“Anh Trai Vượt Ngàn Chông Gai 2026”: The journey begins, reunion performance night ignites with 17 spectacular performances

Despite its extended runtime, Episode 1 proved the show's remarkable appeal by attracting nearly 150,000 concurrent viewers (CCU) on YouTube. Even after the broadcast concluded at 2:00 a.m., around 80,000 viewers were still watching live. These impressive figures underscore the show's record-breaking popularity and reflect the overwhelming anticipation and support from audiences for the return of Anh Trai Vượt Ngàn Chông Gai.

An impressive milestone achieved immediately upon its premiere, highlighting the show's enduring influence and the unwavering enthusiasm surrounding Anh Trai Vượt Ngàn Chông Gai

Episode 1 not only retraced the artists' reunion journey and bridged generations through untold stories from their careers, but also introduced an intense head-to-head competition format for the first Performance Round. Featuring the surprise return of veteran Anh Tài alongside meticulously staged solo and group performances, the episode delivered a spectacular musical showcase while reaffirming the spirit of courage and determination that defines these "men on horseback"—artists who dare to step beyond their comfort zones.

TRIALS AT THE ANH TÀI VERIFICATION STATION AND A STRATEGIC SHOWDOWN IN THE FIRE CHAMBER

The journey of Anh Trai Vượt Ngàn Chông Gai 2026 begins with the show's guiding message: "On the journey toward a brighter horizon, never forget to light the path along the way." This message serves as the guiding principle behind every decision, every act of courage, and every challenge the artists will face throughout the 2026 season. The hallmark of a true Anh Tài lies not only in overcoming obstacles through artistic dedication, but also in knowing how to illuminate every step of the journey, lighting the way for themselves, inspiring their fellow artists, keeping their passion alive, and passing that radiant flame on to millions of viewers. It is a journey defined by wholehearted commitment, integrity, and generosity of spirit.

Each team of Anh Tài then enters the Anh Tài Verification Station to complete a series of challenges before officially joining the competition. The Anh Tài Verification Station (Face ID) quickly became a source of laughter as the facial recognition system repeatedly refused to scan the artists' faces, for amusing reasons such as looking "more handsome than their profile photos" or simply because the system was "too picky."

Anh Tài face unexpected challenges at the Verification Station

To make it through the checkpoint, the Anh Tài pulled out every trick they could think of. Hồ Đông Quan jokingly suggested that the system failed to recognize him because he usually used beauty filters, and even proposed scanning his profile instead, insisting it was his best angle. Meanwhile, Will volunteered to perform 365's signature dance - one he joked was so catchy it helped children finish their meals—while playfully complaining that the scanner was far too stubborn, repeatedly shaking its "head" in rejection.

As the team struggled to pass, Hoàng Dũng came to everyone's rescue with an impromptu, sweetly composed tune, singing to the scanner and asking it to approve him because he was exactly the person it was looking for. The group Anh Chàng Nhà Bên, meanwhile, only managed to convince the facial recognition system after striking a synchronized "Fairy Ending" pose together. Taking things even further, Tùng Mint wowed everyone by performing a handstand despite recovering from pelvic and spinal injuries, determined to prove his identity and earn his way through the checkpoint.

 Anh Tài do their best to make it through the Verification Station

From the very first moments, the show cleverly broke down the barriers between established stars through a lighthearted, technology-themed challenge. Placing the artists in such hilariously awkward situations not only delivered plenty of laughs for the audience, but also gave them a chance to showcase their quick wit, sense of humor, and willingness to fully embrace the moment—setting the stage for a season filled with excitement, entertainment, and unexpected surprises.

The Những Kẻ Lãng Du team brings out all of Hanoi's signature charm to overcome the challenge

After clearing the verification challenge, the Anh Tài entered the Fire Chamber, where they were given a series of keywords to help them identify the opposing teams. Based on their predictions, they faced their first major strategic decision: choosing one team they wanted to challenge and another they preferred to avoid. The spirit of competition and tactical thinking quickly came to the forefront as the artists walked into the common room holding their "Challenge" cards to formally declare their opponents.

