Participants

Bertsolaris

Unai AgirreUnai Agirre From Hernani, 33, and works for the Gipuzkoa Association of Cider Makers. He started out in bertsolaritza in the Langile school, with Juanjo Uria. He was a finalist in the Gipuzkoa championship of 2007. He has taken part in the Championship on several occasions.  He is a member of the bertsolaris school in Hernani.
Amaia AgirreAmaia Agirre A native of Villabona, she is 32 years old and has a degree in Basque Philology. She gives bertsolaritza classes within the regulated education system. She won the Xenpelar prize in 1998. She is a member of Hamaika Bertute. She was a finalist in the Gipuzkoa championship in 2003, and got through to the semi-finals in 2007. She also reached the semi-finals in the 2005 Championship. She gives classes in the bertsolaris schools of Beasain, Asteasu, Villabona, Ibarra (adults) and Getaria (adults).
Ainhoa AgirreazaldegiAinhoa Agirreazaldegi From Elgeta but living in Zarautz. She is 31, has a degree in Basque Philology and German Philology and currently gives classes in Euskera to adults. She has given classes in various bertsolaris schools in Debagoiena, and has won many prizes in the youth category. She was research manager for the Association of Friends of Bertsolaritza, and is also a board member. She is a member of Hamaika Bertute. This will be her second time participating in a Championship.
Ibon AjuriaIbon Ajuria Ibon is from Gernika and lives in Bilbao. He is 32 and has a degree in English and German Philology and a diploma in Teaching a Foreign Language. He works as a teacher. In 2006, he was a finalist in the Bizkaia championship. This is his first time participating in the Championship. He started out in the bertsolaris school of Garriko, and is now part of the Gernika bertsolaris group, Lili. He also regularly attends the Santutxu school.
Uxue AlberdiUxue Alberdi From Elgoibar and lives in Getaria. She is 25 and studies Journalism. She is currently presenter of the literature programme Testuketan on Herri Irratia radio station, as well as being an interviewer on Argia radio station. She is also a writer; her latest work is a novel entitled “Aulki-jokoa” (2009). She is a member of Hamaika Bertute. She reached the semi-finals the 2007 championship in Gipuzkoa. She is participating for the first time in the Championship. She has spent time at the bertsolaris schools of Santutxu, Oiartzun, Getaria and Zarautz.
Miren AmurizaMiren Amuriza She is from Berriz, and is 19 years old. She is currently studying Basque Philology. She won the Bizkaia school championship three times and the Basque Country championship once. This is her first time taking part in the Championship. She first started in bertsolaritza when she was 12, in the Berriz bertsolaris school, and has spent the last few years running it.
Miren ArtetxeMiren Artetxe She is from Hendaia and lives in Bigara Barren (Araba). She is 24 and has a degree in Basque Philology. She has given classes in a bertsolaris school for many years, in Hendaia and in Barcelona. She has been a member of the bertsolaris schools of Hendaia and Oiartzun. She is also a member of Hamaika Bertute and the Bigara Barren bertsolaris school
Amets ArzallusAmets Arzallus Native of Hendaia, 25 years old. He is a journalist and has worked in various media. He is the son of the bertsolari Jexux Arzallus. Iparralde champion. He is participating for the third time in the Championship. He gives classes in the Hendaia bertsolaris school.
Maialen ArzallusMaddalen Arzallus She was born in Donibane Lohitzune and lives in Hendaia. She is 18 and is the youngest bertsolari in the Championship. She is studying Translation and Interpretation in Gasteiz. She is the daughter of the bertsolari Jexux Arzallus. She came third in the Iparralde championship in 2008. This is her first time competing in the Championship.
Odei BarrosoOdei Barroso Odei is from Barakaldo buts lives in Urruña. He is 21 and studies Basque Philology. His entry into the world of bertsolaritza began at 13. In 2008, he was a finalist in the Iparralde championship. This will be his first time taking part in the Championship. He trained at the Hendaia bertsolaris school.
