On March 28, 2025, Gotzon Mantuliz emerged victorious in the fifth season finale of 'El Desafío' on Antena 3, a popular Spanish television competition. The show, hosted by Roberto Leal, concluded its season with a thrilling finale that featured four finalists: Gotzon Mantuliz, Lola Lolita, Victoria de Marichalar, and Susi Caramelo. Throughout the season, Mantuliz consistently ranked at the top, ultimately securing his win with a stunning performance.
During the final competition, each contestant faced unique challenges designed to test their skills and creativity. Gotzon Mantuliz showcased his talents with an acrobatic dance routine in the "Cuarteto extremo" challenge, while Victoria de Marichalar took on the "Columpio humano" challenge, which proved to be quite demanding. Lola Lolita performed a daring aerial choreography in the "Coreo al grupo" segment, and Susi Caramelo tackled the "Electroswing" challenge. The competition was fierce, with each finalist striving to outdo the others.
Gotzon Mantuliz's journey to victory was not just about his performance in the finale; he had also excelled in the semifinals, scoring an impressive 223 points, which placed him firmly at the top of the leaderboard. Victoria de Marichalar followed closely with 200 points, while Susi Caramelo and Lola Lolita finished with 166 points and just behind them, respectively. The competition was intense, as the scoring reflected not only individual performances but also the support of their chosen partners, who were eliminated contestants assisting them in the final challenges.
After being crowned the winner, Mantuliz made headlines not only for his victory but also for his generous gesture. He announced that he would donate his €30,000 prize to the charity "Unoentrecienmil," which focuses on childhood leukemia research. This decision resonated deeply with both the audience and the host, Roberto Leal, who has been an active supporter of the organization. Mantuliz expressed his heartfelt reasoning behind the donation, stating, "I wanted to think of someone who has participated in every gala of all five seasons of 'El Desafío' and never had the chance to win, not because they are not good but because they could not. That person is you, Roberto." Leal's emotional response to Mantuliz's words highlighted the bond formed during the show's run.
'El Desafío' has garnered significant viewership throughout its fifth season, achieving a remarkable 14.7% audience share and attracting over 1.4 million viewers on average. The show has been particularly popular among younger audiences, achieving a 17% share among viewers aged 13 to 24 and an 18.9% share among children aged 4 to 12. This season's finale was no exception, as it captivated a diverse audience, reaching a peak of 3.7 million unique viewers. The show has consistently outperformed its competitors, maintaining a lead of more than 7 points in the ratings.
The final episode also featured notable guest appearances, including Feliciano López, who supported Susi Caramelo, and Roberto Brasero, who assisted Lola Lolita. Genoveva Casanova teamed up with Gotzon Mantuliz, while Manuel Díaz 'El Cordobés' collaborated with Victoria de Marichalar. This collaborative aspect added an extra layer of excitement to the finale, as each eliminated contestant brought their unique flair to the performances.
As the season wrapped up, Mantuliz expressed his gratitude and excitement for the future. He is set to continue his journey with Atresmedia, taking on the role of host for a new program titled 'Cazadores de imágenes' on laSexta. This upcoming show, produced by 7yacción, the same company behind 'El Hormiguero' and 'El Desafío,' will take Mantuliz around the world in search of wild animals to photograph, collaborating with National Geographic. He shared his enthusiasm, stating, "I will narrate the process of how to capture that photo. In each episode, I will be accompanied by a well-known person to experience and face these animals together."
As the curtains close on 'El Desafío,' the show has left an indelible mark on its audience, showcasing not only the incredible talents of its contestants but also the spirit of camaraderie and support that defines the competition. Mantuliz's victory and his philanthropic gesture serve as a reminder of the impact that entertainment can have beyond the screen, inspiring viewers to engage with important causes.
With the fifth season concluded, fans eagerly anticipate what lies ahead for Gotzon Mantuliz and the future of 'El Desafío.' As the show continues to evolve, it remains a staple of Spanish television, captivating audiences with its blend of competition, entertainment, and heartfelt moments.
