The Unidos da Viradouro samba school has been crowned the champion of the Rio de Janeiro Carnival 2024, claiming its third title in the year that marks the 40th anniversary of the iconic Marquês de Sapucaí. Achieving a perfect score of 270 points, the school stood out among the 12 elite samba schools, securing its spot at the pinnacle of Brazil’s most emblematic celebration.
The championship came after a tension-filled anticipation of the score announcement due to a contested appeal by other schools, including Grande Rio, Imperatriz Leopoldinense, Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel, and Beija-Flor. These schools challenged a supposed irregularity in Viradouro’s front commission, arguing for a 0.5 point penalty for exceeding the visible participant limit. Nonetheless, even with the potential for penalization, Viradouro maintained a 0.7 point lead over the runner-up, ensuring its victory.
Viradouro’s triumphant parade brought a homage to the serpent vodum, a deity revered in West Africa, to Sapucaí, marking its presentation as one of the carnival’s highlights. The school was the last to parade on Monday, capturing both public and jury acclaim with its performance.
Besides Viradouro, schools like Imperatriz Leopoldinense, Grande Rio, Salgueiro, Portela, and Vila Isabel also shone, securing their places among the year’s top six. These schools will join the champion in the Champions’ Parade, set to take place at the Sambadrome on the following Saturday, promising a night of celebration and a re-showcasing of 2024’s carnival best moments.
On the other hand, Porto da Pedra, with 264.9 points, faced relegation and will compete in the Gold Series next year, seeking a chance to return to the carnival’s elite group.