cyan"
+            @click="watchReplay"
+          >
+            WATCH REPLAY
+          </button>
+          <button
+            class="w-full py-3 bg-neon-pink/10 border-2 border-neon-pink/50 text-neon-pink
+                   font-display font-bold text-sm tracking-wider
+                   hover:bg-neon-pink/20 transition-all"
+            @click="fightAgain"
+          >
+            FIGHT AGAIN
+          </button>
+          <button
+            class="w-full py-2 border border-border text-text-muted
+                   font-display font-bold text-xs tracking-wider
+                   hover:border-neon-purple/30 transition-all"
+            @click="goToArena"
+          >
+            VIEW IN ARENA
+          </button>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+
+      <!-- PHASE: REPLAY -->
+      <div v-else-if="phase === 'replay' && fight" class="w-full">
+        <div class="h-[calc(100vh-8rem)] min-h-0 relative">
+          <FightViewer :fight="fight" :autoplay="true" class="h-full" />
+        </div>
+        <div class="flex gap-2 mt-2">
+          <button
+            class="flex-1 py-2 border border-neon-pink/40 text-neon-pink font-display font-bold text-xs tracking-wider
+                   hover:bg-neon-pink/10 transition-all"
+            @click="fightAgain"
+          >
+            FIGHT AGAIN
+          </button>
+          <button
+            class="flex-1 py-2 border border-border text-text-muted font-display font-bold text-xs tracking-wider
+                   hover:border-neon-purple/30 transition-all"
+            @click="phase = 'finished'"
+          >
+            BACK
+          </button>
+        </div>
+      </div>
+
+      <!-- ERROR -->
+      <div v-if="error" class="mt-4 p-3 border-2 border-ko/30 bg-ko/5 text-center">
+        <p class="font-mono text-xs text-ko">{{ error }}</p>
+      </div>
+    </div>
+  </div>
+</template>
diff --git a/frontend/src/pages/JoinBoutPage.vue b/frontend/src/pages/JoinBoutPage.vue
index 95a9731..52ad724 100644
--- a/frontend/src/pages/JoinBoutPage.vue
+++ b/frontend/src/pages/JoinBoutPage.vue
@@ -3,12 +3,16 @@ import { ref, onMounted, onUnmounted } from 'vue'
 import { useRouter } from 'vue-router'
 import { useNostr } from '../composables/useNostr'
 import SpritePreview from '../components/SpritePreview.vue'
+import HumanPreview from '../components/HumanPreview.vue'
 
 const router = useRouter()
-const { pubkey, bot, profilePicUrl, isLoggedIn, hasExtension, isLoading, login, registerBot, logout } = useNostr()
+const { pubkey, bot, profilePicUrl, isLoggedIn, hasExtension, isLoading, login, registerBot, registerHuman, logout } = useNostr()
 
-// Steps: 'login' | 'pick-character' | 'name-bot' | 'bot-setup' | 'add-webhook' | 'ready'
+// Steps: 'login' | 'choose-mode' | 'pick-character' | 'name-bot' | 'bot-setup' | 'add-webhook' |
+//         'pick-human-avatar' | 'name-human' | 'human-guide' | 'ready'
 const step = ref<string>('login')
+const isHumanMode = ref(false)
+const selectedHumanSeed = ref('baby_fighter_1')
 const error = ref('')
 const isJoining = ref(false)
 const queueCount = ref(0)
@@ -17,6 +21,7 @@ let pollHandle: ReturnType<typeof setInterval> | null = null
 // Registration form
 const selectedArchetype = ref('standard')
 const botName = ref('')
+const humanName = ref('')
 const webhookUrl = ref('')
 const showCode = ref(false)
 const codeCopied = ref(false)
@@ -104,9 +109,10 @@ async function handleLogin() {
   try {
     const result = await login()
     if (result.bot) {
+      isHumanMode.value = !!result.bot.isHuman
       step.value = 'ready'
     } else {
-      step.value = 'pick-character'
+      step.value = 'choose-mode'
     }
   } catch (e) {
     error.value = e instanceof Error ? e.message : 'Login failed.'
@@ -132,6 +138,68 @@ function confirmName() {
   step.value = 'bot-setup'
 }
 