Oihana BartraOihana Bartra From Bilbao, Oihana is 25 years old. She gives classes in the Lauro de Loiu ‘ikastola’. She has participated in four Bizkaia championships and in the last three she qualified for the semi-finals. This will be her first time participating in the Championship. She is a member of the Santutxu bertsolaris school.
Sustrai ColinaSustrai Colina Native of Urruña, he is 26 years old. He has a degree in Law and currently conducts interviews for the magazine Argia. He was finalist in the 2001 and 2005 Championships, and Iparralde runner-up in 2008. He has been both a student and a teacher at Hendaia bertsolaris school.
Andoni EgañaAndoni Egaña Native of Zarautz, he is 48 years old. He studied Basque Philology and has dedicated the past few years to creative writing. He writes novels, essays, opinion pieces, scripts… This is the seventh time he will be participating in the final of the Championship. He has won the last four editions.
Igor ElortzaIgor Elortza Native of Durango, he is 34 years old and has a degree in Topography. He works as a copy editor for the weekly magazine Anboto, but dedicates himself mainly to creative writing. He was involved in the projects “7 Eskale” and “Gu ta Gutarrak”. He is a board member of the Bizkaia Association of the Friends of Bertsolaritza. He is the Bizkaia champion and this will be his fifth Championship. He trained at the Durango bertsolaris school.
Onintza EnbeitaOnintza Enbeita Native of Muxika, she is 30. She studied Journalism and worked as a journalist for a while. These days, she gives Euskera classes in the Labayru Institute. Among the prizes she has won in written bertso competitions is that of Balendin Enbeita, in Algorta. In 1998, she took part for the first time in the Bizkaia championship, and reached the final in the last two editions. This is her second time in the Championship. She was a member of the Garriko bertsolaris school.
Arkaitz EstiballesArkaitz Estiballes From the Añorga area in Donostia. He is 22 and is studying Audiovisual Communications. He is a member of Hamaika Bertute. He has won many prizes in school and youth competitions. In 2007, he came second in the Gipuzkoa championship. He is taking part in the Championship for the first time. He trained at the bertsolaris schools of Igeldo, Hernani and Santutxu.
Beñat GaztelumendiBeñat Gaztelumendi From the Añorga area in Donostia. He is 22 and is studying Audiovisual Communications. He is a member of Hamaika Bertute. He has won many prizes in school and youth competitions. In 2007, he came second in the Gipuzkoa championship. He is taking part in the Championship for the first time. He trained at the bertsolaris schools of Igeldo, Hernani and Santutxu.
Julio SotoJulio Soto From Gorriti, he is 21 years old. He has studied Agronomic Engineering and is currently studying Basque Philology. He is the runner-up in the Nafarroa championship. This will be his first Championship. He received classes from Estitxu Arozena in the bertsolaris school in Pamplona, and from Arkaitz Goikoetxea in the school in Lekunberri.
Iñaki GurrutxagaIñaki Gurrutxaga From Orio, 28 years old. He has a degree in Basque Philology and currently works for the Association of Friends of Bertsolaritza, as a teacher on the Orality and Bertsolaritza programme. This will be his second time participating in the Championship. He is a member of Hamaika Bertute and the “Errikotxia” bertsolaris school in Orio, but has also been a member of the Zarautz, Gasteiz, Itziar and Bergara schools.
Iratxe IbarraIratxe Ibarra Native of Markina, she is 34 years old. She studied Basque Philology, and after dedicating herself to teaching, she now works as a Euskera language technician. She was a finalist in many Bizkaia championships, and is taking part for the fourth time in the Championship. She trained at the Santutxu bertsolaris school, and today is a member of the bertsolaris school in Markina.
Jesus Mari IrazuJexux Mari Irazu He is from Larraul and is 37. He has a degree in Philosophy and has spent 10 years combining bertsolaritza with journalism. He is the creator of the bertso digital forum Bertsoa.com. He has sung at three Championships, and was a finalist in two of these. He trained at the bertsolaris schools of Tolosa and Hernani.
