StarCraft II At EWC 25 Champion: Serral Reigns Supreme

Joona “Serral” Sotala has once again etched his name into StarCraft history, claiming the StarCraft II at EWC 25 title with a commanding 5-2 victory over Kim “Classic” Doh-woo. The win marks Serral’s third world championship, an achievement unmatched in the game’s history.

In a momentous series, Serral and Classic clashed in a best-of-nine, a format pioneered by the Esports World Cup. Casting legends Daniel Ray “Artosis” Stemkoski and Nick “Tasteless” Plott guided viewers through every twist and turn of a series that pushed both competitors to the limit.

While Serral was ultimately victorious, Classic’s play was anything but lacking, with the sole remaining Protoss player of the tournament fighting to the last minute like a true hero of Aiur. Serral, a player whose heart rate had been lower than any other competitor’s for much of the tournament, instead found himself pressured by his South Korean opponent.

Early aggression, quick punishment

Starting the series with an aggressive double Stargate opening, Classic attempted to pressure Serral immediately. Unfortunately, four Oracles, supported by a Voidray, were not enough. Serral held firm, countering with an air attack of his own before bringing the Protoss down with a devastating Roach/Ravager push to take the first game.

The second game was more of the same from Serral, who punished a canceled Nexus and shut down Classic’s quick Tempests with a clinical Nydus Roach/Ravager build, going up 2-0.

A back and forth affair

Punching back in the third game, Classic was able to overpower Serral with a late Adept and Oracle push. Mimicking his build in the fourth game, Classic attempted to even the score, but this time it was far less effective. The Zerg ace struck back hard, sniping the fourth Nexus with Banelings and Hydralisks.

After a series of unorthodox openings from Classic, the Protoss finally seemed willing to try a more traditional macro game in the fifth game. But a quick Zergling rush punished the passivity, destabilizing Classic. Only thanks to some incredible Blink Stalker play and Psionic Storm placement was Serral shut down.

Closing the championship out

On Torches LE in the sixth game, the map’s close third bases favored Serral’s aggression. His Roach/Ravager/Queen timing overwhelmed Classic’s Disruptor-based defense, setting the Finnish Zerg up for championship point.

With the series on the line, Serral turned up the heat. His incredible scouting predicted the longer macro game build from Classic. But with a composition of Zerglings, Banelings, and Hydralisks, and four Drop Overlords to devastate Mineral Lines, Serral had effectively sealed the deal. A huge rush concluded the game, while the drops landed in the Main and Natural to close the game after Classic’s economy was unable to recover.

To the victor, the spoils

Serral has cemented himself as the greatest StarCraft II player of all time following this performance. After securing his third world championship, Serral was magnanimous in his reflection.

“I was extremely confident," he said without boasting. "A couple of hiccups didn’t bother me too much."

Serral’s team, BASILISK, is the ninth team to win a championship at EWC 25. Serral takes home $200,000 in prize money. Classic earns $100,000 and 750 Club Championship points for Virtus.Pro.

Crucial Club Championship points were also earned by both Team Falcons and Team Liquid. Kim "Cure" Doh-wook secured 500 points for Liquid, while Kang "Solar" Min-soo added 300 to Team Falcons’ total.

With hundreds of matches set to take place over the next few days, new legends will rise as champions are crowned and rivals are toppled. Watch the Esports World Cup 2025 live or check out the ticket options to watch in-person this week!