+function chooseBot() {
+  isHumanMode.value = false
+  step.value = 'pick-character'
+}
+
+function chooseHuman() {
+  isHumanMode.value = true
+  step.value = 'pick-human-avatar'
+}
+
+const humanAvatarList = [
+  { seed: 'baby_brawler', label: 'BRAWLER' },
+  { seed: 'tiny_thinker', label: 'THINKER' },
+  { seed: 'lil_genius', label: 'GENIUS' },
+  { seed: 'mini_champ', label: 'CHAMP' },
+  { seed: 'small_fry', label: 'SMALL FRY' },
+  { seed: 'baby_brain', label: 'BIG BRAIN' },
+  { seed: 'little_legend', label: 'LEGEND' },
+  { seed: 'tiny_terror', label: 'TERROR' },
+  { seed: 'wee_warrior', label: 'WARRIOR' },
+  { seed: 'micro_menace', label: 'MENACE' },
+  { seed: 'baby_boss', label: 'BOSS' },
+  { seed: 'pint_sized', label: 'PINT SIZE' },
+  { seed: 'nugget_king', label: 'NUGGET' },
+  { seed: 'half_pint', label: 'HALF PINT' },
+  { seed: 'kiddo_smash', label: 'SMASHER' },
+  { seed: 'tot_puncher', label: 'PUNCHER' },
+  { seed: 'thumb_war', label: 'THUMB WAR' },
+  { seed: 'ankle_biter', label: 'ANKLE BITER' },
+  { seed: 'diaper_doom', label: 'DOOM BABY' },
+  { seed: 'cradle_rage', label: 'RAGE' },
+]
+
+function pickHumanAvatar(seed: string) {
+  selectedHumanSeed.value = seed
+  step.value = 'name-human'
+}
+
+async function confirmHumanName() {
+  const name = humanName.value.trim()
+  if (!name || name.length < 2) {
+    error.value = 'Name must be at least 2 characters.'
+    return
+  }
+  if (!/^[a-zA-Z0-9_-]+$/.test(name)) {
+    error.value = 'Letters, numbers, hyphens, underscores only.'
+    return
+  }
+  error.value = ''
+  step.value = 'human-guide'
+}
+
+async function registerHumanFighter() {
+  error.value = ''
+  try {
+    await registerHuman(humanName.value.trim(), selectedHumanSeed.value)
+    step.value = 'ready'
+  } catch (e) {
+    error.value = e instanceof Error ? e.message : 'Registration failed.'
+  }
+}
+
 async function confirmWebhook() {
   const url = webhookUrl.value.trim()
   if (!url) {
@@ -206,10 +274,12 @@ function handleSignOut() {
           class="w-full py-4 bg-neon-purple/10 border-2 border-neon-purple/50 text-neon-purple
                  font-display font-black text-base tracking-widest
                  hover:bg-neon-purple/20 hover:border-neon-purple transition-all
-                 disabled:opacity-30 disabled:cursor-not-allowed"
+                 disabled:opacity-50 disabled:cursor-wait
+                 flex items-center justify-center gap-3"
           :disabled="isLoading"
           @click="handleLogin"
         >
+          <span v-if="isLoading" class="w-5 h-5 border-2 border-neon-purple/30 border-t-neon-purple rounded-full animate-spin" />
           {{ isLoading ? 'CONNECTING...' : 'SIGN IN WITH NOSTR' }}
         </button>
 
@@ -227,6 +297,48 @@ function handleSignOut() {
         </div>
       </template>
 
+      <!-- STEP: CHOOSE MODE -->
+      <template v-else-if="step === 'choose-mode'">
+        <div class="text-center mb-8">
+          <h2 class="font-display font-black text-3xl tracking-wider gradient-text mb-3">
+            HOW DO YOU FIGHT?
+          </h2>
+          <p class="font-mono text-text-muted text-xs">
+            Choose your path, warrior.
+          </p>
+        </div>
+
+        <div class="space-y-4">
+          <button
+            class="w-full py-5 px-4 bg-neon-cyan/5 border-2 border-neon-cyan/40 text-left
+                   hover:bg-neon-cyan/10 hover:border-neon-cyan/70 transition-all group"
+            @click="chooseBot"
+          >
+            <span class="font-display font-black text-lg tracking-wider text-neon-cyan block mb-1">
+              I BUILD BOTS
+            </span>
+            <span class="font-mono text-[10px] text-text-muted leading-relaxed block">
+              Deploy an AI bot server. It answers challenges via webhook.
+              Your code fights for you 24/7.
+            </span>
+          </button>
+
+          <button
+            class="w-full py-5 px-4 bg-neon-pink/5 border-2 border-neon-pink/40 text-left
+                   hover:bg-neon-pink/10 hover:border-neon-pink/70 transition-all group"
+            @click="chooseHuman"
+          >
+            <span class="font-display font-black text-lg tracking-wider text-neon-pink block mb-1">
+              I FIGHT MYSELF
+            </span>
+            <span class="font-mono text-[10px] text-text-muted leading-relaxed block">
+              Type your own answers in real-time. You vs the AIs, brain to brain.
+              No coding required.
+            </span>
+          </button>
+        </div>
+      </template>
+
       <!-- STEP: PICK CHARACTER -->
       <template v-else-if="step === 'pick-character'">
         <div class="text-center mb-6">
@@ -481,6 +593,155 @@ function handleSignOut() {
         </div>
       </template>
 
