Bonnier Recruits New Leadership Team for Motorsports & Outdoor Group
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
- Matt Hickman to lead the group as new Managing Director
- Krystal Loy to lead marketing across the portfolio as new Marketing Director
Winter Park, FL – May 18, 2026 – Bonnier LLC today announced the appointments of Matt Hickman as Managing Director and Krystal Loy as Marketing Director of the company’s Motorsports & Outdoor Group, further strengthening leadership across one of the nation’s leading enthusiast event portfolios.
The Motorsports & Outdoor Group includes several of the industry’s most recognized consumer event brands, including Sand Sports Super Show, Off-Road Expo, Street Machine Nationals and Open Season Sportsman’s Expo.
In his new role, Hickman will oversee strategic direction, operations, revenue growth and long-term portfolio development across the group’s live events and enthusiast brands. Loy will lead audience development, digital marketing, event promotion and integrated marketing strategy across the portfolio.
“Matt and Krystal each bring deep experience in enthusiast-driven markets where community, experiential engagement and commercial execution all matter tremendously,” said David Ritchie, Bonnier CEO. “Matt has a long track record of building and scaling event brands, including many of the same franchises within this portfolio, while Krystal brings a modern, highly accountable approach to experiential marketing and audience growth. Together, they position the group extremely well for its next phase of growth.”
Hickman brings more than 25 years of leadership experience spanning consumer events, trade shows, enthusiast media and experiential marketing. Most recently, he served as EVP and Managing Director at THM Media, where he helped generate more than $8 million in new revenue while expanding the company’s experiential events platform.
Previously, Hickman spent more than 15 years at Bonnier Corporation and World Publications, ultimately serving as Senior Vice President and Managing Director. During that time, he oversaw many of the same enthusiast brands now operating within the Motorsports & Outdoor Group, including Sand Sports Super Show, Off-Road Expo and Street Machine Nationals.
“I’m excited to return to a portfolio and industry I know extremely well,” said Hickman. “These brands have passionate audiences, strong market positions and significant upside through experiential growth, sponsorship expansion and community engagement. I’m looking forward to working with the team to continue building on that momentum.”
Loy joins Bonnier from Pro-Stat LLC, where she led marketing strategy and execution for major trade shows and industry activations, including SEMA and AAPEX. She previously served as marketing director for Phoenix Investment Group’s Harley-Davidson dealership portfolio, overseeing experiential campaigns and event activations attracting more than 40,000 attendees.
“Bonnier’s Motorsports & Outdoor Group represents exactly the kind of enthusiast-driven platform I’m passionate about,” said Loy. “These brands have incredibly loyal communities and strong growth opportunities through integrated marketing, digital engagement and live experiences. I’m excited to help drive the next chapter of audience and revenue growth across the portfolio.”
The appointments come as Bonnier continues investing in the growth and modernization of its Motorsports & Outdoor Group, which serves highly engaged enthusiast audiences across off-road, powersports, automotive, hunting and outdoor recreation markets. The portfolio’s flagship Sand Sports Super Show recently set an all-time attendance record with more than 30,000 attendees in 2025, while Off-Road Expo recently underwent a major strategic repositioning through its move to Costa Mesa, California.
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About BonnierBonnier is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for big-game fishing, motorsports and hunting. In its Motorsports & Outdoor Group, Bonnier engages with more than a million outdoor enthusiasts annually through a nationwide series of experiential events, including the Sand Sports Super Show, Off-Road Expo, Open Season Sportsman’s Expo, Street Machine Nationals car shows, and professional watersports shows. Bonnier also owns The Marlin Group, the world’s largest big-game fishing network. As publisher of InTheBite and Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, The Marlin Group operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series; the Bermuda Triple Crown; and the Marlin Global Challenge, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Bonnier is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating conglomerate with more than 200 years in publishing. Learn more at bonniercorp.com.
- Published in Events
Patrick Sciacca Joins The Marlin Group as Managing Director of Media Properties
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
April 30, 2026 — The Marlin Group, publisher of Marlin magazine and the largest operator of international big-game fishing tournaments, today announced the appointment of Patrick Sciacca as Managing Director of its media activities.
