The Holy Ground has spoken. After four days and 31 bands from every corner of the planet, Chile’s FORCE are the winners of Wacken Metal Battle 2026!

Formed barely a year ago in Melipilla and Santiago by Laureano Starboy and Camila Sulwacker, the glam hard rock trio conquered jury and crowd alike — and they take the crown home to South America.

The 2026 podium

1. FORCE — Chile
2. Ashed Winter — France
3. Given By The Flames — Japan
4. Speak In Whispers — Cyprus
5. Seers of Light — Hungary & The Crescent’s Call — Austria (tie)

The fans had their say too: the Festival Votes award also goes to FORCE (Chile) — a clean sweep — while the Online Votes award goes to the Philippines’ SENTIENT VOID, backed by fans voting from around the world.

Congratulations to every one of the 31 national champions who made the trip to Wacken — you are what this battle is about. See you on the road to 2027. m/