Capixaba (Brazil) 2026/27

Campeonato Capixaba stands as the premier professional football league for the state of Espírito Santo in Brazil, governed by the Federação Espírito-Santense de Futebol (FES). Its lineage stretches back to 1917, beginning with the Taça Cidade de Vitória, a tournament limited to clubs in the capital city of Vitória. The structure evolved significantly over the decades; in 1930, the Taça Estadual was introduced to determine a state champion by matching the capital winner against the victor of the interior’s Campeonato Sulino. These separate competitions were finally unified into the Campeonato Capixaba in 1962, establishing the framework for the modern era. The competition operates at the first tier of the Brazilian football pyramid for the region. While the format has shifted over time, it currently features a single round-robin group stage followed by a knockout phase comprising quarterfinals, semifinals, and a final, all contested in two-legged ties. The bottom two participants face relegation to the Série B, while the top two teams from that second division earn promotion. This system has been in place since 1985, providing a clear pathway for movement between the state levels. Historical dominance is concentrated among a few clubs. Rio Branco Atlético Clube holds the record with 39 titles, including a remarkable six-consecutive championship run between 1934 and 1939. Desportiva Ferroviária follows with 18 titles, and Vitória FC has secured 10. More recently, Real Noroeste claimed a three-consecutive title sequence from 2021 to 2023. The rivalry between Rio Branco and Desportiva, known as the Clássico dos Gigantes, defines the competitive spirit of the league. The champion earns qualification for the national Copa do Brasil, the Série D, and the regional Copa Verde, reflecting the state's placement within the North/Central-West confederation for certain national tournaments.