Sciacca will spearhead strategic projects while also overseeing all aspects of media operations across Marlin and InTheBite, including editorial, sales and marketing, with a mandate to accelerate growth, deepen audience engagement and drive revenue across platforms.
A well-known leader in marine media, Sciacca brings immediate credibility and impact to the role. He most recently served as Editorial Director and Group Publisher of the Yachting and Sailing Group at Firecrown, where he led content and sales strategy across six consumer media brands, developing new revenue platforms and executing multi-channel initiatives that expanded audience and engagement.
“Patrick is stepping into this role with zero ramp time,” said David Ritchie, CEO of The Marlin Group. “He knows this business, he knows this audience and he knows how to build brands that perform commercially. Just as importantly, he lives this lifestyle—he’s on the water, in the tournaments, part of the community. That combination is rare, and it’s exactly what we need as we accelerate into our next phase of growth.”
Sciacca previously spent more than a decade at Bonnier, where he rose from Deputy Editor to Editor-in-Chief of Yachting and later Editorial Director, leading one of the company’s most successful and profitable media brands. He also held leadership roles at Power & Motoryacht, helping pioneer early video and multimedia initiatives in the marine space, and has advised media, government and marine organizations as a consultant.
Beyond his professional experience, Sciacca is deeply embedded in the sportfishing lifestyle. A boat owner and U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain, he actively fishes tournaments each year and brings a firsthand understanding of the audience, culture and community that define The Marlin Group’s brands.
“This is the kind of role that doesn’t come around often,” said Sciacca. “To combine my professional experience with a lifelong passion for fishing and the marine lifestyle is incredibly meaningful. Marlin and InTheBite are powerful brands, and I’m excited to build on that foundation—expanding the audience, strengthening partnerships and delivering content that truly reflects the sport.”
Sciacca’s appointment marks another key addition to a strong and expanding team within The Marlin Group, underscoring the company’s continued growth and long-term commitment to leading the big-game fishing category across media, events and audience engagement.
###About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and InTheBite, the market leading magazine for sportfishing captains for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series, Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; and the Bermuda Triple Crown, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC. Learn more at marlinmag.com.
- Published in Marlin
Bonnier LLC Welcomes RPM as Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 DRT Motorsports Sand Sports Super Show
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
WINTER PARK, FL. (April 8, 2026) — Bonnier LLC has announced RPM Powersports as the new Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 DRT Motorsports Sand Sports Super Show, marking an expanded partnership between the high-performance brand and the largest annual gathering in sand sports. The event will now be known as the DRT Motorsports Sand Sports Super Show powered by RPM and will return to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif., September 18-20, 2026.
RPM is a leader in high-performance exhaust systems and accessories for Can-Am, Polaris, and other top manufacturers. Known for real-world performance and rider-driven design, RPM has become a trusted name in the side-by-side community and an established partner of the Sand Sports Super Show since first exhibiting in 2022.
“This partnership with RPM represents an exciting step forward for the Sand Sports Super Show and the entire community,” said David Ritchie, CEO of Bonnier’s Motorsports & Outdoor Group. “RPM’s commitment to innovation and performance perfectly aligns with the spirit of this event. Their involvement strengthens the experience for exhibitors and attendees alike and reinforces our position as the premier event in the industry.”
“Partnering with the DRT Motorsports Sand Sports Super Show is an incredible opportunity for RPM to connect directly with the off-road community we’ve built our business around,” said Jason Dickey, spokesperson from RPM. “We’re proud to power this iconic event and showcase how RPM products help riders push the limits of performance and adventure.”
Held annually, the Sand Sports Super Show attracts tens of thousands of enthusiasts and more than 400 exhibitors showcasing UTVs, ATVs, sand rails, performance parts, accessories, apparel, and the latest in off-road technology. For more than two decades, the event has served as the official kickoff to dune season—bringing together manufacturers, retailers, and riders for a three-day celebration of the sand sports lifestyle.
The 2026 DRT Motorsports Sand Sports Super Show powered by RPM will take place September 18–20, 2026 at the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, Calif. Tickets and event information are available at www.sandsportssupershow.com.
