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Widely regarded as the “Olympics of Sport Fishing,” the 2026 Costa Offshore World Championship (OWC) lived up to its billing in every sense—bigger field, bigger stakes, and a bold new format that reshaped this renowned event.
This year’s championship kicked off with a ceremonial torch lighting ceremony, as 38 teams from 22 countries reinforced the event’s status as one of the most diverse and competitive international gatherings in offshore sportfishing. Adding to the momentum was a significantly expanded optional purse totaling $232,220, a massive jump from roughly $55,000 the year prior.
Held April 19–23 out of Parador Nature Resort and Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica, the 2026 edition marked a pivotal shift in format. For the first time, teams competed aboard their own vessels (private or charter), rather than rotating through randomly assigned boats. Additional changes included the introduction of omni-sonar use, with adjusted scoring to balance its impact, and the expansion of the field to include “Challenger” teams, allowing non-qualifying entrants to compete alongside invited champions.
And the fishing? Nothing short of exceptional. Across three days, the fleet released an astonishing 1,167 billfish, an average of 30 per boat, underscoring both the strength of the bite and the skill of the anglers competing under strict IGFA rules.
“The response to the new format was exactly what we hoped for,” said Lacey Hagler, Pacific Tournament Director. “Teams came prepared, fished their strengths, and pushed each other every single day. The level of competition and sportsmanship witnessed this week was as good as it gets.”
At the top of the leaderboard, Spain’s Puerto Calero Marlin Cup Team (The Rodfather) captured the 2026 title with 10,920 points while fishing aboard the red-hot Pura Vida, a 62-foot Paul Mann captained by Rudy Arguedas. The team delivered one of the most complete performances of the week, releasing 73 sailfish along with a blue and black marlin to secure the championship,etch their name into OWC history, and take home the coveted gold Vanmark championship rings.
Second place went to 2021 OWC Champions, representing Costa Rica, who finished just behind with 10,900 points aboard Anticipation, a 61-foot Spencer captained by Harvey Shiflet. Rounding out the podium was Kelly Dawn, finishing third with 10,000 points under the direction of Capt. Will Ochse.
The traditional honor of Top Charter Captain was earned by the renowned Capt. Bubba Carter and his crew aboard the Tijereta with 7,840 points, chartered by Team Saudi Arabia’s Reel Saudis. Second place went to Double Nickel, captained by Michael Castro and chartered by the Bahamas’ Lyford Cay Invitational angler team RAKE AND SCRAPE, while Carolina Blue with Capt. John Mumford secured third with Team USA’s Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series champions,Tantrum.
Individually, angler Erika Sandi, fishing aboard Pura Vida for team Spain, stood out as the tournament’s top performer, earning both Top Angler and Top Lady Angler honors with 3,920 points after a remarkably consistent three days of 28 personal sailfish releases. Second place angler went to Joey Marowski aboard Kelly Dawn with 19 sailfish, and third place went to Paul Coury representing Costa Rica on the 2021 OWC Champion Team.
Beyond the leaderboard, the 2026 OWC will be remembered as a turning point. The new format—paired with adjusted scoring for sonar-assisted catches, expanded jackpot categories, and reduced entry barriers—created a more accessible yet fiercely competitive championship.
Still, at its core, the OWC remained unchanged: a global stage where the best anglers in the world test their skill, represent their countries, and share in a camaraderie that transcends borders.
With a red-hot bite, a surging purse, and a format that rewards true team performance, the 2026 Offshore World Championship didn’t just evolve—it raised the bar for what a world championship can be.
2026 OWC Press Release Sponsors:
The Costa Offshore World Championship is sponsored by many industry-leading companies, including title sponsor Costa Sunglasses, The Marlin Group, Marina Pez Vela, Parador Nature Resort & Spa, Garmin, King Sailfish Mounts, AFTCO, Flor de Caña, Pacifico Travel Services, Bodo Muche Studio-Foundry, Yeti, Star brite, Release Marine, Baby Je Creations, Coastal Carolina Cutting Boards, 2Costa Rica Real Estate, VanMark Jewelry Designers, Guy Harvey, IWS ScaleMaster, Conch Republic Apparel, XTRATUF, and Ladies Love Pink.
