MBA Case Competition 2026 - Esade Pre-selection

After celebrating the fantastic 30th anniversary of the Roland Berger - IESE International MBA Case Competition this spring, we’re excited to continue this long-standing tradition - and we would be delighted to have Esade on board again for the upcoming edition in 2026.

As every year, we are pleased to invite Esade to participate in this prestigious global event, co-hosted annually by Roland Berger and IESE Business School in Barcelona since 1995. Over the years, the competition has united leading MBA programs from Europe, Asia, and the United States, and has grown into one of the most prominent events of its kind.

The event gives first-year MBA students a unique opportunity to solve a real-world business challenge, showcase their strategic thinking, and present their solutions to a jury panel of distinguished business leaders. Throughout the competition, teams receive guidance and feedback from experienced Roland Berger consultants, supporting their analysis and sharpening their presentations.

In addition to the IESE case study, the competition provides participants with multiple networking opportunities - both with fellow students from leading global MBA programs and with Roland Berger professionals from various international offices. Participants will also have the chance to enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of Barcelona, enjoying traditional dinners and designated time for sightseeing together with us!
 

Ready for some more good news?

🏆 To add to the excitement, there will be a money prize of €4,000  for the winning team (€1,000 per team member) and €1,000 (250€ per team member) for the runner-up team!

✅ Next Steps:

1. Assemble Your Dream Team: We invite you to form a diverse team of four (4) first-year MBA students - ideally representing at least three nationalities, as well as a variety of languages and genders. Diversity is key!
    
2. Apply Individually: Each team member must apply individually to this event by Sunday, November 2. Please complete all required fields, upload your CV, and provide your team’s name on the second page of the application (after clicking “Next”) so we can properly allocate you to your team.
    
3. Submit Team Introduction Videos: Please also submit a brief team introduction via our Online Video Tool (click to log in) by Sunday, November 2. One team member will need to register to access the tool and your team will then be asked three simple questions. You will have one minute and unlimited attempts to answer each question.
    
4. Internal Presentations: The top teams, selected based on their CVs, team constellations, and team videos, will be announced by Friday, November 7. On Monday, November 10, these teams will receive a Roland Berger case to work on and must submit their solutions by Friday, November 28. Each team will then present their case solution to a Roland Berger jury during the internal pre-selection round at Esade on Wednesday, December 3.
    
5. Announcement of the Esade Winning Team: Directly after the on-campus team presentations, the jury will select the final team that will represent Esade at the MBA Case Competition in March 2026 in Barcelona and will announce it during the networking reception!

🗓 Event Schedule (details tbc)

Thursday, March 5, 2026
- Arrival in Barcelona
- Welcome session, case introduction & rules
- Networking & traditional dinner

Friday, March 6, 2026
- Case work
- Coaching & case expert sessions
- Relaxed joint dinner

Saturday, March 7, 2026
- Final presentations to jury
- Winner announcement
- Closing networking event

Sunday, March 8, 2026
- Individual departures

Does this event sound interesting to you? Then be sure to save these important dates, submit your applications, and don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions.

Looking forward to receiving your applications!