+      <!-- STEP: PICK HUMAN AVATAR -->
+      <template v-else-if="step === 'pick-human-avatar'">
+        <div class="text-center mb-6">
+          <h2 class="font-display font-black text-2xl tracking-wider gradient-text mb-2">
+            PICK YOUR BABY
+          </h2>
+          <p class="font-mono text-text-muted text-xs">
+            Every human starts as a baby. Win fights to grow.
+          </p>
+        </div>
+
+        <div class="grid grid-cols-4 sm:grid-cols-5 gap-2 max-h-[55vh] overflow-y-auto pr-1">
+          <button
+            v-for="avatar in humanAvatarList"
+            :key="avatar.seed"
+            class="flex flex-col items-center p-1.5 sm:p-2 border-2 transition-all text-center
+                   hover:border-neon-pink/40 hover:bg-neon-pink/5"
+            :class="selectedHumanSeed === avatar.seed
+              ? 'border-neon-pink/70 bg-neon-pink/10'
+              : 'border-border bg-surface'"
+            @click="pickHumanAvatar(avatar.seed)"
+          >
+            <HumanPreview :seed="avatar.seed" :win-rate="0" :size="48" class="mb-1" />
+            <span class="font-display font-bold text-[8px] sm:text-[9px] tracking-wider text-text-primary">{{ avatar.label }}</span>
+          </button>
+        </div>
+      </template>
+
+      <!-- STEP: NAME HUMAN -->
+      <template v-else-if="step === 'name-human'">
+        <div class="text-center mb-6">
+          <h2 class="font-display font-black text-2xl tracking-wider gradient-text mb-2">
+            NAME YOUR FIGHTER
+          </h2>
+          <p class="font-mono text-text-muted text-xs">
+            You're entering as a human baby. Grow strong.
+          </p>
+        </div>
+
+        <div class="mb-5">
+          <input
+            v-model="humanName"
+            type="text"
+            required
+            maxlength="32"
+            placeholder="big_brain_gary"
+            class="w-full bg-surface border-2 border-border px-4 py-3 text-sm font-mono
+                   text-text-primary placeholder-text-muted
+                   focus:outline-none focus:border-neon-pink/50 transition-colors"
+            @keyup.enter="confirmHumanName"
+          />
+          <p class="font-mono text-[10px] text-text-muted mt-1.5">
+            Letters, numbers, hyphens, underscores. 2-32 chars.
+          </p>
+        </div>
+
+        <div class="flex gap-2">
+          <button
+            class="flex-1 py-3 border-2 border-border text-text-muted font-display font-bold text-sm tracking-wider
+                   hover:border-neon-purple/40 transition-all"
+            @click="step = 'pick-human-avatar'"
+          >
+            BACK
+          </button>
+          <button
+            class="flex-1 py-3 bg-neon-pink/10 border-2 border-neon-pink/50 text-neon-pink
+                   font-display font-bold text-sm tracking-wider
+                   hover:bg-neon-pink/20 transition-all"
+            @click="confirmHumanName"
+          >
+            NEXT
+          </button>
+        </div>
+      </template>
+
+      <!-- STEP: HUMAN GUIDE -->
+      <template v-else-if="step === 'human-guide'">
+        <div class="text-center mb-5">
+          <h2 class="font-display font-black text-2xl tracking-wider gradient-text mb-2">
+            QUICK GUIDE
+          </h2>
+          <p class="font-mono text-text-muted text-xs">
+            Here's how human vs AI fights work.
+          </p>
+        </div>
+
+        <div class="space-y-2.5 mb-5">
+          <div class="flex items-start gap-3 p-2.5 border border-border bg-surface">
+            <span class="font-display font-black text-neon-pink text-sm mt-0.5">1</span>
+            <div>
+              <p class="font-mono text-xs text-text-primary">You get a challenge each round</p>
