SAMBA
SCHOOLS
The giants of the Sambadrome.
⭐ Special Group
The "Grupo Especial" represents the elite tier of Rio's carnival. These 12 schools compete for the championship title in a spectacle watched by millions. Listed by last season's finish.
Unidos do Viradouro
Est. 1946
Distinguished by its high-tempo energy, innovative choreography, and visual grandeur.
2026 RESULT
1st in Special Group · Champion 🏆
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
2026
Beija-Flor de Nilópolis
Est. 1948
A dominant force known for its massive, luxurious productions and perfectionist approach to detail.
2026 RESULT
2nd in Special Group
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
2018
Unidos de Vila Isabel
Est. 1946
Celebrates the bohemian spirit and musical legacy of its namesake neighborhood.
2026 RESULT
3rd in Special Group
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
2013
Acadêmicos do Salgueiro
Est. 1953
A pioneer in showcasing Afro-Brazilian history and culture with vibrant red and white displays.
2026 RESULT
4th in Special Group
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
2009
Imperatriz Leopoldinense
Est. 1959
Renowned for its refined technical execution and sophisticated cultural storytelling.
2026 RESULT
5th in Special Group
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
2023
Estação Primeira de Mangueira
Est. 1928
An iconic powerhouse famous for its pink and green colors and unique one-beat drumming style.
2026 RESULT
6th in Special Group
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
2019
Unidos da Tijuca
Est. 1931
A modern innovator known for using surprising stagecraft and creative visual effects.
2026 RESULT
7th in Special Group
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
2014
Acadêmicos do Grande Rio
Est. 1988
Often called the 'school of celebrities,' it brings modern glamour and spectacular production to the parade.
2026 RESULT
8th in Special Group
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
2022
Paraíso do Tuiuti
Est. 1952
Gains acclaim for its bold social commentary and powerful thematic messages.
2026 RESULT
9th in Special Group
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
-
Portela
Est. 1923
The majestic 'Eagle' of samba, representing the deepest traditions and historical roots of the art form.
2026 RESULT
10th in Special Group
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
2017
Mocidade Independente de Padre Miguel
Est. 1955
Famous for 'futuristic' themes and a legendary drum section at the heart of Padre Miguel.
2026 RESULT
11th in Special Group
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
2017
União de Maricá
Est. 2015
A fast-growing school from the city of Maricá that showcases the culture and potential of the region.
2026 RESULT
1st in Série Ouro · Promoted
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
-
🥇 Série Ouro (Gold Series)
The "Série Ouro" is the access group - the gateway to the elite. These 17 schools bring passion and hunger, fighting for a spot in the Special Group. Listed by last season's finish.
Acadêmicos de Niterói
Est. 2018
A young and energetic school from Niterói founded in 2018, known for its passionate community and rising presence in Rio's Carnival.
2026 RESULT
12th in Special Group · Relegated
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
-
Império Serrano
Est. 1947
One of Rio's most traditional schools, founded by stevedores and known for its musical excellence.
2026 RESULT
2nd in Série Ouro
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
1982
Unidos de Padre Miguel (UPM)
Est. 1957
A deeply community-rooted school that recently fought its way back to the elite Special Group.
2026 RESULT
3rd in Série Ouro
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
-
União da Ilha do Governador
Est. 1953
Famous for its lighthearted, festive carnival themes that often become street anthems.
2026 RESULT
4th in Série Ouro
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
-
Em Cima da Hora
Est. 1959
Legendary for producing the 1976 samba 'Os Sertões,' a masterpiece of the genre.
2026 RESULT
5th in Série Ouro
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
-
Estácio de Sá
Est. 1955
Known as the 'Berço do Samba' (Cradle of Samba), traces its lineage to the first samba school in history.
2026 RESULT
6th in Série Ouro
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
1992
Unidos do Porto da Pedra
Est. 1978
The 'Tiger of São Gonçalo,' serves as the main cultural ambassador for the city of São Gonçalo.
2026 RESULT
7th in Série Ouro
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
-
Acadêmicos de Vigário Geral
Est. 1991
Recognized for its strong social projects within the Vigário Geral neighborhood.
2026 RESULT
8th in Série Ouro
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
-
Botafogo Samba Clube
Est. 2018
Founded by fans of the Botafogo football club, has seen a rapid rise through the divisions.
2026 RESULT
9th in Série Ouro
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
-
União do Parque Acari
Est. 2018
A newer school formed by the fusion of two neighborhood groups with deep roots in the Acari community.
2026 RESULT
10th in Série Ouro
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
-
Unidos da Ponte
Est. 1952
A historic school from São João de Meriti that pioneered leadership by appointing the first female president of a samba school.
2026 RESULT
11th in Série Ouro
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
-
Unidos de Bangu
Est. 1937
The oldest active school in Rio's West Zone, founded by workers of the historic Bangu Textile Factory.
2026 RESULT
12th in Série Ouro
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
-
Arranco
Est. 1973
A traditional school from Engenho de Dentro that evolved from one of the neighborhood's most popular carnival blocks.
2026 RESULT
13th in Série Ouro
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
-
Inocentes de Belford Roxo
Est. 1993
Known as 'Caçulinha da Baixada,' features a white dove as its primary symbol.
2026 RESULT
14th in Série Ouro
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
-
Unidos do Jacarezinho
Est. 1966
Represents the Jacarezinho community, iconic for its alligator mascot and vibrant pink colors.
2026 RESULT
15th in Série Ouro
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
-
Acadêmicos de Santa Cruz
Est. 1959
A community school carrying the samba tradition of Rio's far West Zone neighborhood of Santa Cruz.
2026 RESULT
1st in Série Prata · Promoted
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
-
São Clemente
Est. 1961
A Zona Sul school famous for its irreverent humor and satirical, crowd-pleasing themes.
2026 RESULT
2nd in Série Prata · Promoted
CHAMPIONSHIPS
LAST VICTORY
-