The 61st season of the Campeonato Gaúcho kicked off on June 7, 1981, and ended on November 29, 1981. Twelve teams participated. Internacional won their 26th title. Armour and São Gabriel were relegated.
Participating teams
Club Stadium Home location Previous season Armour Miguel Copatti Santana do Livramento Brasil Bento Freitas Pelotas Caxias Centenário Caxias do Sul Grêmio Olímpico Porto Alegre Guarany Estrela D'Alva Bagé Internacional Beira-Rio Porto Alegre Internacional Presidente Vargas Santa Maria Juventude Alfredo Jaconi Caxias do Sul Novo Hamburgo Santa Rosa Novo Hamburgo São Borja Vicente Goulart São Borja São Gabriel Sílvio de Faria Corrêa São Gabriel São Paulo Aldo Dapuzzo Rio Grande
System The championship would have two stages.:
First phase: The twelve clubs played each other in a double round-robin system. The eight best teams qualified to the Final phase, with the best teams and the best hinterland teams in each round earning one bonus point. the bottom two teams in the sum of both rounds were relegated. Final phase: The eight remaining teams played each other in a double round-robin system; the team with the most points won the title.
Championship First phase First round
Second round
Final standings
Relegation Playouts
São Gabriel relegated
Final phase
References