The ultimate prize in professional StarCraft II is within reach for the 16 top players in the World Championship Series (WCS). Through the WCS Signature Series, fans can get up-close and personal with four of the competitors: Cho “Maru” Sung Choo, Juan Carlos “SpeCial” Tena Lopez, Lee “Rogue” Byung Ryul, and Joona “Serral” Sotala.

Lee 'Rogue' Byung Ryul

Rogue’s 2018 season has gone as quietly as his successful 2017 campaign, it seems. The reigning WCS Global Champion didn’t make regular final foursome appearances in any GSL or international competitions, except for IEM Katowice. His championship in Poland secured his place in this year’s WCS Global Finals, so now it’s time to see if the unassuming champ can continue with the formula that’s gotten him this far: never let ‘em see you coming. In this episode of WCS Signature Series, StarCraft II fans get an inside look at the evolving hopes and dreams of WCS royalty.

Juan Carlos 'SpeCial' Tena Lopez

SpeCial has become one of the most consistent Terran players in StarCraft II regardless of region. His spectacular run through the 2017 WCS Global Finals set high expectations for him in 2018. Lopez didn’t disappoint either as he dominated the Copa America competitions and finished in the top four at WCS Leipzig and WCS Austin. With years of global events under his belt, including extended time in Korea over the last couple of years, SpeCial shows what keeps his competitive fire burning in this episode of WCS Signature Series.

Cho 'Maru' Sung Choo

Maru has been a StarCraft II pro since he was barely a teenager. However talented he was then—and he was widely regarded as a top Terran all the way back in 2012—Maru is even better now as he claimed all three Global StarCraft League (GSL) championships in 2018. His mastery of Terran mechanics makes him dangerous at any point in any game and, this year, he’s been able to find all the answers when he’s needed them. In the Signature Series we find out we find out what it takes to go from wunderkind to the top of the esports mountain. 

Joona 'Serral' Sotala

Serral’s dominant sweep of the 2018 WCS Circuit has been awe-inspiring for all who witnessed it, but for him and his older brother Jonne, it was a dream come true. The siblings have walked life’s experiences side by side from their youth, even competing in StarCraft together from a very young age. As Jonne moved on from professional gaming to study in university, Serral had surely planned to follow… until his professional gaming career bloomed in full-force. Now, Serral stands apart as a paragon of competitive StarCraft II, while Joone waits for his brother to join him again—but not until their dream is fully realized, and perhaps the title of Global Champion is claimed.

Nonstop hours of practice, weeks of travel to far-flung tournaments and events, and waves of pure emotion in the wake of a hard-won championship are just a few slices of the pro player lifestyle these four incredible players have shown us over the years. Get re-introduced to these players through exclusive interviews and pivotal career moments in the WCS Signature Series.

Whether it’s three-time Global StarCraft League (GSL) champion Maru, three-time Copa America champion SpeCial, reigning WCS Global Champion Rogue, or WCS Circuit “grand slam” winner Serral—through tales of continuing maturity, personal growth, and professional development, WCS Signature Series lets you understand these StarCraft II pros better than ever before.

The WCS Signature Series runs weekly beginning on Oct. 4 on wcs.starcraft2.com and YouTube.com/WCSStarCraft and leads right into the opening rounds of the WCS Global Finals. Keep your browser locked here for each new episode and join us for the thrilling conclusion to the 2018 season at the WCS Global Finals beginning Oct. 26.