Thái VG demonstrated the confidence of a seasoned veteran, saying he felt completely at ease and was ready to take on any team, giving every performance his all. Hoàng Tôn, meanwhile, wasted no time in handing his Challenge card directly to Trịnh Thăng Bình, explaining that he was simply too excited to wait any longer and wanted to make his decision on the spot.

Anh Tài work together to analyze the show's clues and identify the members of the other teams

The surprise appearance of the Biệt Đội Tái Xuất, featuring returning Anh Tài from the 2024 season, including Jun Phạm, BB Trần, Duy Khánh, Thanh Duy, and Neko Lê—sent the entire room into a frenzy. Although they jokingly earned the nickname of the "repeaters" for supposedly not having the grades or conduct to move up a class, they ended up receiving the highest number of challenge cards from the other teams.

Meanwhile, Anh Tài Tình - consisting of Hoàng Dũng, Nguyễn Văn Chung, Vương Anh Tú, and 14 Casper—became the team that most competitors chose to avoid, thanks to their formidable lineup of powerhouse vocalists and accomplished music producers.

OFFICIAL TEAM NAMES REVEALED, COMPETITION RULES ANNOUNCED, AND HEAD-TO-HEAD MATCHUPS CONFIRMED

In the common room, the atmosphere turned both formal and electric as the official names of the 10 Anh Tài teams were revealed, each reflecting the distinct personality and strategic positioning of every lineup:

Anh Tài Hào Hoa: Lê Xuân Tiền, Thuận Nguyễn, Tùng Mint

Tình Đầu Rực Cháy: Hồ Đông Quan, Will, Toki Thành Thỏ, K.O

Anh Chàng Nhà Bên: Hoàng Tôn, Thái Lê Minh Hiếu, OSAD

Anh Tài Nội Lực: Hoàng Rob, Phùng Minh Cương, Đông Hùng

Những Kẻ Lãng Du: Dũng DT, Thơm (Da LAB), Đinh Mạnh Ninh

Quái Kiệt Mộng Mơ: Trịnh Thăng Bình, Thỏ (Da LAB), Hà An Huy

Anh Tài Tình: Hoàng Dũng, 14 Casper, Vương Anh Tú, Nguyễn Văn Chung

Tổ Đội Sóng Ngầm: Cheng, Thái VG, It’s Charles.

Anh Tài Lắm Chiêu: Đại Nghĩa, Mew Amazing, Huỳnh Lập

Biệt Đội Tái Xuất: Neko Le, Jun Phạm, BB Trần, Thanh Duy, Duy Khánh

At the common room, Will was appointed as the official messenger to announce the mind-bending rules of the 2026 season, which include 1 Reunion Performance, 5 official Performance Rounds, and 1 Final Showdown. In the opening performance round, the 10 Anh Tài teams will be divided into 5 direct head-to-head matchups, competing in a live “power score” showdown on stage to determine the winning side. Each team’s performance will consist of individual stages by each member, followed by a full group performance.

At the end of each matchup, the live audience will vote in real time for their preferred team and can only choose one out of the two. At the same time, the Warrior Ring award is introduced for the first time, granted to the top 5 individuals with the highest personal power scores from the audience, offering them a special advantage in the next performance round.

Through a combination of draw results and challenge card matching from the Fire Chamber, the 5 official matchups were established:

Match 1: Anh Tài Lắm Chiêu vs Tình Đầu Rực Cháy

Match 2: Quái Kiệt Mộng Mơ vs Những Kẻ Lãng Du

Match 3: Biệt Đội Tái Xuất vs Anh Tài Tình

Match 4: Anh Tài Hào Hoa vs Anh Tài Nội Lực

Match 5: Tổ Đội Sóng Ngầm vs Anh Chàng Nhà Bên

The introduction of direct elimination-style battles right from the opening round is a bold move, pushing the show’s intensity to its peak. The rule forcing the audience to choose only one of two competing teams not only creates immense pressure on the artists in terms of song selection and staging, but also transforms the Reunion Stage into a true battlefield, where spirit, strategy, and determination become essential to protect their teammates and secure victory.

REUNION PERFORMANCE ROUND – A STAGE OF ARTISTRY AND THE BEGINNING OF A NEW MUSICAL SPACE

Episode 1 officially unveiled the performances from the first two matchups, delivering visually stunning, emotionally rich musical showcases and unprecedented surprises for the audience.

