Peru Crowned Four-Time Champion at the 2026 Spanish-Language World Schools Debating Championship

Thirty-five students represented the country at the Spanish-Language World Schools Debating Championship, securing 6 of the 12 spots in the elimination rounds.

The National School Debate Team (SNDE), the flagship project of the Peruvian School Debate League (LPDE), claimed its fourth championship title at the Spanish-Language World Schools Debating Championship (MED), held in Panama from August 23 to 31.

The national delegation, comprising 35 students between the ages of 11 and 17 across 10 teams, took center stage in an all-Peruvian final that confirms the country’s undisputed leadership in this discipline.

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The numbers are a source of national pride: Peru qualified 6 of the 12 teams that advanced to the elimination rounds, more than any other participating delegation. In addition, 3 of the 4 semifinalist teams were Peruvian, a performance that demonstrates the strength and potential of school debating in Peru.

In the final, “Parque Nacional Huascarán” (comprising Gonzalo Antonio González Sagasti, José David Stisin Wolfenzon, and Mikhail Shudnev Razgonyaeva) was crowned champion, while “Reserva Nacional Pacaya Samiria” (comprising Adriana Olenka Pazos Grajeda, Galilea Calderón Orellano, and Rodrigo Renato Figari Soldevilla) finished as runner-up. Both teams represented Peru.

The achievement also marked a historic milestone for regional representation: Rafaela Ferrer, a member of the “Reserva Nacional Tambopata” team, became the first school debater from Huancayo to qualify for the elimination rounds in a competition of this level.

The individual honors were equally impressive. Rodrigo Figari was named the tournament’s best speaker, closely followed by Sebastián Pérez (2^nd), Galilea Calderón (3^rd), and Adriana Pazos (4^th), among other Peruvian speakers who ranked highly in the overall standings.

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In a memorable conclusion, the delegation officially announced Peru’s bid to host MED 2027, an exciting challenge for the entire Spanish-speaking debate community.

In this way, Peru secured its fourth championship title in the discipline, confirming that Peruvian school debating not only competes but leads, develops critical-thinking citizens, and proudly raises the country’s profile around the world.