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The Costa Rica billfish season roared to life in spectacular fashion as the 10th-anniversary Pelagic Rockstar Offshore Tournament delivered another record-setting performance out of Marina Pez Vela in Quepos. With 117 boats and teams on the leaderboard—surpassing last year’s mark of 107—the landmark edition reaffirmed the event’s status as the sport’s premier early-season proving ground and the unofficial kickoff to months of elite tournaments to come.
Across a multinational fleet representing 14 countries, anglers combined for 2,338 total billfish releases, including 2,325 sailfish and 16 blue marlin, while nearly $2.93 million in prize money changed hands—eclipsing last year’s already-impressive $2.3 million payout.
At the top of the sonar-equipped fleet, Pura Vida, captained by Rudy Arguedas and led by JC Gonzalez, authored one of the most commanding performances in tournament history. The first-time champions stacked up 62 sailfish for 6,200 points, earning $885,900, the Champions Trophy, and their place on the event’s perpetual trophy.
Close behind, Fish Tank/Galati showcased its versatility with 46 sailfish and two blue marlin, totaling 5,400 points and $505,910 for second place. Rounding out the podium, Nsatiabill delivered a blistering sailfish campaign of its own, releasing 53 fish for 5,300 points and securing third.
The non-sonar division proved every bit as competitive, with the top three boats locked at 3,200 points apiece. Mainline claimed the division victory and $187,235, edging out Carolina Gentlemen and Five More Minutes in one of the tightest finishes of the week.
In the tuna category, Reel Randy stole headlines with a two-fish aggregate of 324.1 pounds, anchored by a new single-fish tournament record—a 184.7-pound yellowfin—to take first place and $51,087. Dorado action was equally electric. Dealer’s Choice topped the leaderboard with a 64-pound two-fish aggregate and $76,287, while Team Sea Fly finished close behind. Third place went to Team Chunda, whose 46.6-pound bull established a new tournament single-fish benchmark.
With records falling, trophies spread across 34 different teams, and another unforgettable anniversary in the books, the Pelagic Rockstar once again set the tone for Costa Rica’s peak billfish months ahead.
