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The 2025 Bermuda Billfish Blast, the first leg of the prestigious Bermuda Triple Crown Billfish Championship, lived up to its reputation as one of the premier blue marlin events in the Atlantic. A competitive fleet of 51 teams descended on the island in pursuit of a $1.4 million purse, with many also entering the global Blue Marlin World Cup held on July 4.
Day One saw Viking 82, led by Capt. Sean Dooley, take an early lead with a strong performance—two blue marlin and two white marlin releases netting 1,200 points and a $77,633 payday. Despite the buzz around the Blue Marlin World Cup, no qualifying fish were weighed on July 4th from the Bermuda Billfish Blast.
Day Two brought a crowd to Barr’s Park when Overproof, a 51’ Topaz skippered by Capt. Peter Rans, weighed in a 501-pound blue marlin—just squeaking past the tournament’s 500-pound minimum. That single fish secured top honors in the tournament and earned the local team an impressive $643,450 payout. Meanwhile, Gratitude, a 68’ Bayliss captained by John McIntyre, took the daily with two blue marlin releases for 1,000 points and a check for $77,633.
On the final day, Builder’s Choice, a 64’ Jarrett Bay, jumped into contention with two blue marlin and a white release to earn 1,000 points, the daily prize and third place in the release division to take home $141,213.
But it was Kickin’ Tires, a 58’ F&S captained by Jimmy Sullivan, who ultimately claimed the release division title with a consistent performance over all three days, totaling 2,500 points and earning $336,175. Mama Seata, a 64’ Bayliss captained by Ronnie Fields, finished strong with 2,100 points for second place and $115,005, edging out Builder’s Choice—who matched their total—on time.
The Bermuda Triple Crown action heats up next with the Bermuda Big Game Classic, July 10–14, followed by the series finale, the Seahorse Anglers Club Billfish Tournament, from July 17–21.
