Solo Leveling Makes History with Nine Wins at Crunchyroll Anime Awards

At the 9th Crunchyroll Anime Awards held on 25 May 2025 in Tokyo, Solo Leveling made history as the first-ever manhwa-based series to clinch the coveted Anime of the Year title. Produced by A‑1 Pictures, the adaptation also swept eight additional major categories, tying the record for most wins by a single title in one night.

Out of 13 total nominations, Solo Leveling secured awards for Best New Series, Best Action Anime, Best Score (composed by Hiroyuki Sawano), Best Main Character (Sung Jinwoo), Best Ending Sequence (“request” by krage), and Best Voice Actor Performances.

Despite strong expectations surrounding series like Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, which earned four wins, including Best Director and Best Drama, Solo Leveling stole the spotlight with its global fan base voting. The ceremony broke records with over 51 million fan votes cast worldwide, highlighting the anime’s international appeal.

The win marks a significant milestone for South Korean content, affirming Solo Leveling’s position as a trendsetter beyond traditional anime markets. Its success underscores the growing influence of Korean webtoon adaptations in mainstream anime culture.

With Solo Leveling dominating both critical and fan appreciation, industry eyes now turn to potential future seasons. Teasers for Season 3 hint at even bigger developments, though nothing has been officially confirmed. For now, the series stands as an undeniable phenomenon—one that reshaped the anime awards landscape and solidified Sung Jinwoo’s legacy as one of the medium’s most celebrated protagonists.