The Sand Sports Super Show is part of Bonnier’s broader outdoor and motorsports event portfolio, which includes the Off-Road Expo, Street Machine Nationals, and Open Season Sportsman’s Expo.
About Bonnier
Bonnier is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for big-game fishing, motorsports and hunting. In its Motorsports & Outdoor group, Bonnier engages with more than a million outdoor enthusiasts annually through a nationwide series of experiential events, including the Sand Sports Super Show, Off-Road Expo, Open Season Sportsman’s Expo, Street Machine Nationals car shows, and professional watersports shows. Bonnier also owns The Marlin Group, the world’s largest big-game fishing network. As publisher of Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, The Marlin Group operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas; Scrub Island Billfish Series; and the Bermuda Triple Crown. Bonnier is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating conglomerate with more than 200 years in publishing. Learn more at bonniercorp.com.
- Published in Events
The Marlin Group Unveils Strategic Leadership Appointments
- Tournament veteran Michelle Gaylord named Atlantic Tournament Director
- Myles Blatt to head Marlin Expeditions with new destinations, formats
- Keeley Hemmel promoted to Marketing Director across all group activities
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
February 4, 2026 — The Marlin Group today announced a series of strategic leadership appointments and organizational advancements designed to further strengthen its position as the world’s most authoritative big-game fishing network. These moves reflect a continued investment in leadership, innovation, and operational excellence across the company’s media, tournament, and experiential platforms.
At the center of the announcement are three leadership advancements that collectively signal The Marlin Group’s next phase of growth:
Michelle Gaylord named Tournament Director for Atlantic events
Tournament and industry veteran Michelle Gaylord officially joins The Marlin Group as Atlantic Tournament Director, overseeing the group’s flagship franchise, the Bermuda Triple Crown, as well as the Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands. Gaylord brings extensive tournament experience, deep relationships across the competitive billfishing world, and a proven skillset to deliver best-in-class angler experiences. In her new role, she will focus on elevating tournament execution, strengthening angler engagement, and continuing to set the global standard for professionally run, conservation-minded competition.
Myles Blatt appointed Director of Marlin Expeditions
Myles Blatt has been named Director of Marlin Expeditions, marking a strategic investment in the company’s experiential pillar. Blatt will lead the expansion of Marlin Expeditions into new destinations, instructional formats, and premium travel experiences, building on the program’s foundation of education, conservation, and access. With a background spanning global sales leadership, brand development, and hands-on sport-fishing experience, Blatt is uniquely positioned to scale Marlin Expeditions into a world-class platform that mirrors the authority and reach of The Marlin Group’s media and tournament brands.
Keeley Hemmel promoted to Marketing Director
Keeley Hemmel has been promoted from Senior Marketing Manager to Marketing Director, assuming oversight of marketing strategy across all group activities, including the recently acquired InTheBite. Hemmel has played a key role in modernizing brand voice, expanding digital reach, and driving integrated marketing initiatives across platforms. In her expanded role, she will lead long-term brand strategy, audience growth, and cross-channel storytelling as The Marlin Group continues to evolve as a global media and events leader.
“These appointments represent a deliberate investment in the future of The Marlin Group,” said David Ritchie, CEO. “Each of these leaders brings a unique skill set that strengthens our core pillars while positioning us for continued growth. This is about building the infrastructure, talent, and vision needed to serve the big-game community at the highest level—for decades to come.”
Connor Motsko, sales manager, will be leaving the company to pursue his own entrepreneurial interests. We thank him for his many contributions and wish him the best in his future endeavors.
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About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and InTheBite, the market leading magazine for sportfishing captains for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series; the Bermuda Triple Crown; and the Marlin Global Challenge, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.
Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.
- Published in Marlin
Marlin Unveils the Highly Anticipated 2026 Best of Big Game Annual Guide
- Annual guide ranks as Marlin’s largest issue ever
- Review of 2025 and expert big-game planning guide for 2026
- The Marlin Group now delivers complete big-game coverage through
Marlin, InTheBite, and the Annual Guide - Order your copy at marlinmag.com/shop
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
January 20, 2026 — Winter Park, Florida — Marlin magazine is proud to announce the release of its 2026 Best of Big Game Annual Guide, a landmark publication that represents the most expansive and forward-looking project in the magazine’s 45-year history.
