Antorcha academic contest returns to Costa Rican television

The academic television competition Antorcha is returning to Costa Rican television for its 2026 season. Developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Public Education and the Ministry of Culture and Youth, the program aims to celebrate academic dedication and personal growth among young people.

This season focuses on the province of Heredia, featuring 63 students from nine different educational institutions. The competition will consist of six episodes, beginning on October 18 and concluding with a live final on November 29 at the Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica operations center in Heredia.

Unlike traditional quiz shows, the modern format evaluates a broad range of skills beyond rote memorization, including financial education, collaborative teamwork, and critical decision-making under pressure. The program, originally established in the 1980s by Professor Mario Arguedas, will be hosted by Verónica González.