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The 2025 Los Cabos Billfish Tournament may have been trimmed from three days to a single-day shootout, but that didn’t stop the fleet from putting on a show. Despite rough weather, unpredictable port closures, and a smaller roster than usual, the fishing in Cabo San Lucas was very productive. When the skies finally cleared and lines went in, the 28 competing teams made the most of their lone opportunity, producing an impressive 10 blue marlin, 10 striped marlin, 20 sailfish, four wahoo, three dorado, and one black marlin weighing 414 pounds.
While anglers were sidelined by weather delays early in the week, they still made the most of their time in Cabo. From the vibrant nightlife along the marina to world-class dining, local excursions, and beachfront gatherings hosted by Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa, the spirit of the event never faltered.
When the dust settled, it was Team Overtime, led by Capt. Brett Eller, who rose to the top. In a near-perfect display of precision and teamwork, the crew released three blue marlin and nine sailfish to score 1,125 points and capture the overall championship, earning $147,740 in prize money. Angler Austin French also made tournament history, earning the inaugural Top Angler award for his two blue marlin and two sailfish releases, and topped it off by weighing the largest dorado of the event at 34 pounds.
Second place went to Magic Touch, captained by Kim Manning, with two blue marlin and one striped marlin for 625 points and $28,254 in winnings. The aptly named team lived up to its reputation, staying consistent and capitalizing on every bite. Close behind was Northstar, led by Capt. Roberto Beltran, which weighed the tournament’s only qualifying marlin—a 414-pound black—and a 38-pound wahoo to secure third overall with 621 points, plus top honors for both the biggest marlin and biggest wahoo, collecting $33,500.
Rounding out the top five were Reel EZE with 400 points and Meshuga Fish with 375 points, earning $18,216 and $7,920, respectively.
Honorable guests were present to show their support throughout the tournament, including Señora Charo Bulnes of Solmar Hotels & Resorts, Señor Mauricio Salicrup of the Los Cabos Hotel Association, Director of FONMAR (Trust Fund for the Protection of Marine Resources) Señor Martin Inzunza, Municipal Director of Los Cabos Fishing Señor Juan Javier García, and the Director of San Jose Marina Brian Hopper, among others.
At the awards ceremony held at Playa Grande, Marlin Group’s Pacific Tournaments Director Lacey Hagler thanked the fleet for their grit, adaptability, and optimism through the week’s weather challenges, as well as the event’s dedicated sponsors and the Solmar Foundation for their continued community support. “Here’s to tradition, community, and the relentless spirit of sport fishing,” Hagler said as the crowd raised a final toast. “¡Salud y felicidades a todos!”
The Los Cabos Billfish Tournament is sponsored by many industry-leading companies, including:
Marlin, Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa, Solmar Hotels & Resorts, Garmin, Bluefin USA, Alutecnos, Yeti, Viking Yachts, Galati Yacht Sales, Costa, King Sailfish Mounts, Arnian Group, IGY Marinas, Los Cabos Tourism, Star brite, Coastal Carolina Cutting Boards, Penn, Sig Sauer, Icom America, Big T Lures, IWS ScaleMaster, Marina Cabo San Lucas, Marina Puerto Los Cabos and Out Your Front Door.