Unai IturriagaUnai Iturriaga He is from Durango and is 35. As well as being a bertsolari, he also works as a scriptwriter. He has participated in the projects “7 Eskale” and “Gu ta Gutarrak”. He is two-times Bizkaia champion and has been a finalist four times in the Championship since 1993. He was runner-up in the 2005 Championship. He trained at the Durango bertsolaris school.
Iñigo IzagirreIñigo Izagirre From Itziar and lives in Birgara Barren (Araba). He is 28 and has completed a course at the School of Agriculture. He has worked as a theme presenter and has given classes in bertsolaritza, in bertsolaris schools and within the regulated education system. He is participating for the second time in the Championship. He took his first steps in the Zarautz bertsolaris school and is now a member of the Birgara Barren school.
Erika LagomaErika Lagoma Native of Lesaka, she is 28 and has a degree in Hispanic Philology and works in the Association of Friends of Bertsolaritza. She has won the Nafarroa school championship twice. In 2004, she took part for the first time in the Nafarroa Championship. She got into the final in the championships from 2006 to 2009, coming third in 2009. This will be her first time participating in the Championship. She trained at the Cinco Villas bertsolaris school, and is today a member of the Cuenca bertsolaris school in Pamplona
Etxahun LekueEtxahun Lekue From Larrabetzu and is 29. He studied Musical Education and gives classes within the regulated education system and also in bertsolaris schools. He was a finalist in the last four championships in Bizkaia, and is participating for the second time in the Championship. He is a member of the Itallen bertsolaris school in Larrabetzu.
Maialen LujanbioMaialen Lujanbio She is from Hernani and is 33. She has a degree in Fine Arts. As well as being a bertsolari, she also works in the world of Basque arts. In 2006, she launched the initiative Ornitorrinkus, which combined bertsolaritza with experimental music. She was winner of the Gipuzkoa championship in 2003. This is her fourth Championship. She trained at the Hernani bertsolaris school.
Jon MaiaJon Maia Born in Urretxu and lives in Zumaia. He is 36 and has a degree in Basque Philology. As well as being a bertsolari, he has also been a singer (Karidadeko Benta). He is the author of the novel “Riomundo” and the travel book “Apaizac Obeto”. He has also worked as a scriptwriter. He reached the final in the last three Championships. He trained at Zumaia bertsolaris school.
Inigo ManzisidorIñigo Manzisidor “Mantxi” He is 32 and from Zarautz. He began in the art of bertsolaritza when he was 14, and his grandfather was also a bertsolari. He is a musician and has played in various groups. He is a member of Hamaika Bertute. This will be his second time taking part in the Championship. He studied in the Etxe-Beltz bertsolaris school in Zarautz, where he now gives classes. He is also a member of the Motxian bertsolaris school for adults, in Zarautz.
Jon MartinJon Martin He is from Oiartzun and is 28. He has a degree in Advertising and Public Relations and has worked as a journalist and scriptwriter. He has also written a book, “Ero”. He is a member of Hamaika Bertute, and is the organiser of Oiartzun Bertsolaritza Week. He is participating for the second time in the Championship. He first began in bertsolaritza, encouraged by the bertsolari movement in Oiartzun. He is currently a member of the Karika and Auzlan schools.
Aitor MendiluzeAitor Mendiluze Native of Andoain, he is 34. He studied Engineering and has worked at the Gipuzkoa Association of the Friends of Bertsolaritza. He was winner of the Gipuzkoa Bertsolaris Championship in 1995 and 2007. He got to the final session in the Championships of 2001 and 2005. He trained at the bertsolaris schools in Hernani and Andoain. He also did a spell as a bertsolaritza teacher.
