Machel Montano Makes History: Wins 12th Road March Title with “Encore”

Carnival 2026 will forever be etched in Caribbean music history. Soca icon Machel Montano has officially captured his 12th Trinidad & Tobago Road March title with his explosive anthem “Encore,” cementing his status as the most decorated Road March champion of all time.

This historic win breaks the legendary record of 11 titles previously held by Lord Kitchener, a record that stood as one of Carnival’s most revered milestones.

2026 Road March Official Results

The final results were announced by Trinbago Unified Calypsonians’ Organisation (TUCO) president Ainsley King on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

Rank	Artist	Song	Number of Plays
1st	Machel Montano	“Encore”	171
2nd	Aaron “Voice” St. Louis	“Cyah Behave”	127
3rd	Bunji Garlin	“Road Man”	97

With a commanding 171 plays, “Encore” dominated the streets across Carnival Monday and Tuesday, becoming the undisputed soundtrack of the road.

A Record-Breaking Career

Montano’s 2026 triumph follows his 2025 Road March victory with “Pardy,” which tied him with Lord Kitchener at 11 titles. One year later, he has officially surpassed the icon to stand alone at the summit.

From teenage prodigy to global soca ambassador, Montano’s longevity and reinvention remain unmatched. What makes this victory particularly powerful is not just the number; it’s the consistency.

Nearly three decades after his first Road March win in 1997, he continues to command the road with the same intensity, innovation, and energy.

“Encore” – The Anthem of Carnival 2026

“Encore” was more than a song; it was a movement.

Throughout Carnival Monday and Tuesday, Montano was frequently seen performing atop music trucks, igniting massive crowds as masqueraders jumped, waved, and answered the call for, quite literally—an encore. The song’s pulsating production, commanding hook, and high-octane delivery made it impossible to ignore.

It wasn’t just played; it was demanded.

The 12 Road March Victories

Here is the complete list of Machel Montano’s historic Road March wins:

Year	Song Title	Collaboration
1997	“Big Truck”	—
2006	“Band of the Year”	ft. Patrice Roberts
2007	“Jumbie”	—
2011	“Advantage”	—
2012	“Pump It”	—
2014	“Ministry of Road (M.O.R.)”	—
2015	“Like Ah Boss”	—
2016	“Waiting on the Stage”	—
2018	“Soca Kingdom”	ft. Superblue
2019	“Famalay”	ft. Skinny Fabulous & Bunji Garlin
2025	“Pardy”	—
2026	“Encore”	—

Each era tells a story of evolution, from the youthful power of “Big Truck” to the modern dominance of “Encore.”

More Than a Win — A Cultural Moment

Road March is more than a competition; it is the heartbeat of Trinidad & Tobago Carnival. To win once is monumental. To win twelve times is a legacy.

With this victory, Machel Montano has not only surpassed Lord Kitchener; he has redefined the modern era of soca dominance. As the genre continues to expand globally, Montano remains its most consistent standard-bearer.

Carnival 2026 belonged to “Encore.”

And fittingly, the King of the Road gave the people exactly what they asked for: one more unforgettable moment.