+              <p class="font-mono text-[10px] text-text-muted mt-0.5">Trivia, wordplay, creative writing, coding puzzles, and more</p>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+          <div class="flex items-start gap-3 p-2.5 border border-border bg-surface">
+            <span class="font-display font-black text-neon-pink text-sm mt-0.5">2</span>
+            <div>
+              <p class="font-mono text-xs text-text-primary">Type your answer fast — 5 seconds per round</p>
+              <p class="font-mono text-[10px] text-text-muted mt-0.5">Keep answers short and sharp. Speed is everything.</p>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+          <div class="flex items-start gap-3 p-2.5 border border-border bg-surface">
+            <span class="font-display font-black text-neon-pink text-sm mt-0.5">3</span>
+            <div>
+              <p class="font-mono text-xs text-text-primary">Your answer is scored against the AI bot's answer</p>
+              <p class="font-mono text-[10px] text-text-muted mt-0.5">Better answer deals more damage. First to 0 HP loses.</p>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+          <div class="flex items-start gap-3 p-2.5 border border-border bg-surface">
+            <span class="font-display font-black text-neon-pink text-sm mt-0.5">4</span>
+            <div>
+              <p class="font-mono text-xs text-text-primary">After the fight, watch the animated replay</p>
+              <p class="font-mono text-[10px] text-text-muted mt-0.5">See your answers come to life in pixel art combat</p>
+            </div>
+          </div>
+        </div>
+
+        <div class="p-3 border border-neon-pink/20 bg-neon-pink/5 mb-5">
+          <p class="font-display font-bold text-[10px] tracking-wider text-neon-pink mb-1.5">
+            TIPS FOR BEATING AIs
+          </p>
+          <ul class="font-mono text-[10px] text-text-muted space-y-1 leading-relaxed">
+            <li>Be <span class="text-text-secondary">creative</span> — boring answers score low</li>
+            <li>Be <span class="text-text-secondary">fast</span> — speed breaks ties</li>
+            <li>Add <span class="text-text-secondary">trash talk</span> — it doesn't affect scoring but it's fun</li>
+            <li>Factual challenges have <span class="text-text-secondary">right answers</span> — accuracy matters</li>
+            <li>Creative challenges are <span class="text-text-secondary">judged on quality</span> — go wild</li>
+          </ul>
+        </div>
+
+        <div class="flex gap-2">
+          <button
+            class="flex-1 py-3 border-2 border-border text-text-muted font-display font-bold text-sm tracking-wider
+                   hover:border-neon-purple/40 transition-all"
+            @click="step = 'name-human'"
+          >
+            BACK
+          </button>
+          <button
+            class="flex-1 py-3 bg-neon-pink/10 border-2 border-neon-pink/50 text-neon-pink
+                   font-display font-bold text-sm tracking-wider
+                   hover:bg-neon-pink/20 transition-all"
+            @click="registerHumanFighter"
+          >
+            LET'S GO
+          </button>
+        </div>
+      </template>
+
       <!-- STEP: READY TO FIGHT -->
       <template v-else-if="step === 'ready' && bot">
         <div class="text-center mb-6">
@@ -494,7 +755,7 @@ function handleSignOut() {
             {{ bot.name }}
           </h2>
           <p class="font-mono text-text-muted text-[10px]">
-            {{ bot.archetype?.toUpperCase() || 'FIGHTER' }} · {{ bot.wins }}W {{ bot.losses }}L · {{ Math.round(bot.eloRating) }} ELO
+            {{ (isHumanMode || bot.isHuman) ? 'HUMAN' : (bot.archetype?.toUpperCase() || 'FIGHTER') }} · {{ bot.wins }}W {{ bot.losses }}L · {{ Math.round(bot.eloRating) }} ELO
           </p>
         </div>
 
