Academicos do Samba won the champion title at the 2026 carnival in Batatais, São Paulo, a significant milestone for the school that highlights its heritage and the celebration of ancestral Black mothers. On Sunday, the school achieved the highest score among four competing schools, demonstrating its dedication to maintaining the city’s rich carnival traditions, which have been celebrated for decades. This year’s performance not only secured their victory but also allowed them to break a long-standing drought of 37 years without a title.

Founded in 1979, Academicos do Samba showcased an impactful theme that resonated with cultural pride and community spirit, which can be seen in the applause and engagement from the audience during the carnival parade. The competition this year was fierce, with Castelo, the previous year's champion, coming in a close second, further emphasizing the high standards and fierce creativity present in the Batatais carnival scene.

The results of the carnival reflect the ongoing vitality of local traditions and highlight the importance of community celebrations in Brazil. The four schools participated with great passion, with their scores indicating the competitive nature of the event. The Sambódromo “Carlos Henrique Cândido Alves” remains a crucial venue for these festivities, affirming Batatais' place in the larger context of Brazil's vibrant carnival culture.