Soccer player Erick Pulgar and para table tennis athlete Ignacio Torres received the prestigious Mejor de los Mejores award from the Chilean Circle of Sports Journalists at a ceremony in the Teatro Municipal de Las Condes. Both stood out for their exceptional achievements throughout the year. The award, given since 1951, honors top athletes based on votes from specialized press.
In an emotional ceremony at the Teatro Municipal de Las Condes, the Chilean Circle of Sports Journalists awarded its traditional Mejor de los Mejores prize to 31-year-old Flamengo midfielder Erick Pulgar and 23-year-old para table tennis player Ignacio Torres. This recognition, dating back to 1951 and based on votes from specialized critics, celebrates outstanding seasons in conventional and paralympic categories.
Pulgar experienced his most successful year since debuting in 2011 with Deportes Antofagasta. With the Brazilian team, he won the Campeonato Carioca, Supercopa, Copa Libertadores, Brasileirão, Derbi de las Américas, and Challenger Cup, the latter two as part of the Copa Intercontinental, where each pre-final stage grants an official international title.
Meanwhile, Torres achieved a historic milestone by becoming the world number one in class 6 of the ITTF World Para Ranking in mid-August. This was solidified after his victory at the ITTF Para Elite Spokane 2025 in the United States, adding to six prior titles that year. His ranking positions him as a strong contender for a medal at the 2028 Los Angeles Paralympic Games.
Both athletes also secured prizes in their specific disciplines, among the 70 awards distributed (56 conventional and 14 paralympic). The selection occurred on December 17, with attendance from officials including Sports Minister Jaime Pizarro and Circle President Pablo Vargas Zec, under notarial certification.
The event featured special distinctions: Esteban González as best coach, former athletes Marisol Ibarra and Juan Olivares as standouts, and recognitions for promising talents like Bruno Miranda and Diego Parra, along with awards to sports journalists.
