The champions of Grupo Especial – the Premier League of samba – for 2026 are Unidos do Viradouro, scoring the maximum of 270 points out of 270. Second were last year’s champion, G.R.E.S Beija-Flor de Nilópolis with 269.9. Both schools paraded on Monday.

Viradouro paid tribute to Mestre Ciça, one of the biggest names in the history of Rio’s carnival, with the theme “Pra Cima, Ciça” (Up, Ciça). Moacyr da Silva Pinto, Mestre Ciça, who will turn 70 in 2026 was taking part in his 55th parade. He has won two titles for Viradouro, in 2020 and 2024, and now adds a third in 2026, and is recognised for his longevity, strength and innovation at the head of the school’s percussion sections.

Acadêmicos de Niterói are relegated.

The full result for 2026, with the top six parading again at Saturday’s champion’s parade, were: