Chilean rapper El Menor has claimed the Red Bull Batalla 2026 international title after defeating Peru's Almendrades in a grand final showdown. Held at the Movistar Arena, the event concluded with a victory for the Coquimbo-born artist following an intense four-round battle.
Efraín Jesús Reeve Rivera, known professionally as El Menor, achieved the historic feat of becoming the first Chilean representative to win the international crown in this prestigious freestyle rap tournament.
A Battle of History and Rhymes
The final battle was notable for the heavy thematic elements both competitors used to clash their styles. During the match, the rappers utilized references to the War of the Pacific and the national identities of their respective countries.
While Almendrades opened his set by calling for respect for the genre and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to compete in the final, it was the Chilean rapper who managed to capitalize on the attacks and deliver the most effective rhymes. The tension remained high throughout all four rounds.
The final verdict was delivered by an elite judging panel consisting of Jota, Jony Beltrán, Argentine rapper Trueno, Arkano, and Yartzi. After evaluating the performance of both competitors, the judges voted unanimously in favor of El Menor.
This victory marks a milestone for the Chilean freestyle scene, establishing the Coquimbo native as the new leading figure in the most important Spanish-language competition in the discipline.
