Madrid native Chuty seized the long-anticipated crown at the International Final, capping a legend of a career that shone brightest on the Red Bull stage. In a defining moment, he toppled arch-rival Aczino, Argentinian Mecha, and Colombian Fat N, sealing his status with the sport’s most coveted trophy.
Chuty’s milestone goes beyond the prestige of the international championship. It embodies a narrative shaped by his ascent and the fierce battles that forged his reputation, a journey closely tied to the most famous clashes in the Mother of all wars and Vallecano’s enduring saga.
His victory marks more than a personal triumph over past defeats; it signals a liberation that elevated him toward the pantheon of the sport. It stands as testimony to his influence and endurance, reinforcing why he is regarded as one of the greatest competitors in freestyle history.
Along the way, controversial skirmishes with Jony Beltrán in 2013 and 2016, and a dramatic moment against Yenky One in 2017, fed debates over who earns the title of GOAT, or The Greatest of All Time. While many followers believed their idol would retreat from the Red Bull stage after earlier highs, Aczino expanded his legend by claiming three world championships instead.
Chuty didn’t merely reach the summit; he challenged the Aczino myth, halting his Red Bull run and making a fourth world title seem unattainable. The rivalry culminated in the most anticipated duel of the era, the Spaniard versus the Aztec on the Red Bull stage, bringing together more than a decade of fierce competition in Movistar Arena, Bogotá, with millions watching the live broadcast.
The duel’s symbolism extended far beyond the prize or the path to the semi-finals. Chuty seized a moment to demand a rightful place in history, quieting a critic who had doubted the Spaniard after recent successes. The Mexican challenger faced a tough setback in the later rounds as the field tightened around the top spots.
After the event, Aczino’s Red Bull fate appeared uncertain, suggesting his appearance in future editions might be limited. The conclusion left a lasting impression on the scene, even as the door opened for new generations to pursue the throne.
“I am thrilled to win the championship I set out for. Thank you for your support and love all year. See you next year in Spain”, Chuty remarked soon after organizers announced Spain as host for 2024, five years after Bnet’s coronation in 2019.
Chuty’s rise featured not only the famous quarter-final upset over Aczino but also a steady showing against other top contenders, demonstrating a combination of forceful delivery, strategic clarity, and adaptability. The Madrid native faced Uruguayan champion Spektro and 2022 bronze medalist Mecha of Argentina in the round of 16, underscoring the depth of the field and the significance of every matchup.
Mecha has again proven himself among the strongest competitors on the Spanish-speaking circuit. After defeating Chilean Nitro to claim third place, he earned bronze for the second year in a row, reinforcing Argentina’s standing as a reliable talent pool for the sport.
In the climactic round, Chuty faced Colombian Fat N., who emerged as the day’s revelation. Bolstered by the crowd’s energy and a surge of momentum, Fat N. did not back down but faced a decisive encounter as the Spaniard closed the evening with a stark finish.
Fat N. also marked his international debut with a silver medal performance, one of the most discussed battles of the season. The opening duel pitted Gazir against a rising field, with the Asturian seen as a perennial candidate for the Red Bull throne and a contender for all-time rankings. Gazir had previously earned bronze in Chile in 2021 and runner-up in Mexico in 2022, signaling ongoing greatness on the podiums.
Despite the electric atmosphere, the event was marred by controversy and the loudness of the crowd, culminating in Gazir’s early elimination. This outcome is viewed by many as a potential turning point for the industry, spotlighting the tension between performance and adjudication.