World’s best eSailors ready to battle it out in Stockholm to become eSailing World Champion

Across multiple races, with each potentially featuring different boat classes inspired by World Sailing Championship events, the fleet will compete for the title of eSailing World Champion and a cash prize of $10,000 USD, courtesy of Virtual Regatta. 

The eSailing World Championship Grand Final will be streamed live on the World Sailing YouTube channel from 3pm CEST on 24 November. 

Each player has competed in a season-long campaign beginning in January where thousands of players from around the world took part in three stages. Competition was whittled down through more than 63,000 races across 32 challenges to leave just 11 remaining.   

To become champion, each player must complete across a variety of races using Star, Nacra 17, ILCA, J70, 49er and F50 boats, with the final race worth double points to take home the title.  

As the countdown to the Grand Final continues, fans and competitors alike are gearing up for an unforgettable showcase of skill and strategy. Who will take home the coveted title? The stage is set, and the thrill of competition awaits! 

Here is a closer look at the remarkable sailors who have earned their spot in the Grand Final. 

Alexandre Kowalski (AlexK)

Age: 23

Country: France

Bio: Hailing from Brest, France, Alexandre Kowalski is not just an eSailing champion; he’s also a dedicated engineering student. His journey began with Virtual Regatta during the 2012 Vendée Globe, and since then, he has become a formidable competitor in the eSailing arena. As the 2022 eSailing World Champion, Alexandre is currently part of the French youth sailing team, competing in ILCA 7, and has aims of representing his nation at the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. Balancing his studies in naval engineering at ENSTA Bretagne with his passion for sailing, he also gained valuable experience as part of the data and performance team during the Louis Vuitton 37th America’s Cup in Barcelona.

Tristan Peron (Asere)

Age: 25

Country: France

Bio: Tristan, known as Asere, started sailing at the tender age of seven in Brittany, France. He moved from Optimist to 420, achieving top 10 finishes in World and European championships, ultimately becoming the French champion in 420. After a seven-year hiatus from sailing, he transitioned into eSailing, quickly rising to prominence by finishing 2nd in the Worlds. He has since organised numerous regattas and won various prestigious events, including the Nations Cup and the Olympic Virtual Series super finale. Recently, he has returned to the physical sailing scene, joining a pro TP52 crew racing around the Mediterranean Sea.

Carlos Parejo Palop (Carlos Parejo)

Age: 22

Country: Spain

Bio: Born in Sevilla, Carlos is the second youngest of seven siblings, all of whom are passionate sailors. He began his sailing journey in Optimist at age six and progressed to 420 and Laser Radial/ILCA 6. After a brief break to focus on his university studies, Carlos returned to the sport, coaching Optimist sailors. He discovered eSailing in 2019 and made fast progress, finishing 4th in the playoffs and winning the grand final in 2021 by a narrow margin. Although he missed out on the finals in 2022 and 2023, Carlos secured his place in this year’s Grand Final by finishing 3rd.

Francisco Pinheiro de Melo (Chico)

Age: 30

Country: Portugal

Bio: Francisco has been immersed in sailing since 2003, gaining experience in various classes, including Optimist, 420, 470, Snipe, and ClubSwan36. Currently sailing professionally in SB20, J70, and Dragon, he has competed in numerous international championships. In the eSailing realm, Francisco achieved 2nd place in the 2021 Worlds and 3rd at the Olympic eSports Series in Singapore in 2023. His extensive experience and competitive spirit make him a strong contender in the Grand Final.

Samuel Solano (Harder)

Age: 32

Country: Brazil

Bio: Samuel’s sailing journey began through a social project, leading him to become a sailing coach in 2011. He started competitive eSailing in 2022 and has participated in major events, including the Olympic eSports Series in Singapore. Married with two dogs, Samuel is determined to make his mark in the Grand Final, a culmination of years of dedication to sailing and coaching.

Kazuki Miyamae (FSC Kazuki)

Age: 17

Country: Japan

Bio: A rising star from Fukuoka Prefecture, Kazuki is a second-year student at Fukuoka Daiichi High School. He started eSailing seriously two years ago, sailing in the 420 class and becoming a member of the Fukuoka Sailing Club. His dedication to both real and virtual sailing has prepared him well for the Grand Final, where he aims to showcase his skills and represent Japan with pride.

Toshiki Kogure (KG-R)

Age: 26

Country: Japan

Bio: After discovering sailing in university, KG-R began eSailing in 2019 and quickly became the first Japanese champion. He has participated in several international events, including the Olympic Virtual Series Nacra Final in 2021 and the eSailing World Championship Final in 2023. KG-R has also been instrumental in fostering the Japanese eSailing community, organizing national events and content creation.

Lorenzo Sorrenti (42)

Age: 20

Country: Italy

Bio: A mechanical engineering student from Genoa, Lorenzo has been dedicated to sailing since 2011, transitioning from Optimist to ILCA 7. He began his eSailing journey in late 2019 and became the Italian champion in 2023 and also qualifying for the World Championship Final. Lorenzo is excited about the prospect of defending his title and aims to secure both the World Title and the Italian Championship.

Ramón Parejo

Age: 30

Country: Spain

Bio: A family man with two children and a third on the way, Ramón grew up in a large family of sailors. He has experience sailing Optimist, ILCA, and 420, coaching Optimist for six years before shifting to a career as a police officer. The pandemic reignited his love for sailing through Virtual Regatta, where he has enjoyed competitive success, finishing as runner-up in 2020 and 4th in 2021. Ramón is eager to claim the world championship title this year.

Sara Granberg (SGR88)

Age: 36

Country: Sweden

Bio: The 36-year-old from Sweden has been sailing for many years, but only started eSailing almost exactly two years ago. She loves the thrill of sailing, both on the water and on her phone, and she is very excited to see what the future holds in the sport.

Natalia Pryba (Antila Aquila)

Age: 30

Country: Poland

Bio: Since starting to sail in omega class regattas as a child on Lake Kiekrz, near her home town in Poland, Natalia developed as a sailor and progressed to the Europe class. She is also a sailing instructor and takes an active role in sailing camps as a trainer. She began eSailing four years ago and won last year’s European Women’s eSailing Championship.