Match 1: Anh Tài Lắm Chiêu vs Tình Đầu Rực Cháy

Anh Tài Lắm Chiêu: a “quirky” mashup bursting with explosive energy

Before stepping onto the stage, Mew Amazing openly shared with his teammates that both veteran performers Đại Nghĩa and Huỳnh Lập excel in stage theatrics, facial expressions, and physical performance. The composer expressed his belief that the team had already completed 95% of their preparation; what truly mattered in the remaining 5% on stage was whether they could fully let go, relax, and enjoy the moment - free from the pressure of having to prove themselves to anyone.

The combination of seasoned stage veterans and Mew Amazing’s distinctive creative direction resulted in a vibrant, multi-layered performance that received an enthusiastic response from the studio audience. Mew Amazing opened the act with a mysterious, haunting solo performance of Ừ thì, accompanied by violin. Immediately after, Huỳnh Lập stunned the audience by showcasing both his singing and an intense fast-flow rap, seamlessly integrating his signature comedic scarf dance in the performance Làm được nha!. Finally, the group’s senior figure Đại Nghĩa took over the stage in a striking purple suit, captivating audiences with a rose-transformation magic act interacting with the LED screen, while also playing live drums to heighten the energy of the song Kim.

Mew Amazing opened the performance with a haunting, mystical melody accompanied by the sound of the violin

The highlight of the performance came when all three artists came together in the mashup Mắt Nai Cha Cha Cha. The audience, along with the other Anh Tài watching backstage, were completely stunned as Đại Nghĩa performed a headstand on stage, his head just inches above the floor, while still maintaining remarkably stable and consistent live vocals.

After the performance, Đại Nghĩa humorously revealed the sacrifice behind the moment, sharing that he had endured intense bouts of dizziness during rehearsals to make it possible. The veteran artist also added that the song was already very familiar to audiences, and hearing the crowd sing along during their performance meant that the trio had fully achieved their original intention.

The trio of Anh Tài delivered a dynamic collaboration with the performance Mắt Nai Cha Cha Cha

Tình Đầu Rực Cháy: standard idol boygroup energy

Facing off against a team full of theatrical veterans, Tình Đầu Rực Cháy represents a generational convergence of boyband members across eras: Will (365), Toki, K.O (Uni5), and Hồ Đông Quan. Coming from professionally trained idol group backgrounds, they delivered a visually polished singing-and-dancing performance that set a true benchmark for boygroup staging.

Despite the pressure of limited rehearsal time and the high-risk challenge of Toki Thành Thỏ’s high-note execution after an eight-year hiatus from the stage, the group still delivered a powerful, seductive, and youthful performance bursting with energy and charisma.

A fully cohesive stage collaboration by Tình Đầu Rực Cháy, achieved despite limited rehearsal time

After the final results were announced, with victory going to Anh Tài Lắm Chiêu, Will expressed his utmost respect for the opposing team, openly admitting that their facial expressions and stage presence were far superior to his own team. Despite a sense of nervousness and tension, he remained deeply impressed by the outstanding performance delivered by the senior artists.

On the winning side, Huỳnh Lập could not hide his emotions and surprise. The actor reflected that their victory likely came from the humor, creativity, and emotionally rich performance elements they brought to the stage - qualities that resonated strongly with the audience jury and ultimately earned them the advantage.

The Anh Tài Lắm Chiêu team celebrated their victory in Match 1 with great excitement

This was a classic matchup that clearly showcased two distinct performance schools representing two generations. While Tình Đầu Rực Cháy scored absolute points with synchronized singing and dancing in true idol-style precision, Anh Tài Lắm Chiêu secured a comeback victory thanks to intelligent stage direction and a fearless, all-in spirit of artistic sacrifice.

Match 2: Quái Kiệt Mộng Mơ vs Những Kẻ Lãng Du

Quái Kiệt Mộng Mơ: a complete stage bursting with musicality and emotion

This team brings together some of the show’s top “musical masterminds,” including Thỏ (Da LAB), Trịnh Thăng Bình, and Hà An Huy. With extensive experience in singing, songwriting, and music production, alongside a catalogue of nationwide hits, the group revisited familiar youthful melodies and reimagined them through a brand-new pop-rock arrangement. The music was elevated to a powerful climax, creating a deeply emotional and immersive artistic space.

