Jessica Goicoechea secured victory in the seventh program of Spain’s “El Desafío” on Saturday, February 21, 2026, after completing an apnea challenge lasting 3 minutes and 52 seconds. The performance earned her the highest score from the judging panel and the title of winner for the week’s competition.
Goicoechea’s success followed a series of challenges throughout the program. Earlier in the evening, Willy Bárcenas and Daniel Illescas competed in a “traversaños mortales” test, with Illescas ultimately prevailing despite a last-minute modification to the challenge. Eduardo Navarrete, a previous program winner, as well faced a demanding test, escaping from an ice-filled urn. María José Campanario impressed with a dance performance, while José Yélamo successfully completed a challenging reverse driving maneuver.
Following her win, Goicoechea announced her intention to donate the €11,500 prize money to the Asociación Española contra el Cáncer, stating, “Espero que les sirva” (“I hope it helps them”), according to reports.
The program featured a duel between Goicoechea and Navarrete for the final victory, with Goicoechea ultimately emerging as the winner. The seventh program of “El Desafío” also saw Eva Soriano deliver a piano performance accompanied by Dani Fernández’s band, and Patricia Conde navigate a course of giant rollers.
This edition of “El Desafío,” which premiered on January 9, 2026, includes contestants Willy Bárcenas, María José Campanario, Patricia Conde, Jessica Goicoechea, Daniel Illescas, Eva Soriano, José Yélamo, and Eduardo Navarrete. The judging panel consists of Pilar Rubio, Juan del Val, and Santiago Segura.