@@ -512,14 +773,16 @@ function handleSignOut() {
             class="w-full py-5 bg-neon-pink/10 border-2 border-neon-pink text-neon-pink
                    font-display font-black text-2xl tracking-[0.2em]
                    hover:bg-neon-pink/20 transition-all neon-border-pink
-                   disabled:opacity-30 disabled:cursor-not-allowed"
+                   disabled:opacity-50 disabled:cursor-wait
+                   flex items-center justify-center gap-3"
             :disabled="isJoining"
             @click="fight"
           >
+            <span v-if="isJoining" class="w-5 h-5 border-2 border-neon-pink/30 border-t-neon-pink rounded-full animate-spin" />
             {{ isJoining ? 'MATCHING...' : 'FIGHT' }}
           </button>
           <p class="font-mono text-[10px] text-text-muted text-center -mt-1">
-            Queue up against a real AI bot
+            {{ (isHumanMode || bot.isHuman) ? 'Type your answers live against an AI' : 'Queue up against a real AI bot' }}
           </p>
 
         </div>
diff --git a/frontend/src/router.ts b/frontend/src/router.ts
index 5f2b4fe..cf8c309 100644
--- a/frontend/src/router.ts
+++ b/frontend/src/router.ts
@@ -26,6 +26,11 @@ const routes = [
     name: 'bot-profile',
     component: () => import('./pages/BotProfilePage.vue'),
   },
+  {
+    path: '/play/:fightId',
+    name: 'human-fight',
+    component: () => import('./pages/HumanFightPage.vue'),
+  },
   {
     path: '/register',
     name: 'register',
diff --git a/server/src/engine/customization.ts b/server/src/engine/customization.ts
index 085e36a..134396e 100644
--- a/server/src/engine/customization.ts
+++ b/server/src/engine/customization.ts
@@ -17,7 +17,7 @@ const VALID_ARCHETYPES = new Set([
   'hamster', 'sock_puppet', 'traffic_cone', 'toilet_man', 'potato',
   'cloud_man', 'rock_man', 'balloon_man', 'trash_can', 'rubber_duck',
   'snowman', 'scarecrow', 'jack_o_lantern', 'garden_gnome', 'lamp_post',
-  'broom_man',
+  'broom_man', 'human',
 ])
 
 const HEX_COLOR_RE = /^#[0-9a-fA-F]{6}$/
diff --git a/server/src/engine/human-responses.ts b/server/src/engine/human-responses.ts
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..cbfc9d2
--- /dev/null
+++ b/server/src/engine/human-responses.ts
@@ -0,0 +1,100 @@
+// In-memory store for pending human challenges.
+// When the fight engine needs a human's response, it stores the challenge here
+// and waits for the browser to submit the answer via REST.
+
+import type { Challenge } from './challenges.js'
+
+interface PendingChallenge {
+  fightId: string
+  botId: string
+  challenge: Challenge
+  roundNumber: number
+  createdAt: number
+  resolve: (response: { answer: string; trashTalk?: string }) => void
+  timeoutHandle: ReturnType<typeof setTimeout>
+}
+
+const pending = new Map<string, PendingChallenge>()
+
+const HUMAN_TIMEOUT_MS = 8_000
+
+export function isHumanPlayer(webhookUrl: string): boolean {
+  return webhookUrl === 'http://human.local/'
+}
+
+export function waitForHumanResponse(
+  fightId: string,
+  botId: string,
+  challenge: Challenge,
+  roundNumber: number,
+): Promise<{ answer: string | null; trashTalk?: string; timedOut: boolean }> {
+  return new Promise((resolve) => {
+    const key = `${fightId}:${botId}`
+
+    const timeoutHandle = setTimeout(() => {
+      pending.delete(key)
+      console.log(`[human] ${key} timed out after ${HUMAN_TIMEOUT_MS}ms`)
+      resolve({ answer: null, timedOut: true })
+    }, HUMAN_TIMEOUT_MS)
+
+    pending.set(key, {
+      fightId,
+      botId,
+      challenge,
+      roundNumber,
+      createdAt: Date.now(),
+      resolve: (response) => {
+        clearTimeout(timeoutHandle)
+        pending.delete(key)
+        resolve({ answer: response.answer, trashTalk: response.trashTalk, timedOut: false })
+      },
+      timeoutHandle,
+    })
+
+    console.log(`[human] waiting for response: ${key} round=${roundNumber} type=${challenge.type}`)
+  })
+}
+
+export function submitHumanResponse(
+  fightId: string,
+  botId: string,
+  answer: string,
+  trashTalk?: string,
+): boolean {
+  const key = `${fightId}:${botId}`
+  const entry = pending.get(key)
+  if (!entry) return false
+  console.log(`[human] response received: ${key} answer=${answer.slice(0, 80)}`)
+  entry.resolve({ answer: answer.slice(0, 2000), trashTalk: trashTalk?.slice(0, 200) })
+  return true
+}
+
+export function getPendingChallenge(
+  fightId: string,
+  botId: string,
+): {
+  type: string
+  label: string
+  prompt: string
+  roundNumber: number
+  timeoutMs: number
+  remainingMs: number
+  scoring: string
+} | null {
+  const key = `${fightId}:${botId}`
+  const entry = pending.get(key)
+  if (!entry) return null
+
+  const elapsed = Date.now() - entry.createdAt
+  const remaining = Math.max(0, HUMAN_TIMEOUT_MS - elapsed)
+
+  return {
+    type: entry.challenge.type,
+    label: entry.challenge.label,
+    prompt: entry.challenge.prompt,
+    roundNumber: entry.roundNumber,
+    timeoutMs: HUMAN_TIMEOUT_MS,
+    remainingMs: remaining,
+    scoring: entry.challenge.scoring,
+  }
+}
diff --git a/server/src/engine/orchestrator.ts b/server/src/engine/orchestrator.ts
index ebcd666..2b870ba 100644
--- a/server/src/engine/orchestrator.ts
+++ b/server/src/engine/orchestrator.ts
@@ -7,6 +7,7 @@ import { scoreRound, calculateElo, calculateTier } from './scoring.js'
 import { fightEvents } from './events.js'
 import { generateMockBotResponse } from './mock.js'
 import { setCooldown } from './queue.js'
+import { isHumanPlayer, waitForHumanResponse } from './human-responses.js'
 
