eSports

Joona “Serral” Sotala Secures the StarCraft II at the 2025 Esports World Cup Crown Following a Dominant Display

Published

1 month ago

July 28, 2025

Adrienn Sarkany

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Joona “Serral” Sotala has been crowned the StarCraft II at 2025 Esports World Cup champion, following a 5-2 victory over Virtus.Pro’s Doh-Woo “Classic” Kim in a dominant Best-of-Nine series.

After a tough result in 2024, Serral returned stronger to take the title. With his 2024 rival Clement “Clem” Desplanches exiting earlier in the event, Serral entered the final as the clear favourite following a flawless 4-0 fight in his semi final bout.

While Serral was expected to perform well, the level of control and dominance across the series caught many off guard. Serral started strong, claiming the first two maps of the series, with Classic able to fight back to claim two games. With the scores at 3-2, however, Serral was able to push on to claim the final two maps and secure the series win.

This victory in StarCraft II at EWC 25, confirmed his place as one of the greatest players in the game’s history. En route to the final, Serral remained unbeaten, dropping only two maps across the entire event. This also marks his third world championship title – he won his first world championship at Intel Extreme Masters Katowice in 2022 and successfully defended that crown in 2024.

“To be honest, after a 2-0 start, I was extremely confident. A couple of hiccups did not bother me too much,” said Joona “Serral” Sotala. “It feels absolutely fantastic, this is what I came for, and this is what I got. It’s the best feeling in the world.”

Joona “Serral” Sotal earns 1000 Club Championship points for BASILISK with his victory. The win moves BASILISK up to joint eighth place as Serral manages to secure the side their first points of the Esports World Cup 2025.

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Adrienn Sarkany

Hello there! I'm a 21-year-old university student majoring in Finnish and Korean Language and Literature. I have a deep passion for art and a profound connection to the natural world. My journey through life has been a colorful one, driven by my love for creativity, music, and the wonders of the great outdoors. As a dedicated student, I've already earned a degree in Classic Cantos, a testament to my appreciation for the timeless beauty of classical music. Beyond the classroom, my artistic spirit thrives through my love for painting and drawing. These creative outlets allow me to express my thoughts and emotions, transforming blank canvases into vibrant stories. My interests go far beyond music and art. Singing, playing the piano, and exploring new melodies are integral parts of my life, providing me with both solace and exhilaration. When I'm not immersed in the world of art and music, I find solace in nature's embrace. My heart is drawn to animals and the serene beauty of the natural world, fueling my desire to protect and preserve our precious environment.