Léo de Paula stood out as the most stringent judge during the São Paulo samba parade, issuing just three perfect scores in the 'bateria' category, awarded to the samba schools Império de Casa Verde, Águia de Ouro, and Tom Maior. The reigning champion, Mocidade Alegre, received a nearly perfect 9.9, but notably, de Paula also assigned the lowest score among all judges to Colorado do Brás with a 9.4, highlighting his critical approach to evaluations.

In total, 14 samba schools from the elite group showcased their performances over two nights at the Anhembi Sambadrome, each judged on various categories by a panel of 36 judges. De Paula's tough critiques emphasized the competitiveness of the carnival, where the arts of samba schools are judged not just on performance but on several artistic elements including harmony, costume design, and narrative. This stringent scoring may reflect the expectations of both participants and audiences alike in one of Brazil’s most celebrated cultural events.

The samba parade is a significant cultural phenomenon in Brazil, drawing extensive public interest and attention. Léo de Paula’s role as a judge, especially his reputation for being tougher than his peers, plays a crucial part in shaping the narrative of the event. Participants prepare lengthy and devoted presentations to capture audiences and judges, which makes the scoring system pivotal in determining winners and building reputations within this vibrant cultural spectacle.