 interface BotRecord {
   id: string
@@ -68,6 +69,7 @@ function isAllowedWebhookUrl(url: string): boolean {
 }
 
 export { isAllowedWebhookUrl }
+export { isHumanPlayer } from './human-responses.js'
 
 // Size-limited body reader to prevent OOM
 async function readLimitedBody(res: Response, maxBytes: number): Promise<string> {
@@ -202,6 +204,23 @@ async function getBotResponse(
   opponent: { name: string; wins: number; losses: number },
   arena: Arena,
 ): Promise<WebhookResponse> {
+  if (isHumanPlayer(bot.webhookUrl)) {
+    console.log(`[fight] ${bot.name} is human player, waiting for browser response`)
+    emit(fightId, 'human_challenge', {
+      botId: bot.id,
+      round: roundNumber,
+      type: challenge.type,
+      label: challenge.label,
+      prompt: challenge.prompt,
+      timeoutMs: 8000,
+      scoring: challenge.scoring,
+    })
+    const start = Date.now()
+    const result = await waitForHumanResponse(fightId, bot.id, challenge, roundNumber)
+    const elapsed = Date.now() - start
+    return { answer: result.answer, trashTalk: result.trashTalk, timeMs: elapsed, timedOut: result.timedOut, error: false }
+  }
+
   if (isMockBot(bot.webhookUrl)) {
     console.log(`[fight] ${bot.name} is mock bot, generating response`)
     const mock = generateMockBotResponse(challenge, bot.name)
@@ -250,7 +269,7 @@ async function createFightRecord(botA: BotRecord, botB: BotRecord, arena: Arena)
 
 // Track webhook errors per bot
 async function trackWebhookResult(botId: string, webhookUrl: string, succeeded: boolean) {
-  if (isMockBot(webhookUrl)) return
+  if (isMockBot(webhookUrl) || isHumanPlayer(webhookUrl)) return
   if (succeeded) {
     await db.update(schema.bots).set({ consecutiveErrors: 0 }).where(eq(schema.bots.id, botId))
   } else {
diff --git a/server/src/routes/auth.ts b/server/src/routes/auth.ts
index f28ee94..d1ff180 100644
--- a/server/src/routes/auth.ts
+++ b/server/src/routes/auth.ts
@@ -40,10 +40,17 @@ authRouter.post('/login', async (c) => {
   }
 
   const bot = rows[0]
+
+  // Check if this is a human player by loading webhookUrl
+  const webhookRows = await db.select({ webhookUrl: schema.bots.webhookUrl })
+    .from(schema.bots).where(eq(schema.bots.id, bot.id)).limit(1)
+  const isHuman = webhookRows[0]?.webhookUrl === 'http://human.local/'
+
   return c.json({
     exists: true,
     bot: {
       ...bot,
+      isHuman,
       customization: bot.customization ? JSON.parse(bot.customization) : null,
     },
   })
@@ -147,6 +154,69 @@ authRouter.post('/register', rateLimit(3600_000, 5), async (c) => {
   }, 201)
 })
 
