With a fresh season just around the corner, anticipation runs high for the Summer Grand Prix. As the upcoming Monday marks the 28th anniversary of its premiere, the event returns to public television under the guidance of veteran host Ramon Garcia. The broadcast will feature the collaboration of publisher Cristini, with a guest booth and a dedicated host’s booth bringing the action to viewers. Michelle Calvo will serve as the ambassador for the participating towns, while the show welcomes the acrobat and clown Wilbur to deliver a humorous tone that audiences have long associated with this legendary program.
Hailing from Alicante, Wilbur brings a playful energy to the lineup, promising a program that blends humor with high-level performance. The combination of athletic skill and stagecraft is aimed at fans who have followed the show since its early days and new viewers alike, drawing on the charm of a live broadcast that feels both intimate and grand in scope.
Alicante gymnast Wilbur turns clown acrobat
Victor Ortiz de la Torre, better known by his stage name Wilbur, emerged as a versatile performer with roots in elite gymnastics. He trained in the sport for sixteen years and earned the national title of Champion of Spain. A serious injury redirected his path in 2003, steering him toward what he considers his true calling: clowning.
Entering the world of circus performance, Wilbur discovered the artistic freedom he sought. Guided by Jose Ignacio, a master of spectacle magic, he co-created his first show Piti y Wilbur. By 2008, he had left his hometown and settled in Madrid, where he began working as an actor, stuntman, and a widely recognized presence in advertising circles as a stunt artist with the Circus of the Sun.
His career took a new turn after a pivotal meeting with David Morales, known on stage as Captain Marvel. The two formed a company and premiered the show MonoAMonoB, which earned an audience award at the Theater and Street Arts Festival in Valladolid in 2010. The success opened doors for international tours across the Iberian Peninsula and performances in France, Portugal, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg, England, and Japan.
In 2014 Wilbur shifted toward independence with a solo project that fused acrobatics, humor, and risk. The production earned accolades at the Myau festival in Guadalajara and at the 3-day International Farándula de Valsequillo Festival in Gran Canaria, solidifying his reputation as a fearless performer who thrives on pushing boundaries.
Passion for performance and a diverse career
Wilbur has also appeared on a variety of shows, often in roles that blend hosting duties with performance. He served as a presenter on shows that showcased comedy cabaret and character-driven performances, delighting audiences with a mix of wit and physical comedy. His stage presence has extended into Christmas productions and theatrical showcases at prominent venues around Madrid, demonstrating his adaptability across formats and audiences.
Beyond the stage, Wilbur has contributed to cinema and television, appearing in films such as To All Trains, Destination Asturias, and Sad Trumpet Song. He also took on a role in the television series A Country to Laugh in 2021, a project that showcased his capacity to blend humor with storytelling across media. Collaborations with other performers and creators further enriched his portfolio, including ventures that combined technology, humor, and spectacle.
As the digital era expanded, Wilbur built a substantial online following, using social media to share performances, behind-the-scenes moments, and new projects. In 2022, he directed and presented a work titled Forest Fire, a show that explored dramatic themes through a fusion of physical theater and storytelling, reinforcing his ability to connect with contemporary audiences in multiple formats.
The forthcoming Summer Grand Prix season is expected to introduce Wilbur’s distinctive blend of acrobatics, clowning, and creative humor to a broad audience. His long history of live performance and adaptability suggests a dynamic presence that could elevate the show’s energy while staying true to its tradition of entertaining a diverse crowd. As fans await the new episodes, Wilbur’s participation signals a continued evolution of a beloved summer staple, inviting viewers to experience a fresh yet familiar blend of spectacle and laughter.
The leap in popularity linked to Wilbur’s return is likely to be reinforced by the ensemble surrounding him, including the show’s familiar hosts and the lively dynamic created by the town ambassadors and the creative team. The Summer Grand Prix remains a celebration of performance, risk, and humor, and Wilbur’s unique talents align perfectly with that spirit, promising memorable moments as the season unfolds.