Joxe MunduateJoxe Munduate He is from Ataun and is 36. He wrote his first bertsos when he was 10. He won the Lizardi and Osinalde prizes in 1989. Although he didn’t attend the one in 2005, this will be his fourth time in the Championship. He trained at the bertsolaris school in Ordizia, and continues to meet up with bertsolaris from Goierri.
Unai MuñoaUnai Muñoa He is from Lasarte and is 27. He completed secondary school education and has held a variety of different jobs: cook, butcher, barman… He is a teacher at the Association of the Friends of Bertsolaritza, within the regulated education system. He is a member of Hamaika Bertute. He has participated in many championships and competitions but this will be his first Championship. He trained at the bertsolaris school in Lasarte.
Arkaitz OiartzabalArkaitz Oiartzabal “Xamoa” Native of Oiartzun, he is 24 years old. He studied Basque Philology, Vocational Training and Early Childhood Education. He has also worked as a barman and gardener. He is a member of Hamaika Bertute. He was organiser of the 2007 Gipuzkoa championship. He is participating for the first time in the Championship. He started out in the Xenpelar bertsolaris school in Rentería, and nowadays attends the Oiartzun and Pasaia schools.
Iñigo OlaetxeaIñigo Olaetxea Iñigo is from Lesaka and is 34 years old. A regular finalist in the championships of Nafarroa, he came fourth in 2009. This is his second time participating in the Championship. He trained at Lesaka bertsolaris school.
Asier OtamendiAsier Otamendi He is from Urretxu but lives in Gasteiz. He is 38 and has a degree in Food Science and Technology. He works in IMK Arkaute. He is a member of Hamaika Bertute. He has won the Araba championship on several occasions. This is his fourth time participating in the Championship. He trained in the bertsolaris school in Gasteiz.
Fredi PaiaFredi Paia Native of Algorta, he is 28, and a bertsolari, musician, ethnographer and opinion-maker. He has dedicated the past years to compiling information and researching Basque culture at the Labayru Institute. He has participated in numerous innovative initiatives related to bertsos: Txapel Bete Bertso, Zaharrak Berri Tour, Bertso Tranpak, Hudaltzainak, Payadoreak… He has been finalist five times in the Bizkaia championship, and reached the semi-final stage in the two previous Championships. He is a member of the Algorta bertsolaris school.
Xabier PaiaXabi Paya Native of Algorta, he is 26 and has a degree in Translation and Interpreting, and has also studied piano. He has worked as a translator, dubber, researcher and teacher. In recent years he has been trying to combine bertsolaritza with the new arts and disciplines. He was winner of the Bizkaia championship in 2006. He reached the semi-finals in the Championship in 2005. He is a member of the bertsolaris school in Algorta.
Oihane PereaOihane Perea Native of Gasteiz, she is 31, and has worked as a facilitator and teacher in bertsolaris schools. She currently works at the Association of the Friends of Bertsolaritza in Araba. She participated in the “Emetik bertso kabareta” initiative. She is the current champion of Araba, and will participate for the second time in the Championship. She took her first steps in the Gasteiz bertsolaris school.
Aitor SarriegiAitor Sarriegi He is from Beasain and is 32. He studied Computer Science and is an ICT facilitator at the Urretxu-Zumarraga school. He won the Lizardi prize in 1992 and the Osinalde prize in 1993. In 2007, he was a finalist in the championship in Gipuzkoa. He reached the semi-finals in the three previous editions of the Championship. He is a member of the bertsolaris school in Goierri.
Xabier SilveiraXabier Silveira Native of Lesaka, he is 32 and studying Scriptwriting. He promotes initiatives to combine rap music with bertso. He is the current Nafarroa champion, for the sixth time. This is his third time participating in the Championship. He is a member of the Cinco Villas bertsolaris school.
Xabier SukiaXabier Sukia From Orio, he is 33 and has a degree in Social Sciences and in Communications. He works as director and presenter of the bertso radio programme “Hitza Jolas” on Euskadi Irratia. This is the first time he is participating in the Championship. He is a member of bertsolaris schools “Errikotxia”, in Orio, and “Bota Punttuba” in Usurbil.