The Quái Kiệt Mộng Mơ team successfully immersed the audience in a deeply emotional musical atmosphere

Thỏ (Da LAB) could not hide his emotion as he performed solo for the first time after nearly 20 years with the group. He shared that he had almost never performed alone before, and that his self-written song Bản tình ca không tên would likely never have had the chance to meet audiences if it weren’t for the show.

Trịnh Thăng Bình also marked an elegant comeback after two years of hiatus by reimagining his hit Người Ấy. The singer expressed his desire to present a version that stayed true to his signature style while offering a fresher and more mature artistic perspective. Meanwhile, Hà An Huy delivered his hit Nhức Tiềm Thức with his distinctive emotional, tearful vocal style.

It would not be an exaggeration to say this was one of the most complete and musically explosive performances of the opening episode. The synergy between the three singer-songwriters, from the majestic pop-rock arrangement and tightly woven harmonies to the refined yet minimalistic staging concept, directly touched the audience’s emotions, transforming the stage into a true musical sanctuary.

Những Kẻ Lãng Du: 8x, 9x youth nostalgia and a “three-color sticky rice” of effort

Facing off directly against a lineup of musical virtuosos, Những Kẻ Lãng Du delivered a nostalgic space filled with the youthful memories of the 8x and 9x generations. Đinh Mạnh Ninh took the audience back to school days with the iconic hit Xe Đạp, while Thơm (Da LAB) showcased his distinctive vocal tone through Em tôi đôi mươi. Meanwhile, Dũng DT surprised everyone by stepping into a professional singing performance for the first time, appearing in an unexpectedly adorable… delivery rider outfit.

Although Đinh Mạnh Ninh humorously admitted that all three members had equally limited dancing abilities, their imperfections complemented each other in a surprisingly fitting way, creating a “three-color sticky rice” of energy and effort that they proudly offered to the audience. At the end of the performance, Dũng DT jokingly described himself as merely there “to add fun,” noting that while the others looked like shining princes on stage, he appeared in a delivery uniform—and that the moment the music stopped also felt like a release of a great weight off his shoulders.

The Những Kẻ Lãng Du team brought a nostalgic atmosphere filled with songs deeply associated with the past

This matchup also witnessed a deeply emotional moment within the Da LAB brotherhood. Thơm tearfully shared that he and Thỏ had known each other for nearly 20 years, having witnessed each other’s journeys from their carefree youth to building families and welcoming their first children—only to now stand on the same stage as opponents. He admitted that while watching his close friend perform from backstage, he was on the verge of tears due to overwhelming emotion.

In the end, the Những Kẻ Lãng Du team emerged victorious. Their appeal served as proof that sincerity and tasteful entertainment still hold a strong place in the public’s heart. A major strength of the group lay in their ability to understand and embrace their own strengths, turning dance limitations into charming, well-crafted moments that delivered a warm, positive, and uplifting energy to the audience.

Những Kẻ Lãng Du win Match 2

Episode 1 of Anh Trai Vượt Ngàn Chông Gai 2026 concluded with resounding success, setting a new benchmark for reality television in both audiovisual quality and emotional depth. The artists’ courage in stepping outside their comfort zones was clearly demonstrated through moments of relentless effort, demanding performances, and even emotional tears that reflected the enduring bond of brotherhood built over many years. The outstanding performances of the first four Anh Tài teams not only met the expectations of millions of viewers but also reaffirmed the unwavering appeal of this season.

The journey of “lighting up the path” has only just begun, and the challenges ahead are expected to grow increasingly intense. While the outcomes of the first two matchups have left lasting impressions, they have also ignited a stronger competitive spirit among the remaining teams. Episode 2 promises to further energize the media landscape with three additional head-to-head battles, most notably the fiery clash between the experienced Biệt Đội Tái Xuất and the powerhouse vocal lineup of Anh Tài Tình. Audiences can look forward to witnessing how these determined artists continue to push their limits on the journey toward an even brighter horizon.