A major political upset unfolded in Colombia on Sunday as pro-Trump attorney Abelardo de la Espriella, known widely by the nickname “El Tigre,” emerged as the leading candidate in the first round of the country’s presidential election.

De la Espriella secured approximately 44 percent of the vote, finishing ahead of Senator Iván Cepeda, who received roughly 41 percent. The result forces a runoff election scheduled for June 21.

The outcome surprised many political observers and polling organizations, which had projected Cepeda to finish in first place. Instead, voters delivered a different verdict, placing “El Tigre” at the top of the field and reshaping the trajectory of the race.

The strong showing is particularly notable given de la Espriella’s openly pro-Trump political image, which has distinguished him from many traditional figures in Colombian politics. His campaign has attracted support from voters seeking a different direction from the country's current political establishment.

Meanwhile, the performance of Cepeda, who is associated with the political movement of President Gustavo Petro, fell short of expectations despite favorable polling heading into election day.

The results underscore a recurring lesson in modern politics: polls can influence headlines, but voters decide elections. After all, political analysts may enjoy predicting outcomes, but ballot boxes have an annoying habit of getting the final word.

With neither candidate securing an outright majority, attention now turns to the June 21 runoff, where Colombian voters will make the final decision on who will lead the country. For supporters of “El Tigre,” Sunday’s results represent significant momentum and a clear sign that the race remains far more competitive than many experts anticipated.