Forging a Path in Latin America: Chile’s Rise in Medieval Combat
For years, Chile stood far from the great centers of medieval combat, but not far in spirit. What began as a small community driven by passion and perseverance has now grown into one of the most promising forces in Latin America. In November, the Valle del Aconcagua Tournament became the first official ALACoM event ever held on Chilean soil, marking a milestone not only for the country but for the entire region.
To understand this evolution from within, Magna Carta spoke with Alejandro Abarzúa — ALACoM Ambassador in Chile, Captain of Spartoi HMB, and organizer of the Valle del Aconcagua Tournament. His perspective offers a clear view of the challenges, achievements, and ambitions shaping Chile’s place in the global landscape of armored combat.
In recent years, Chile has taken firm steps within medieval combat. How would you describe the evolution of the country in this sport, and which milestones do you consider marked a turning point in its development?
As a country, we have followed a slow and hard-earned path toward the growth of the sport, marked by small participations in international championships since 2015—mainly due to the geographic distance from the main international hubs. Without a doubt, the milestone that marked a before and after in the sport’s development in Chile was our participation in the 2024 championship held in Mexico, where we presented for the first time a national men’s 5v5 team, women’s 3v3 and 5v5 teams, duelists in all categories, and took part in a 16 vs. 16 men’s coalition. We even managed to bring home more than one bronze medal.
The Valle del Aconcagua Tournament was ALACoM’s first official event on Chilean soil. What impact did it have on the local community, and how does it position Chile in regional and international circuits?
Locally, we received great support and were able to meet the expectations of what an official ALACoM tournament represents. If it left something for the local community, it was even more motivation to train hard and compete. For the outside world, it was a strong signal that Chile has both the level and the drive to compete. I have no doubt it will set an important precedent for welcoming more fighters from more countries in future editions of our tournaments.
From your experience, what are the main strengths of Chilean fighters, and what sets them apart within the Latin American and global landscape?
Chile has, above all, outstanding duelists. The difficulties we have faced in expanding the sport in the past led us to develop strong representatives in individual categories, with a lot to offer at the regional—and, why not say it, global—level. I also believe it’s important to highlight the atmosphere of camaraderie and respect shown throughout the tournament. Seeing competitors from different teams helping each other, supporting one another, and respecting the marshals’ instructions is something that should never go unacknowledged.
Looking ahead, what are Chile’s projections within the global medieval combat scene? Could we expect to host an international-scale event soon?
We have a lot to offer. I believe we are on the verge of significant growth within the national scene, which will undoubtedly bring great opportunities globally. In the coming years, we will surely see more fighters, more teams, and more national selections representing our colors on the sport’s biggest stages.
The Valle del Aconcagua tournament proved that bigger things are possible—having significant participation from foreign fighters—and the natural next step is organizing a tournament with regional reach, especially with our brothers in Mexico and Brazil in mind. But our doors are open to the entire world. It would be both a pleasant surprise and an honor to welcome fighters from all corners of the globe to our country.
What message would you like to leave for fighters around the world, encouraging them to look toward Chile and Latin America as a region with increasing presence in the medieval combat scene?
From Chile and all of Latin America, we are ready to cross steel with high-level opponents. The invitation is open: cross the ocean and share the list with us in great battles. And remember the motto “Fight and Travel”—we encourage everyone to discover and enjoy the culture and history of our countries.
Today, Chile stands at the threshold of a new chapter. The passion shown in the Valle del Aconcagua Tournament—and the strength of its duelists, teams, and growing community—signals a future in which the country will no longer be a distant observer, but an active contender on the world stage.
Alejandro’s message is simple and unmistakable: Latin America is ready. Chile is ready.
The lists are open, and the invitation extends to every fighter who seeks true challenge, camaraderie, and the chance to discover a land where steel meets the Andes.
Magna Carta will continue supporting the rise of medieval combat across continents, honoring all who keep the chivalric spirit alive.