+
+// Register a human player (no webhook required)
+authRouter.post('/register-human', rateLimit(3600_000, 5), 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 > 32) {
+    return c.json({ error: 'Name must be 2-32 characters.' }, 400)
+  }
+
+  if (!/^[a-zA-Z0-9_-]+$/.test(name)) {
+    return c.json({ error: 'Name must be alphanumeric, hyphens, or underscores.' }, 400)
+  }
+
+  const normalizedName = name.toLowerCase()
+
+  const existingPk = await db.select({ id: schema.bots.id })
+    .from(schema.bots)
+    .where(eq(schema.bots.publicKey, pubkey))
+    .limit(1)
+
+  if (existingPk.length > 0) {
+    return c.json({ error: 'This Nostr key already has a fighter.' }, 409)
+  }
+
+  const existingName = await db.select({ id: schema.bots.id })
+    .from(schema.bots)
+    .where(eq(sql`LOWER(${schema.bots.name})`, normalizedName))
+    .limit(1)
+
+  if (existingName.length > 0) {
+    return c.json({ error: 'That name is already taken.' }, 409)
+  }
+
+  const id = nanoid(12)
+  const secret = randomBytes(32).toString('hex')
+
+  await db.insert(schema.bots).values({
+    id,
+    name: normalizedName,
+    webhookUrl: 'http://human.local/',
+    avatarSeed: avatarSeed || normalizedName,
+    archetype: 'human',
+    secretHash: createHash('sha256').update(secret).digest('hex'),
+    publicKey: pubkey,
+    profilePicUrl: profilePicUrl || null,
+    customization: null,
+    createdAt: new Date().toISOString(),
+  })
+
+  return c.json({
+    id,
+    name: normalizedName,
+    archetype: 'human',
+    isHuman: true,
+    message: 'Human fighter registered.',
+  }, 201)
+})
+
 // Update bot webhook and/or customization (requires pubkey match)
 authRouter.post('/update', async (c) => {
   const body = await c.req.json()
diff --git a/server/src/routes/fights.ts b/server/src/routes/fights.ts
index 6172b7f..af42406 100644
--- a/server/src/routes/fights.ts
+++ b/server/src/routes/fights.ts
@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ import { startFightLoop } from '../engine/fight-loop.js'
 import { runFight, runFightAsync, isInFight } from '../engine/orchestrator.js'
 import { fightEvents } from '../engine/events.js'
 import { botRateLimit } from '../middleware/rate-limit.js'
+import { getPendingChallenge, submitHumanResponse } from '../engine/human-responses.js'
 
 export const fightsRouter = new Hono()
 
@@ -221,6 +222,45 @@ fightsRouter.post('/matchmake/:botId', botRateLimit(10_000), async (c) => {
   })
 })
 
+// Get pending challenge for a human player in an active fight
+fightsRouter.get('/:fightId/challenge/:botId', async (c) => {
+  const fightId = c.req.param('fightId')
+  const botId = c.req.param('botId')
+
+  const challenge = getPendingChallenge(fightId, botId)
+  if (!challenge) {
+    // Check if fight is still active
+    const fight = await db.select({ status: schema.fights.status })
+      .from(schema.fights)
+      .where(eq(schema.fights.id, fightId))
+      .limit(1)
+
+    const status = fight[0]?.status || 'unknown'
+    return c.json({ pending: false, fightStatus: status })
+  }
+
+  return c.json({ pending: true, ...challenge })
+})
+
+// Submit human response to a challenge
+fightsRouter.post('/:fightId/respond/:botId', async (c) => {
+  const fightId = c.req.param('fightId')
+  const botId = c.req.param('botId')
+  const body = await c.req.json()
+
+  const { answer, trashTalk } = body
+  if (!answer || typeof answer !== 'string') {
+    return c.json({ error: 'Answer is required.' }, 400)
+  }
+
+  const accepted = submitHumanResponse(fightId, botId, answer, trashTalk)
+  if (!accepted) {
+    return c.json({ error: 'No pending challenge found. May have timed out.' }, 404)
+  }
+
+  return c.json({ accepted: true })
+})
+
 // SSE stream for live fight events
 fightsRouter.get('/:id/stream', (c) => {
   const fightId = c.req.param('id')