University of São Paulo students win 5th edition of WICADE

On 1 November, the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE), in partnership with the network Women in Antitrust (WIA), held the final phase of the 5th edition of WICADE, an antitrust simulation experience. The event gathered more than 180 participants, including undergraduate students and professionals in the antitrust field.

Out of the 14 enrolled teams, two reached the finals: representatives from the Brazilian Institute of Education, Development, and Research (IDP), as well as students from the University of São Paulo (USP) campus in the city of Ribeirão Preto, who won this edition.

The contest aimed to promote the study of competition law among university students through the simulation of a decision on a cartel case.

The finals took place from October 29 to November 1, with representatives from CADE, WIA, and experts from the sector. Mr Diogo Thomson, commissioner of CADE, Ms Marcela Mattiuzzo, diversity director of WIA, and Ms Fabiana Velloso, head of office of CADE, acted as fictional commissioners of the Tribunal.

Ms Mattiuzzo highlighted the technical quality of the teams, emphasising the collective nature of the contest. “The main lesson from this event is the esprit de corps. Winning is great, but being part of the antitrust community and interacting with others is what matters most, and that is really meaningful.", she stated.

Mr Gustavo Augusto, president of CADE, stated that WICADE is more than a contest, it is an opportunity to learn, make friends, and meet experts and authorities. "This is the first step you are taking in the antitrust field, as well as in the professional world. You will be first introduced in these events. Law is a collaborative effort.", he said.

Commissioner Camila Alves, in turn, emphasised that the contest is an innovative experience, full of learning opportunities. “WICADE has an important role. During the process, you learn a little about ethics, cooperation, overcoming challenges, respect, and other values, such as fairness and diversity," she claimed.

Student Teresa Lapa, from USP, said the event was a rewarding opportunity. “I met many incredible people and experts here. WICADE took me out of my comfort zone, and, was professionally innovative. The result reflects the path we have taken up until the last moment," she added.

For student Paulo Victor Viana, every moment was worth it, especially when the theoretical knowledge can be put into practice. “This is an unique opportunity that everyone should pursue. The feeling of winning is beyond words, it is the moment we feel that all our efforts were paid off," he concluded.

During the closing ceremony, the highlights in the categories Best Team in the Speech Phase, Best Speaker, Best Representative Briefs, and Best Represented Brief were also announced.

The ceremony is available on CADE's YouTube Channel!