If you’re always the one officially designated to prepare the mate for your group of friends because you have the knack for shaping the yerba into a perfect little mound and keeping the water right where it belongs, let us tell you that this is a gift not everyone possesses—and that, for the first time in Argentina, there’s a championship where you can show it off.
This Friday, October 16, Buenos Aires is hosting the first Mate “Monañita” Championship at the Mate Museum— a brand-new competition that puts the structure, strength, and durability of your mate cup to the test. Are you ready to compete? Registration is free, and admission to the championship is free as well.
If there’s one thing that sparks debate in Argentine mate circles, it’s the famous “montañita.” Some ignore it and don’t mind drinking mate from a shallow pool, but for true mate purists, arranging the yerba so it sits firmly, at an angle, and withstands multiple infusions is a true art form. And like any art form, it now has its own competition with the arrival of the first edition of the Montañita Championship.
Mate “Monañita” Championship: What the Competition Is Like and What’s Being Judged
Each participant must bring their favorite mate cup; the organizers will provide the rest—including Piporé Sin Palo yerba, a thermos, and a bombilla (all identical for everyone, to ensure a level playing field).
After an initial inspection of the mate, competitors have five minutes to build their best “montañita.” From there, the elimination rounds begin with extreme challenges:
- Structure and stability.
- Resistance to a short drop (every mate preparer’s worst nightmare).
- Durability through multiple brews.
The judging panel is made up of professionals from the mate industry who will evaluate every detail. You have until October 14 at 11:59 p.m . to register using this form.
If you don’t want to participate but are dying to see the skills of other mate preparers, attending as a spectator at the first Mate “Monañita” Championship is free and requires prior registration using the same form.
The winner not only takes home eternal glory in their friends’ WhatsApp group but also 5 kg of Piporé Sin Palo yerba, a backpack, a mate kit from the Museo del Mate (with an engraved thermos, mate cup, and yerba container), and a Purinox straw. Second and third place also come with their well-deserved mate prizes.
- 📅 When: Friday, October 16. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. (the competition starts at 6:30 p.m.).
- 📍 Where: Museo del Mate (Av. de Mayo 853, CABA).
- 👤 Requirements: Must be 18 years of age or older.
- 🎟️ Tickets and Registration: Free and open to all (both for competitors and the public), but you must register in advance by filling out this form.
- ⏳ Registration deadline: Wednesday, October 14, at 11:59 p.m.