Jone UriaJone Uria Native of Algorta, 19. She is studying Mathematics. She started out in bertsolaritza at the age of 12, at the Algorta bertsolaris school. He was the winner in Bizkaia in the school’s championship, in both the childrens and adults categories. He reached the semi-finals in the Bizkaia 2008 semi-finals. This is his first time taking part in the Championship.
Iñaki ZelaiaIñaki Zelaia A native of Hernani, he is 36. He studied Mechanics and works in the field. He became interested in bertsolaritza through listening to programmes on Herri Irratia radio. He is well experienced in championships and competitions, including the Championship. He is a member of the bertsolaris school in Hernani.
Iker ZubeldiaIker Zubeldia From Zegama, he is 28 years old and works as a boilermaker. His acquired his passion for bertsos at home and through the monks of La Salle. He trained at the Goierri bertsolaris school. In 2007, he came eight in the Gipuzkoa championship, and this is his second time taking part in the Championship.

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Judges

Jon AbrilJon Abril Born in Bera, he is 34 years old. He has a degree in journalism and is a cultural facilitator. These days he works as councillor with Bera Town council, with a focus on politics. He has formed part of the judging panel for the Nafarroa championship for the past two years, as well as participating for several years in the Championship. He was a member of the Cinco Villas bertsolaris school
Aitzol AstigarragaAitzol Astigarraga From Mutriku and lives in Donostia. He is 33, a Computer Scientist, and has worked as a secondary-school teacher. He has been a judge at improvised bertso competitions since 2003. This will be his first time judging at a Championship. He also acts as a theme presenter in the bertso sessions in his town. He is a member of the Mutriku bertsolaris school.
Mirari AzulaMirari Azula Mirari was born in Durango, but brought up in Lekeitio. She is 36 years old and works as a nurse. She has been a member of the judging panel at recent championships in Bizkaia and will participate for the third time at the Championship. She trained at the Santutxu bertsolaris school.
Eneko BidegainEneko Bidegain Native of Baiona (Lapurdi). He is 34 years old and grandson of the bertsolari Xalbador. He is editor of the Berria newspaper. This will be his third Championship.
Ekaitz ElorriagaEkaitz Elorriaga From Gasteiz, lives in Abetxuko. He is 28 and a draughtsman by profession. He participated as a judge in all the championships in Araba, as well as in the Basque Country school championship. This will be his second time as a judge for the Championship.
Asier IbaibarriagaAsier Ibaibarriaga He is 36 and from Ermua. He studied Electronic Engineering and currently manages the engineering company Zermik. He is secretary of the Association of the Friends of Bertsolaritza and is in charge of co-ordinating the judges. This will be his first time on the judging panel for the Championship. He is founder of the Bajo Deba bertsolaris school, and member of the Hankamotxak school in Eibar.
Zigor LeundaZigor Leunda Native of Villabona, 31. He studied Business Administration and works in a bank. His first stint as a judge was in the Gipuzkoa inter-town championship. This will be his second time as a member of the Championship judging panel. He trained in the Andoain and Tolosa bertsolaris schools.
Joseba SantxoJoseba Santxo From Bilbao, but lives in Getxo. He is 47 and has a degree in Basque Philology. He is currently doing a PhD in Basque Etymology. He is also director of the Zubia publishing house. He has taken part in the judging at all Championships since 1993. He is a member of the Algorta bertsolaris school.
Josu TelleriaJosu Telleria Born in Bilbao, he is 42 years old. He gives bertsolaritza classes within the regulated education system. He has been a member of the Bizkaia judging panel since 1998 and has participated in all the championships so far. He began judging at the Championships in 2001, and this will be his third time on the panel. He is a member of Santutxu bertsolaris school.
