The anime world is buzzing with excitement as Solo Leveling dominated the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, securing a historic nine wins, including the coveted Anime of the Year. Announced on May 25, 2025, at the Grand Prince Hotel Shin Takanawa in Tokyo, this record-breaking sweep has solidified Solo Leveling’s status as a cultural juggernaut. Fans voted in droves—51 million globally—propelling Sung Jinwoo’s story of grit and growth to new heights. Despite fierce competition from titles like Delicious in Dungeon, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, and Dandadan, Solo Leveling claimed top honors across categories like Best Action, Best Main Character, Best Score, and Best Ending Sequence. But what makes this series so unstoppable, and why are fans already clamoring for more?
Need to Know: Solo Leveling’s 2025 Triumph
- Historic Crunchyroll Sweep: Solo Leveling won nine awards, including Anime of the Year, at the 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards, setting a new record.
- Fan-Driven Success: With 51 million votes globally, fans propelled Solo Leveling past strong contenders like Delicious in Dungeon and Dandadan.
- Season 3 Hype: Crunchyroll hints at a third season, with no confirmed release date but high expectations for the Double Dungeon arc.
Why Solo Leveling Resonates with Fans
Solo Leveling follows Sung Jinwoo, a weak hunter turned unstoppable force after a mysterious “System” grants him the ability to level up. This premise, rooted in Chugong’s web novel and brought to life by A-1 Pictures, hooks viewers with its blend of intense action, emotional depth, and a protagonist who earns every victory. The 2025 Crunchyroll Awards recognized this, awarding Jinwoo Best Main Character for his selfless yet fierce evolution. Fans connect with his journey from underdog to powerhouse, a narrative that mirrors real-world struggles for growth. The show’s gripping Jeju Island arc, which closed Season 2, left audiences hungry for answers about the System’s origins, fueling speculation about Season 3.
The series’ visual flair and Hiroyuki Sawano’s electrifying score also earned praise, with awards for Best Score and Best Ending Sequence. These elements elevate Solo Leveling beyond typical isekai, making every dungeon raid a cinematic experience. Unlike Delicious in Dungeon, which leaned on quirky charm but nabbed zero wins despite 16 nominations, Solo Leveling delivers raw intensity that resonates universally.
Crunchyroll’s Big Night and the Snub Debate
The 2025 Crunchyroll Anime Awards weren’t without controversy. While Solo Leveling basked in glory, Delicious in Dungeon—a Netflix darling with 16 nominations—walked away empty-handed. Some fans cried foul, pointing to Crunchyroll’s role in producing Solo Leveling alongside Aniplex. Social media buzzed with accusations of bias, noting that judge votes, weighted at 70%, might favor Crunchyroll-backed projects. Others argued Solo Leveling’s wins reflect its massive popularity, evidenced by its record-breaking streaming numbers on Crunchyroll, where it outranked even One Piece in reviews.
| Award Category | Winner | Notable Competitors |
|---|---|---|
| Anime of the Year | Solo Leveling | Delicious in Dungeon, Dandadan |
| Best Main Character | Sung Jinwoo | Marcille (Delicious in Dungeon) |
| Best Action | Solo Leveling | Kaiju No. 8, Demon Slayer |
| Best Score | Hiroyuki Sawano | Various |
| Best Ending Sequence | krage (Solo Leveling) | Various |
Delicious in Dungeon’s shutout sparked debate, but Solo Leveling’s broad appeal—action, character depth, and production quality—likely tipped the scales. The awards’ global fan vote, spanning countries like Brazil and India, underscores the series’ universal draw.
What’s Next for Solo Leveling?
With Season 2, Arise from the Shadow, wrapping in January 2025, fans are already eyeing Season 3. Crunchyroll’s Head of Theatrical & Distribution, Mitchel Berger, hinted at more content during a May 18, 2025, panel at Cannes, saying, “I’m sure there will be more content in future.” While no release date is confirmed, speculation points to the Double Dungeon arc, where Jinwoo revisits the site of his transformation. This arc promises to unravel the System’s mysteries, a hook that has fans buzzing. Crunchyroll’s Rahul Purini also noted the series’ success is shaping their strategy, with projects like a Ghost of Tsushima anime in the works.
The lack of a Season 3 confirmation hasn’t dampened enthusiasm. Solo Leveling’s Blu-ray release for Season 1 is set for July 22, 2025, offering fans a chance to relive the journey. Meanwhile, the series’ cultural impact grows, with its record-breaking nine Crunchyroll Awards cementing its legacy. Will Season 3 deliver the same adrenaline rush? Fans are betting on it.
A Phenomenon Redefining Anime
Solo Leveling isn’t just an anime; it’s a movement. Its sweep at the 2025 Crunchyroll Awards proves its grip on fans worldwide, outshining even heavyweights like Delicious in Dungeon. The series blends heart-pounding action with a hero whose growth feels earned, not handed. As we await news on Season 3, the anime’s record-breaking popularity and critical acclaim keep it in the spotlight. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to Jinwoo’s world, Solo Leveling offers a ride worth taking. Its ability to balance spectacle with story sets a new bar for anime, and the future looks brighter than ever.
Dive into Solo Leveling on Crunchyroll to see why it’s the Anime of the Year! Share your favorite Jinwoo moment in the comments and join the Season 3 hype train.