The División de Fútbol Profesional is the top-flight professional football league in Bolivia. In 2017 it replaced the "Liga de Fútbol Profesional Boliviano" (Spanish pronunciation: [ˈliɣa ðe ˈfuðβol pɾofesjoˈnal βoliˈβjano]; English: Bolivian Professional Football League).

Since 1950, a total of 16 clubs have been crowned champions of the Bolivian football league system. The current champions are The Strongest, which won the title in the 2023 tournament. Bolívar is the most successful club in the league, with 30 titles to date.

History

The organisation of football in Bolivia started in 1914 with the creation of regional associations and their respective competitions. The "La Paz Football Asociation (AFLP)" (Asociación de Fútbol de La Paz – AFLP) was the first organised body with 29 championships held between 1914 and 1949. The AFLP was considered for many years the top football tournament in the country. In 1950 the body modified its statutes allowing the professionalisation of the sport in Bolivia, so the "Torneo Profesional" was created.

Between 1950 and 1959, only clubs from La Paz, Oruro (since 1954) and Cochabamba (1955) took part of the championship because football was still amateur in the rest of the regions.

At the end of 1960, the Bolivian Football Federation established a national championship, with the purpose of crowning a champion representing Bolivia in recently created Copa Libertadores. The competition, named "Copa Simón Bolívar", was contested by champions and runner ups of regional associations.

The demise of Bolivian national team in the 1978 FIFA World Cup qualification (where it was thrashed by Brazil 8–0 and Peru 5–0) encouraged some clubs to create their own league, so 16 teams separated from their respective associations to establish the "Liga de Fútbol Profesional Boliviano" (Bolivian Professional Football League – LFPB) to organise championships autonomously, in 1977.

The creation of the LFPB ended the distinction. It also resulted in the creation of three separate entities: the FBF's role was restricted to the international representation of Bolivia in the sport, the newly created LFPB became the organizer of the sole first division tournament, and the LPFA, together with the rest of the regional associations, became the organizer of the second (and lower) division regionalized tournaments. It was the first and, until the formation of the basketball league (LIBOBASQUET) in 2014, the only professional sports league in the country.

In 2017, after a change of statutes in the FBF, the LFPB and the ANF were replaced by the "División Profesional" (professional division) and the "División Aficionados" (amateur division), both managed by the FBF from 2018 onwards.

The Bolivia Apertura is a premier soccer tournament that showcases the best of Bolivian football, featuring top clubs from across the nation. Typically held annually, the tournament serves as the first half of the Bolivian football season, offering an exciting blend of intense competition, passionate fan support, and vibrant local culture.

Clubs from various regions of Bolivia compete in a league format, battling for points to secure their place at the top of the standings. The tournament is known for its unpredictable matches, where underdogs can triumph over established teams, making every game a thrilling spectacle.

The Bolivia Apertura not only highlights the skill and talent of local players but also serves as a platform for emerging stars to showcase their abilities on a national stage. Fans flock to stadiums, creating an electric atmosphere filled with chants, colors, and unwavering support for their teams.

As the tournament progresses, rivalries intensify, culminating in a dramatic finale where the top teams vie for the coveted championship title. The Bolivia Apertura is more than just a soccer tournament; it is a celebration of Bolivian culture, community, and the unifying power of sport.