Team Fish for Holly Wins 2025 Costa Offshore World Championship
The “Olympics of Sportfishing” proves an eventful and culturally diverse 26th Year
The Costa Offshore World Championship returns to Quepos, Costa Rica in 2026, bringing together the most diverse gathering of anglers in the world. This year, hundreds of teams from more than 40 countries and every hemisphere are invited to converge to earn their place on sportfishing’s most prestigious stage—uniting anglers of different languages, cultures, and fishing traditions. Beyond the competition, lifelong friendships are forged as teams share experiences and celebrate a global passion for billfishing.
For 2026, the OWC introduces exciting new opportunities: both Champions (qualifying event winners) and Challengers (open-entry teams) are eligible to compete; private boats are permitted; and omni sonar use will carry adjusted scoring to ensure fairness. Strict IGFA rules and cutting-edge video verification preserve the integrity of every catch, while anglers may depart from multiple Costa Rican marinas, with all fish weighed and festivities taking place in Quepos. At its heart, the OWC is about honor, tradition, and global camaraderie—where the ultimate prize is not only the trophy and extensive sponsor-package, but the pride of wearing the OWC Championship Rings.
Here are just a few reasons to fish:
The Costa Offshore World Championship features superb sport fishing amid one of the world’s most prolific fisheries in Quepos, Costa Rica. The competition is fierce yet friendly, with participating teams visiting from across the globe.
Every year, the Offshore World Championship never disappoints. Check out past winners and highlights from previous tournaments.
The “Olympics of Sportfishing” proves an eventful and culturally diverse 26th Year
A hot sailfish bite sets the stage for a prestigious victory
A shot at the global title is on the line
Find answers to common questions about the Costa Offshore World Championship.
Participating teams must earn an invitation to compete by winning a qualifying tournament. A list of qualifying events is located here. Tournament directors: Sign up to have your event listed as an OWC Qualifier here.
Yes. The tournament staff will assist each team in acquiring the necessary fishing licenses which are required to legally fish in Costa Rica
No. The tournament provides each team with a different charter boat each day, with teams rotating vessels each day.
Costa Rica is home to a wide variety of billfish species, including blue, black and striped marlin, as well as the plentiful Pacific sailfish. You may also land yellowfin tuna, dorado (mahi mahi) and wahoo.
Teams can use any combination of lures and natural dead baits they wish to use, although non-offset circle hooks are mandatory with any bait or bait/lure combinations.
Each participating boat will have tackle for those who do not wish to bring their own gear, but you will be more comfortable using your own when possible.
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