[14][15] In December 2016, Satō defeated Shōta Chida 2 games to none to win the 2nd Eiō Tournament.
[16] The victory meant that Satō qualified to play the winner of a tournament involving top computer shogi programs in a two-game match the following Spring.
[19] In October 2022, Satō became the first shogi professional to be disqualified during an official game for non-compliance with the JSA's rules regarding the wearing of face masks.
In February 2022, the JSA instituted new provisional rules for official game play that had previously only be recommended practices in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan.
Satō unhappy with this result claimed his removal of the mask was unintentional and that he should have been warned before being disqualified, but his protest was denied.
Satō was advised that he could submit a formal grievance in writing about the matter if he was unwilling to accept the decision.
Satō submitted such a grievance on November 1, 2022, stating that he apologized for what happened but also that the JSA's response was excessive and that he should have been warned first.
[26][27] In addition to awards for shogi, Satō was selected as one of GQ Japan's "Men of the Year" for 2017.