Who is the first player to complete the Diablo 4 Hardcore Mode Race?

cArn_ is the first player in the entire world to power-level his way to the ultimate 100, not on normal, but on the much-dreaded Hardcore Mode.

If you're not familiar with his name, we wouldn't blame you. cArn_ is more well-known for his work in StarCraft 2 and Dota 2 as a professional player, but more recently, he's spent an inordinate amount of time in one of Diablo's main competitors, Path of Exile.

For the uninitiated, Diablo 4's hardcore mode gives you a single life to play with. It doesn't matter if you died fighting Lilith or any single one of the annoying creatures that might creep up on you when your health is low. If you're dead, that's it.

Souaib "cArn_" Hanaf walked away as the first to get his name carved into Blizzard's Lilith statue - a reward well worth the hardcore grind.

cArn_'s win comes as a surprise as the Ashava solo-killer, Wudijo, was leading the pack followed by streamer ben_. But, if there's one thing that cArn_ proved, it's that you can always go further faster when you have friends.

For those wondering what cArn_'s method to madness was, it's the invincible Rend Thorns Barbarian build. He graciously shared a video tutorial of his winning strategy for all aspiring hardcore players. He's also probably the reason why Blizzard thought of nerfing the Barbarian class and why it'll be the target of the nerf hammer for the foreseeable future.

As for Wudijo, he did eventually reach level 100 just hours before Diablo 4 opened to the public. Unfortunately, he's not part of the race. Wudijo had already Diablo 4 beforehand and he had tons of prep time for his solo run. This doesn't mean that his achievement is any less impressive. In fact, Blizzard might want to give him a reward regardless, even if it isn't the same one that will be given away to all others who are eligible for the contest.

For what it's worth, Wudijo has said that he did this for himself, so we don't think he's after the prize.

Not to mention, this is a culmination of years of hard work for Wudijo. Before this, the streamer was a relative unknown but he still kept on grinding and putting out Diablo videos. Now that he's one of the first to reach level 100 in Hardcore Mode, his viewers have shot up considerably and things are looking up for him.