At a massive 236 pages, the Best of Big Game stands as one of the largest and most comprehensive publications ever produced in the bluewater space. More than a traditional magazine issue, it is a carefully curated, premium annual guide designed to serve as both a reference and a source of inspiration for the global big-game fishing community.
Built with quality and longevity in mind, the issue features elevated production elements throughout—from metallic inks and upgraded paper stock to an expanded emphasis on high-impact photography and immersive storytelling. The result is a publication that not only reads differently, but feels like a keepsake worthy of the sport it represents.
“This annual guide not only reflects where big-game fishing is today—but where it’s headed,” says Jack Vitek, Editor-in-Chief of Marlin. “We wanted to create something that anglers could return to again and again, whether they’re reliving a great season, planning their next tournament, or dreaming about a destination they’ve yet to fish. And I think we’ve done that with this commemorative edition.”
Editorially, the Best of Big Game Annual Guide is organized into three distinct sections. It opens with a retrospective look at the defining moments, people and accomplishments that shaped 2025 in big-game fishing. From there, the issue pivots toward the future with an in-depth guide to the world’s premier tournaments and bucket-list destinations. Covering regions across the Americas, Europe, Africa, Oceania and beyond, each entry is crafted to deliver real-world insight — highlighting when to go, what to target, how to get there, and what to expect once you arrive.
The launch of the Best of Big Game Annual Guide also marks a pivotal moment for The Marlin Group, following its recent acquisition of InTheBite. In future years, the annual guide will serve as the platform for a growing slate of the sport’s most prestigious honors, including the formal announcement of InTheBite’s Captain of the Year, Marlin’s newly created Person of the Year, the Marlin Global Challenge champion, Marlin’s Photo of the Year winners, and additional annual award categories to be introduced and expanded in the years ahead.
The 2026 Best of Big Game Annual Guide is included with a subscription to Marlin or InTheBite magazines and is also available for individual purchase without a subscription at marlinmag.com/shop.
About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and InTheBite, the market leading magazine for sportfishing captains for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series; the Bermuda Triple Crown; and the Marlin Global Challenge, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.
Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.
- Published in Marlin
The Marlin Group Expands Media Portfolio With Acquisition of InTheBite Properties
- InTheBite ranks among the nation’s top three big-game publications
- The Marlin Group becomes the #1 big-game fishing publisher worldwide
- Marlin and InTheBite will publish in alternating months starting in 2026
- Founder Dale Wills to remain on board as Publisher
- Jack Vitek takes on editorial leadership across both titles
For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
December 3, 2025 — The Marlin Group, publisher of Marlin magazine and the largest operator of international big‑game fishing tournaments, today announced its acquisition of InTheBite magazine. This strategic addition strengthens the company’s longstanding commitment to serving the global big‑game fishing community across print, digital and experiential platforms, while positioning both brands for long-term growth in an evolving media landscape.
“InTheBite has long been recognized for its dedication to big‑game fishing through the unique and authentic lens of the professional crew,” said David Ritchie, Marlin Group CEO. “Its editorial voice, grounded on the bridge and in the cockpit, makes it a natural and powerful complement to Marlin’s traditional business.”
As part of the acquisition, founder and publisher Dale Wills will remain on board as Publisher to help guide the brand forward. His deep relationships within the sportfishing community and long‑standing advocacy for professional crews will continue to shape IntheBite’s future as it enters this next chapter.
“For decades, the Marlin team has set the standard in big-game fishing with its influential publication and signature events,” said Wills. “Together, the two brands will offer an unparalleled, 360‑degree view of the sport—from the anglers to the captains to the mates who make it all happen.”
Beginning in 2026, Marlin and InTheBite will publish in alternating months, giving readers a steady cadence of premium, highly focused content throughout the year. The year will culminate in December 2026 with a keepsake annual guide—The Best of Big Game 2027—that will feature standout content from both brands. The annual guide, more than three times the size of a standard issue of InTheBite, will celebrate the sport’s best stories, innovations and personalities, while awarding recipients for notable achievements in key categories, including InTheBite’s popular Captain of the Year program.
