Jesús Ernesto Guevara Villarreal wins Efrén Hernández National Short Story Prize

Jesús Ernesto Guevara Villarreal, a writer from Mexicali, Baja California, has been awarded the 25th Efrén Hernández National Short Story Prize. He won for his work ‘El día que hicimos contacto’, which was submitted under the pseudonym ‘Major Tom’.

The award, presented by the Guanajuato Secretary of Culture, includes a 150,000 peso prize, a diploma, and the publication of the winning work. The judging committee praised the piece for its originality, authentic narrative voice, and sensitive handling of contemporary issues, specifically those related to border contexts.

The ceremony was led by Lizeth Galván Cortés, the Secretary of Culture of Guanajuato. The Efrén Hernández prize, established by the Government of the State of Guanajuato in honor of the local writer, has completed 25 editions and will transition to an annual frequency starting in 2026.