Global eSailing elite ready to contest World Championship Final in Gdynia

After a hectic season of online qualifiers, the 12 finalists will face off in a high-stakes live in-person races designed to test their skill, strategy, and nerve. The championship will feature a series of eight fleet races using J70, ILCA, 49er, Nacra 17, FE28R, Star, Offshore Racer and F50 boats, after which the two lowest-scoring competitors will be eliminated. The remaining 10 sailors will then advance to a final, winner-takes-all medal race to decide the 2025 eSailing World Champion. 

“Every year, the eSailing Worlds Final pushes the limits of our discipline. These 12 players are the best in the world, and their journey to Gdynia reflects the highest level of competition in esports. Strategy, composure, and excellence — this is what makes eSailing a sport of its own and a global stage worth watching,” said Tom Gauthier, CEO of Virtual Regatta. 

“As a proud citizen of Gdynia and Vice President of World Sailing, I am excited to see the eSailing World Championship coming to our city,” said Tomasz Chamera, Vice President of World Sailing. “This event not only showcases the dynamic future of sailing through innovation and digital engagement, but it also highlights Gdynia’s increasing role as a modern hub hosting international sailing events. I am confident that both the competitors and the global audience will be impressed by what Gdynia has to offer – live and virtually.” 

This year’s final is packed with compelling storylines adding additional tension to the big occasion. France’s Tristan Péron (Asere), the 2023 eSailing World Champion, is back once again with hopes of regaining the title against a formidable fleet of challengers. Amongst the leading contenders for the title are several more finalists from last year’s showdown, including Sara Granberg (SGR88), Lorenzo Sorrenti (Lorenzo), Kazuki Miyamae (FSC-Kazuki), and Samuel Solano Lopes Junior (Harder), all looking to use that experience to their advantage.

Among the veterans, Asere (FRA) stands out with one of the most consistent records in eSailing history, having now qualified for his sixth final in eight years—including five consecutive appearances and a previous World Championship victory. Lorenzo (ITA) also demonstrates remarkable consistency, marking his third straight final appearance.

The fleet also features rising stars and seasoned competitors with impressive backgrounds. Kazuki will be celebrating his 18th birthday just a week before the event, hoping a world title will be the ultimate present. Jose Godi (BRA) brings a wealth of experience to the final, having competed in 2023’s Olympic Esports Week in Singapore, while FC RICH (JPN) is a former finalist from the 2023 World Championship in Trieste.

This will also be the first final since 2019 not to feature a player from the United Kingdom – meaning a new champion is guaranteed after reigning champion Arthur Farley (F7 RS) failed to make the top 12.

In a powerful display of resilience and dedication, Kyrylo Dolhov (NaVi 767) of Ukraine is making the journey to the live event in Poland by car from his home in Eastern Ukraine, determined to represent his country on the world stage.

The entire final will be streamed live on the World Sailing YouTube Channel and the Virtual Regatta YouTube and Twitch channels for sailing and esports fans around the world to watch.

eSailing World Championship Grand Finalists

• Jose Antonio Godinho (Josegodi) BRAJG9
• Tristan Péron (asere) FRATP41
• Kyrylo Dolhov (NaVi 767) UKRKD9
• Kazuki Miyamae (FSC-Kazuki) JPNKM58
• Samuel Solano Lopes Junior (Harder) BRASJ4
• Joakim Romell (Romell) SWEJR16
• Yuko Furukawa (Yuko_31657) JPNYF6
• Yuya Takubo (FC RICH) JPNYT36
• Lorenzo Sorrenti (Lorenzo) ITALS85
• José Mendes (zemendes-RS) PORJM39
• Sara Granberg (SGR88) SWESG11
• Bartosz Szydłowski (Szydlo Finn) POLBS3