“VENEZUELA! THE BEST IN BASEBALL!”

Just earlier this week, Venezuela took home its first WBC Championship after defeating the United States, 3-2. Eyes were teary in Miami as the overflow of emotions hit when Daniel Palencia’s fastball hit Salvador Perez’s glove to strike out Roman Anthony for the win.

This win adds Venezuela to a list of the Dominican Republic, Japan, and the United States as the only countries to claim a WBC title. Venezuela played all three of these teams in the tournament. After a loss to the Dominican Republic in pool play, Venezuela bounced back with stunning wins against the former champions, Japan, and the 2023 runner-up, the United States, en route to their first title.

Venezuela’s stunning performances from starting pitcher Eduardo Rodriguez, MVP-winner Maikel Garcia, and Eugenio Suárez were crucial to their taking down of what many in the U.S to consider to be their absolute “dream team”. Up and down the lineup, in the bullpen, the U.S flaunted some of the absolute best in the world. Aaron Judge, Paul Skenes, Gunnar Henderson, and Alex Bregman, all of whom flaunted the stars and stripes for the 2026 edition of the WBC.

What is the WBC?

The WBC (World Baseball Classic) is an international baseball tournament, featuring 20 different national teams competing for the title of “world champions”. Brought to life by the WBSC, MLB, and MLBPA, it typically takes place in March during MLB’s “spring training”. It uses a pool play system, where teams will play 4 games in their respective pools in order to make a single-elimination bracket. It is the primary global competition for baseball, and it is comparable to events such as the World Cup because of allowing players to play for their countries, along with the national pride and popularity it brings among competing countries.

Both the 2023 and 2026 editions of the tournaments have turned the WBC from a simple, obscure tournament to a cultural phenomenon, where thousands of fans get together to support their countries.

How has the WBC become so iconic?

The amount of unforgettable moments the WBC produces is like no other. Ichiro knocking in a 2-run single to secure the 2nd championship for Japan in 2009, Adam Jones robbing Manny Machado of a home run in a crucial moment in 2019, and Shohei Ohtani fanning his own teammate, Mike Trout, for the win in 2023.

Other aspects, such as countries creating new traditions and players building bonds. During this recent tournament, Team Italy showcased its espresso machine in the dugout, where players get a shot after hitting a home run. Manager Mike Piazza joked, “coffee is like water in Italy”, along with stating he would’ve included a full-time barista if it were to be allowed.

Team Cuba superfan Pablo Avila, or as many know him, “The Horn Guy”, has attended every single World Baseball Classic since it began in 2005. His horn has become a staple of the WBC and its traditions. The entirety of the Puerto Rican team each year dyes their hair and beards blonde to signify unity, and in 2023, broke a Guinness World Record for most hair dyed in 8 hours, with 192 people participating in what they call the “Team Rubio” movement.

What’s next?

The next World Baseball Classic is scheduled for March 2030. No venues have been settled, but it is expected that the Classic will return to the U.S and Japan, along with other international locations.

Until then, Venezuela is safely crowned as the absolute best baseball country in the world.