The União Imperial samba school has been crowned the champion of the Special Group at the Santos Carnival in São Paulo for the year 2025, achieving an impressive score of 269.8 points with their enredo celebrating the 50th anniversary of the school. The competition was held at the Municipal Theatre of Santos, where the scoring was closely monitored by a limited audience, including representatives from the competing schools and the press.

The judging process for the samba schools was rigorous, with nine criteria evaluated, including Battery, Harmony, Evolution, Theme, Anthem, Costumes, Allegories, Props, and the Master of Ceremonies/Flag Bearer and Front Commission. The União Imperial's creative presentation and dedication to the cultural heritage of samba were key factors in their triumph.

In addition to the overall champion, the Unidos da Zona Noroeste samba school emerged victorious in the Access Group with a score of 268.5 points, showcasing the depth of talent within the local samba community. This event is crucial not only for its entertainment value but also for its role in preserving and celebrating Brazilian cultural traditions, attracting both local and national attention as it prepares for another exciting Carnival season next year.