diff --git a/deploy.sh b/deploy.sh
index 8147261..01c12f1 100644
--- a/deploy.sh
+++ b/deploy.sh
@@ -5,6 +5,12 @@
 
 set -e
 
+# Check if running as root
+if [ "$EUID" -ne 0 ]; then 
+  echo "❌ Please run as root (use sudo ./deploy.sh)"
+  exit 1
+fi
+
 echo "🚀 Starting TestArena Deployment..."
 
 # 1. Install System Dependencies