The final clash for the prize has come to a close as Rafa Castaño secures a life-changing jackpot. A historic moment unfolded as the awards were moved to prime time, and Castaño, after a dramatic run, completed El Rosco de Pasapalabra and walked away with 2,272,000 euros.
Castaño wins the Pasapalabra prize alongside singer Diego Cantero, performer Bárbara Rey, and an added twist: he managed to finish every word from A to Z in one seamless stretch, a feat that left the studio stunned. His expression told the whole story—shock, disbelief, and undeniable pride. Orestes offered warm congratulations, and the two shared a heartfelt embrace.
Castaño’s post-win reflections carried gratitude toward Orestes: “What stands out most is his incredible talent.” The Burgos native, recognized for his long run on the show with hundreds of episodes, left with more than 215,000 euros in additional earnings and a clear message for supporters: dont worry about me, I’m thrilled he’s by your side.
For fans watching, it’s well known that Pasapalabra is filmed in advance, so Castaño phoned family members to share the moment. “My father wanted to hear I arrived at 9 and earned 2,272,000 euros,” the winner told his father, who was visibly moved. The elder Castaño remarked with pride, “He’s spent countless hours on this, and we couldn’t be happier that he won.” The interview closed with a warm wish: a big family hug.
The next call, this time a video chat, connected Castaño with his brother Alberto, who wanted to share the moment, as well as praise for his nephew.
In the Pasapalabra segment where the millionaire bonus was delivered, anticipation surged. The ongoing rivalry between Orestes and Rafa kept viewers glued for months, and the precision with which Rafa decoded the toughest words was remarkable. Each broadcast heightened the suspense, and with the bonus pool growing, fans tracked every step of the two contestants in the race for the grand prize.
Who is Rafael Castano? All about the Pasapalabra winner
Rafa is 32 years old and a journalism graduate from Seville. He runs a bookstore in the Seville capital, a venture that opened five years ago and was propelled by his frequent appearances on television.
This isn’t Rafa’s first foray into competition. It has been 13 years since he first stepped into Andalusian television, making memorable appearances on programs like Guess Who’s Who, which opened doors to Know and Win and ultimately Pasapalabra. His hobbies include reading and music, and while he has spoken about a great love in his life on more than one occasion, he has not publicly disclosed any ongoing relationship; his club is firmly rooted in Real Betis.