Protoss powerhouse Kim Jun-ho claimed the title at the 2026 GSL Season 1 Finals, held at Freec Up Studio in Daechi-dong, Seoul, by defeating Shin Hee-bum 4-2.

In the first set, Shin Hee-bum successfully defended against Kim's early Adept attack and prepared a counter-offensive with Queens, Roaches, and Ravagers. Kim, who had taken a third base, was not yet fully defended; Shin destroyed the expansion and added Hydralisks to his composition to secure the first win.

In the second set, Shin utilized a Zergling, Baneling, and Hydralisk composition to gain the upper hand against Kim's High Templar, Zealot, and Stalker army through a multi-pronged attack. Shin consistently expanded while denying Kim further bases, bringing the series to 2-0.

Kim used an Oracle to scout the Zerg composition and secured his third base without issue. Shin also opted for a late-game approach, defending well against Oracle harassment. Kim seized the initiative by attacking with Archons, Zealots, and Adepts while the Zerg army consisted only of Zerglings, destroying a base and taking the third set to record his first win.

The fourth set followed a similar pattern, though this time Shin opted for a faster transition into Roaches and Hydralisks rather than Zerglings and Banelings. Shin reached a 200-supply army quickly and launched a simultaneous two-pronged attack. Despite the critical situation, Kim utilized Oracles and High Templars to repel the attack, leveling the series at 2-2.

The momentum shifted to Kim. Shin prepared an all-in Roach-Hydralisk attack, but Kim produced Void Rays to survive the timing window before his main army composition was complete. After successfully defending, Kim secured his third consecutive win, turning the series around after being down 0-2.

In the sixth set, Shin attempted a variable by building a Hatchery at Kim's natural expansion. Kim responded calmly, dealing damage with Zealot and Adept harassment while securing his own natural expansion. In a tense situation, the game devolved into a chaotic series of base trades rather than direct army engagements. As the game stabilized, the Protoss composition proved superior. Kim induced a multi-pronged skirmish to gain an advantage, eventually repelling Shin's final attack to claim the championship.