[1] In 1980, he finished third in the 5th Elementary School Student Meijin Tournament [ja] and entered the Japan Shogi Association's apprentice school that same year at the rank 6-kyū under the guidance of shogi professional Susumu Itaya [ja].

[2][3] Sugimoto became the 57th professional shogi player to win 600 official games when he defeated Satoru Sakaguchi in a preliminary round game of the 72nd Ōshō Tournament on January 28, 2022.

[2] He received the Shogi Honor Award in January 2022 for winning 600 games since turning professional.

[4][8] Sugimoto is a member of the Japan Shogi Association's board of directors.

[9] He was first elected to a two-year term as a non-executive director at the association's 63rd General Meeting in June 2012.