Solo Leveling Shatters Records at Crunchyroll Awards

In a groundbreaking moment for anime and webtoon fans alike, Solo Leveling dominated the 9th Crunchyroll Anime Awards held in Tokyo on May 25, 2025, securing a historic nine wins, including the coveted Anime of the Year title. It is the first manhwa-based (Korean webtoon) series ever to claim the top honor, signaling a significant shift in anime’s global landscape.

Produced by A-1 Pictures, the high-octane adaptation of Chugong’s web novel and DUBU’s artwork captivated audiences and critics alike. Out of its 13 nominations, the series triumphed in categories such as Best New Series, Best Action Anime and Best Score, among others.

Voice actor awards for both Japanese and international performances further underscored the series’ reach and resonance.

Though Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End also impressed the industry with four awards, including Best Director and Best Drama, Solo Leveling emerged as the night’s undisputed champion. The event itself drew a record-breaking 51 million global votes, demonstrating the anime’s broad international support and the ever-expanding influence of Korean storytelling in the anime world.

This awards sweep is more than a personal win for the creators, it marks a cultural milestone. As Korean webtoons continue to find success in anime adaptations, Solo Leveling stands as the blueprint for future cross-media success.

Fans are already buzzing about Season 3, teased in a post-credits reveal. While official announcements remain pending, expectations are sky-high. In just one season, Solo Leveling has gone from a cult webtoon to a cultural juggernaut, redefining what anime can be, and who gets to define it.