Review Madrid – 3 May 2025

Juan Pablo Ibarra, winner in the grand final of ‘Camino hacia Las Ventas’.

Madrid once again became a showcase for the future of bullfighting. The grand final of the ‘Camino hacia Las Ventas’ competition, held on 3rd May 2025 at the iconic Las Ventas bullring, brought to light the hunger for glory among three promising young toreros. It was Juan Pablo Ibarra who best understood the weight of the occasion, offering an afternoon full of commitment, connection and composure—qualities that earned him the title of overall winner.

With over seven thousand spectators filling the stands of the world’s most prestigious bullring, the atmosphere was a mix of anticipation and high standards. Three finalists, one goal: to prove themselves. The crowd, fully aware of the moment’s importance, followed each pass with interest. Calves from El Montecillo—used for the first three bouts—were mobile but tricky, while those from Hermanos Sánchez Herrero—used for the latter three—offered more quality, especially the fourth and sixth.

Dressed in purple and gold, Juan Pablo Ibarra entered the ring determined to give his all. His first opponent, a challenging calf from El Montecillo that demanded control and finesse, was met with intelligence and craft. Though the performance didn’t quite ignite, there were moments of quality with both cape and muleta, earning Ibarra a warm ovation after a warning.

It was with the sixth calf, from Sánchez Herrero, that Ibarra truly secured his triumph. From the opening cape passes, he showed variety and intent. His work with the muleta was calm and elegant, keeping the calf well-engaged throughout and finishing with an effective sword thrust. The crowd called passionately for an ear, but the president withheld the award. Still, Ibarra was given a unanimous and enthusiastic lap of honour.

López Ortega, representing the CITAR-Anchuelo School, left a strong impression with the fourth calf—the classiest of the lot. He capitalised on its qualities with a clean, well-paced performance. A missed sword strike prevented a trophy, but he was awarded a lap of honour after a warning. His first opponent offered less opportunity, and he left in silence.

Rafael de la Cueva, from the Yiyo School in Madrid, was dealt the least cooperative pair of calves. His attitude was commendable, but the lack of options hindered his ability to connect with the crowd. He was met with silence in both appearances.

Juan Pablo Ibarra was unanimously declared the winner and left the ring to a chorus of cheers. His name now stands among those young toreros who dream of returning to Las Ventas as full novilleros—or perhaps, one day, as matadors.