Solo Leveling’s Sung Jinwoo Has Lost His #1 Spot As The MC Of The Year

by

This article contains spoilers for My Hero Academia and Solo Leveling.

I’ve been watching the incredible rise of Solo Leveling, and last year was huge for the series. The second season really brought it back with a bang, gaining fans all over the world. It’s a show centered around action-packed battles, so it wasn’t really a surprise when Sung Jinwoo, the main character, won the Best Main Character of 2025 award for his work in Season 1. He definitely stole the show!

Although Jinwoo had a great win, many believe Izuku Midoriya, or Deku from My Hero Academia, is a more deserving candidate for the title of best main character of 2025. While Deku didn’t win in 2025, he’s a strong contender and a favorite to win the title in 2026.

Sung Jinwoo Is Popular But Deku Is The Real MC Of The Year

Image by Studio Bones

Solo Leveling is easily one of the most talked-about new anime series. Adapted from a Korean webcomic, it’s quickly become a global hit, and its popularity continues to grow. A major reason for this success is the main character, Sung Jinwoo, who has delivered amazing fight scenes throughout the anime’s two seasons.

I’m a huge fan of Jinwoo! What really sets him apart from a lot of other main characters is just how cool and collected he always is – he’s so nonchalant, it’s awesome. It’s no surprise he’s incredibly popular, and honestly, when he won Best Main Character at the Crunchyroll Awards in 2025, I wasn’t surprised at all! It was well-deserved.

Although Jinwoo is very popular with fans, he hasn’t reached the same iconic status as Izuku Midoriya from My Hero Academia. Izuku has become a major character in shonen anime over the past ten years, and the latest season of My Hero Academia has really highlighted his best moments. Deku’s battle with Shigaraki has been a standout, but he’s consistently been a strong and impressive character throughout the season.

“I Feel Like Something Within Me Is Lost Every Time I Get Stronger.” — Sung Jinwoo

Considering his amazing performance and the promising character development still to come, it’s easy to argue that Deku is the best protagonist of the year.

Izuku Midoriya Could Be Voted The Best MC Of 2026

Image by Studio Bones

As 2025 winds down, anime fans are already looking forward to the 2026 Crunchyroll Anime Awards. Held annually, the winners are chosen through a combination of votes from a panel of judges and from fans themselves.

If I can’t even save this one girl right here, how can I ever hope to become the hero everyone needs?

Many fans were surprised that Deku from My Hero Academia wasn’t nominated for Best Main Character at the 2025 Crunchyroll Awards, especially considering the show’s fantastic final season.

We can’t save everyone, and there will always be those beyond our help. That’s why we need to focus on saving those we can reach. — Izuku Midoriya

He has one last chance to make a big impression at the 2026 Crunchyroll Awards. With season 8 of My Hero Academia being the series finale, this is Izuku’s final opportunity to be recognized as the best protagonist.

My Hero Academia Season 8 is currently the top-rated anime of the year, and fans are loving Deku’s prominent role. Many believe Izuku deserves to be nominated for best main character, and could even win, given his accomplishments throughout the season.

Currently, there are 25 episodes of Solo Leveling available – the first season has 12 episodes and the second has 13. You can watch both seasons on Crunchyroll. If you’re eager for more content before season 3 arrives, consider reading the original Manhwa series.

Read More

2025-11-26 14:38