Popular Spanish contest debuts new final round after previous one banned

Spain's beloved television quiz show, 'Pasapalabra,' has unveiled 'AlaZ,' a new final challenge designed to replace the now-banned 'El Rosco.' The previous segment was prohibited following a court ruling confirmed by the Supreme Court in May, which deemed it an infringement of intellectual property rights held by the Dutch company MC&F.

The new 'AlaZ' round adapts a format from Swiss television. In this segment, contestants must guess words using provided definitions and knowing the exact number of letters. While the core objective of testing contestants' knowledge and quick thinking remains, the visual presentation has undergone a significant transformation. The iconic circular letter board of 'El Rosco' has been replaced by a linear display, featuring new graphics, a distinct opening sequence, and updated music.

Furthermore, the physical setup for the contestants has changed. They will no longer stand side-by-side at lecterns but will compete from individual booths. 'El Rosco' was not only the show's signature segment but also the stage for substantial prize winnings. Notably, in February, Rosa Rodríguez, an Argentine who grew up in Spain, took home 2,716,000 euros (over $3 million) after successfully completing the challenge.