Bakarne UrreagaBakarne Urreaga She is a native of Hernani and is 30 years old. She studied Basque Philology and works as a teacher-in-charge at AEK (an organisation promoting the learning of Euskera) in Astigarraga. Her first time as a judge was at the Hernani championship, and she has participated in the two previous Gipuzkoa championships. This will be her first time judging at the Championship and she is really looking forward to it. She trained at the Gasteiz bertsolaris school and is a member of Iraulio Panttalone Bertso Kabiya in Hernani.

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Theme presenters

Lierni AltunaLierni Altuna Lierni is 27 and from Aramaio. She studied Philosophy and is currently studying anthropology. She works as a teacher and is in charge of communications at the Association of the Friends of Bertsolaritza in Araba. She has been a theme presenter at the championships in Araba since it started. This will be her first time participating in the Championship. She is a member and teacher in the Aramaio and Arrasate bertsolaris schools.
Fernando AmustegiFernando Anbustegi From Elizondo, he is 31 and a computer scientist. He also presents the “Bertsoinka” programme about bertsos on Xorroxin radio station. Over the past few years he has been a theme presenter at the Nafarroa championship. This will be his first time presenting at the Championship.
Maite BerriozabalMaite Berriozabal A native of Berriz, Maite is 21 years old. She is currently studying Advertising and Public Relations. She was a theme presenter at the last two championships in Bizkaia but this is her first time participating in the Championship.
Unai ElizasuUnai Elizasu Native of Altza, 29. He studied Physical Education and Fitness. He currently works on the LANKU initiative of the Association of Friends of Bertsolaritza. He organises special events as well as participating in them: Barkatu, Bertso Estropada, Erregea eta Bufoia, Bertso & Jazza. He is the creator of the www.gaijartzailea.com portal. This will be his second time participating in the Championship.
Zuriñe IarrituZuriñe Iarritu Born in Bilbao, 31. She has a degree in Basque Philology. Her first experience as a theme presenter was at the Santutxu bertsolaris school, and in recent years she has participated in the championships of Bizkaia. This will be her second Championship.
Joana ItzainaJoana Itzaina From Baiona, she is 28 years old. She studied Speech Therapy. She is a board member of the association Bertsularien Lagunak. Her first time as theme presenter was in 2006. This will be the first time she has participated in the Championship. She is a member of the bertsolaris school for adults in Garazi.
Saroi JauregiSaroi Jauregi From Zaldibia, 31 years old with a degree in Basque Philology. She works as a copy editor for the Elhuyar Foundation. From 2005 to 2008, she was presenter of the Hitzetik Hortzera programme on ETB (Basque TV station). Her first stint as theme presenter was in the inter-town championship. This will be her third Championship. She trained at the Zaldibia bertsolaris school.
Bernardo MandalunizBernardo Mandaluniz Bernardo is from Mungia and is 58. He is a doctor by profession. He has been presenter and theme presenter at the championships of Bizkaia and Araba since 1985. He has taken part in the Championship since 1986. He is one of the founders of Taket, the Mungia Association of the Friends of Bertsolaritza.
Alaitz RekondoAlaitz Rekondo Born in Lesaka, 29 years old. She studied teaching, specialising in Special Education – Hearing and Language. She began as a theme presenter in the Nafarroa championship. This will be her second experience at the Championship. She received her training at the Cinco Villas bertsolaris school.
Inaxio UsarraldeInazio Usarralde From Usurbil, Inazio is 42 and works in EMUN Koop.E. in Arrasate, promoting Euskera plans in the working world. He has produced programmes about bertsos for independent radio station Paotxa, and also for the station Egin Irratia. He has vast experience as a theme presenter in all types of championships and sessions. He is a promoter and member of the Goierri bertsolaris school.

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    Amets Arzallus 1582
    Jon Maia 1060
    Andoni Egaña 1058
    Unai Iturriaga 1046,25
    Sustrai Colina 1037,5
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    Aitor Sarriegi 983,75
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