# Wacken Metal Battle 2026 competition

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/wacken-metal-battle-2026-competition
> Updated: 2026-08-25T23:40:53.000Z. Sources: 10. Developments: 3.

The 35th anniversary of Germany’s Wacken Open Air festival hosted the Wacken Metal Battle 2026 final on July 29–30. National winners from more than 30 countries performed on the Headbangers and W:E:T stages, including Gidora (El Salvador), Elchivo (Mexico), Rise of the Shadows (Spain), and Canada’s champion BornBroken.

Chile’s glam hard-rock trio Force won the competition, becoming the first Chilean act to claim the title. In addition to the main prize, the band—composed of Laureano ‘Starboy’ (vocals, guitar), Hans Beyer (bass), and Camila Sulwacker (drums)—secured the popular vote award. Following their victory, Force announced a national tour of Chilean cities including La Serena, Viña del Mar, Santiago, Concepción, and Panguipulli. Specific upcoming dates include a performance at Bunker Bar in Concepción on August 28 and a show at Club Subterráneo on November 27, featuring their self-titled debut album.

In related news, Swedish death-metal pioneers Grave scheduled a concert in Chile for 6 October at Teatro Cariola, reuniting their original 1991 lineup, including Jörgen Sandström, Jens ‘Jensa’ Paulsson, and Jonas Torndal.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-25: Force band announces Chilean tour after Wacken Metal Battle victory

Chilean metal trio Force is touring domestically following their win at the Wacken Metal Battle 2026 in Germany, with upcoming shows in Concepción and Santiago.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/force-band-announces-chilean-tour-after-wacken-metal-battle-victory

### 2026-07-31: Force wins Wacken Metal Battle as Grave announces Chile concert

Force wins the Wacken Metal Battle in Germany and plans a Chile tour; Swedish death‑metal band Grave will play in Chile with its original 1991 lineup on 6 October.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/force-wins-wacken-metal-battle-as-grave-announces-chile-concert

### 2026-07-28: Wacken Metal Battle 2026 final features bands from Chile, El Salvador, Mexico, Spain and Canada

The 2026 Wacken Metal Battle final at Wacken Open Air on July 29‑30 showcases Spanish‑language bands Force (Chile), Gidora (El Salvador), Elchivo (Mexico) and Rise of the Shadows (Spain), while Canada’s champ —

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/wacken-metal-battle-2026-final-features-bands-from-chile-el-salvador-mexico-spain-and-canada

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Cite as: Wacken Metal Battle 2026 competition. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/wacken-metal-battle-2026-competition