In a dramatic showcase, the contest on the boat stage faced off with a stubborn resistance as participants clashed over the coveted password. Rafael Castano found himself matched against a stubborn opponent who clung to every chance to press forward, their exchanges a tense dance of quick taps and deliberate pauses as fingers found and then released the button in rapid succession.
On March 7, the two competitors delivered a heart-stopping duel as they trailed behind with the clock ticking. The round concluded in a draw after delivering 24 correct answers, yet the subsequent episode left viewers gasping for air as the tension carried over into the next day’s revelations.
Rafa etched his name into the record books of the Antena 3 competition by stringing together 23 consecutive correct answers in his initial round—a feat not witnessed since 2009, according to the program’s online ledger. The achievement marked a milestone that resonated with fans and fellow contestants alike, underscoring the level of focus and routine that powers such a run.
During the moment when the letter Y appeared, the Andalusian contestant paused, opting to say the phrase that signals a strategic pass, and left the question to his partner. The clue, referencing the surname of a cardinal, a revered teacher, and a minister of state under King Louis XV of France from 1726 to 1743, required a blend of knowledge and timing. After a few seconds of contemplation, he chose to let his partner take the turn, a move that highlighted the collaborative dynamic that can shape the outcome in this format.
The audience rose to applaud as Rafa received a standing ovation for his remarkable feat, while his teammate, Orestes, expressed enthusiastic support. The host echoed the crowd’s reaction, remarking that 23 hits in a single stretch was a moment to catch one’s breath, acknowledging that viewers at home likely shared the sentiment.
Reflecting on the achievement, Rafa admitted that the milestone carried both excitement and nerves. The pressure of achieving such a historic sequence weighed on him, even as he acknowledged the thrill of the accomplishment. He noted that, like the previous episode, there was a blend of happiness and anxiety, a sentiment that comes with competing at such a high level and with all the eyes of the audience watching closely.
In the final tally, Rafa narrowly missed the letter Y, leaving him one stroke away from the coveted pot before the end. Not far behind, Orestes closed the round with 23 hits and two misses, maintaining strong momentum and proving to be a formidable rival that pushed Rafa to perform at peak capacity throughout the match.