Chilean rapper Efraín Reeves, better known to the scene as El Menor, achieved global glory this Saturday by winning the 2026 Red Bull Batalla International Final. Held at Santiago's Movistar Arena, the event marked a historic milestone, crowning a local competitor as world champion for the first time.
Reeves emerged victorious in the final battle against Peru's Almendrades via a unanimous decision from the judges. The event drew a crowd of over 13,000 fans, who packed the arena to witness the climax of the world's most prestigious freestyle tournament.
The judging panel featured renowned figures including Trueno, Arkano, Yartzi, Jota, and Jony Beltrán. Organizers confirmed the final decision was unanimous following a high-intensity showdown.
The Road to Victory
El Menor's path to the trophy included key battles against top-tier competitors. The Chilean overcame Cuba's Reverse and defeated fellow countryman Teorema to secure his spot in the semifinals.
In the semifinals, Reeves defeated Colombia's Valles-T in one of the night's most anticipated matchups. Meanwhile, Almendrades reached the final after knocking out heavyweights such as Spain's Chuty and Argentina's Exe.
Following his victory, the new champion dedicated his win to the pioneers of the genre in his country. “I feel like this is the culmination of the work of all the previous generations, whom I also respect deeply,” Reeves declared.
The freestyler also acknowledged legends like Kaiser, Stigma, and Tom Crowley in his words of gratitude. “This might position me as the greatest in Chilean history now, but this is for Chile,” the competitor added.
In the battle for third place, Colombia's Valles-T defeated Argentina's Exe to round out the tournament's podium.