The Marlin Group’s Jack Vitek will serve as editorial director for both titles.
About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and InTheBite, the market leading magazine for sportfishing captains for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; and the Bermuda Triple Crown, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.
- Published in Marlin
The Marlin Group Expands Hawaii Tournament Lineup with Acquisition of The Pacific Cup
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
- Acquisition strengthens The Marlin Group’s tournament offerings in Hawaii
- Challenging format rewards angler skill and team achievement
- Attracts competitive teams from across the globe
- Register now at pacific-cup.com
Kailua-Kona, Hawaii – October 7, 2025 — The Marlin Group, the world’s largest big-game fishing network, has acquired The Pacific Cup, an international tournament that draws teams from as far away as New Zealand and Japan to the shores of Kailua-Kona, Hawaii each August.
The 2026 Pacific Cup will take place August 9-15, preceding the Big Island Marlin Tournament. This prime calendar slot gives participating teams the opportunity to extend their stay in Kona and double down on the competition—competing in both light- and heavy-tackle formats in a two-week run of world-class tournament fishing.
“This is a step forward in our efforts to draw greater international participation to Kona,” said David Ritchie, CEO of The Marlin Group. “The Pacific Cup has demonstrated innovation and stability each year since 2022 and has earned global respect for its light-tackle format. This tournament has the makings of a major international event. Now, with the full force of The Marlin Group behind it, that potential can be fully realized.”
The Pacific Cup’s signature 50-pound-class format offers a sharp contrast to the heavy-tackle battles that define most of the Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series (HMTS). It adds not only diversity, but depth—appealing to technical purists, international teams, and competitive crews seeking a unique angling challenge.
Crucially, the tournament’s founders—legendary Hawaii captains Boyd DeCoito and Simon Brown—will stay on board as co-chairs to ensure a seamless transition and preserve its competitive integrity and character that made the Pacific Cup a must-fish event.
“We started The Pacific Cup in 2022 because we saw strong, continuing interest among international teams for a light-tackle format that really challenged angling skill,” Brown said. “What began as an informal gathering has grown into a finely tuned operation, and with The Marlin Group now involved, we’re positioned to reach the next level. We’re excited to see what the future holds for the Pacific Cup.”
The Marlin Group’s acquisition of the Pacific Cup comes during a milestone first year at the helm of the HMTS—a season already marked by growth, fresh energy, and renewed global interest. Adding the Pacific Cup continues that momentum by adding a world-class, light-tackle event that complements Kona’s legacy and future.
“Jumping into the HMTS this season has shown me how ready this community is for thoughtful growth,” said Lacey Hagler, Tournament Director. “Kona’s energy is strong, and adding the Pacific Cup brings a new dimension—honoring technical skill and attracting even more international talent to this incredible fishery.”
Teams looking to elevate their season—and their reputation—now have a new battleground. With the Pacific Cup now on board to complement the HMTS, Kona’s rich history in competitive sportfishing grows even stronger. Register now at pacific-cup.com.
About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series; the Bermuda Triple Crown; and the Marlin Global Challenge, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.
Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.
- Published in Events
Offshore World Championship 2026: Exciting Changes Ahead
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
For inquiries, contact [email protected]
- Bring Your Boat. Bring Your Team. Fish Against the World’s Best.
- Lower Entry Fees. Bigger Jackpots. No Invite Needed.
- Register now at owc.catchstat.com
Quepos, Costa Rica – September 30, 2025 — The Offshore World Championship (OWC), long regarded as the “Olympics of Sport Fishing,” is throwing down the gauntlet in 2026 with a bold new format that redefines what it means to compete on the world’s biggest offshore stage with a chance to win the coveted OWC championship ring.
Scheduled for April 19-23, 2026, during Costa Rica’s flourishing tournament season, teams will no longer be assigned boats through random daily draws. Instead, they’ll bring their own—whether private or chartered—and battle it out on their terms, with their crew, and their gear. It’s a sea change designed to elevate the team experience, open the field to more contenders, and solidify the OWC as the true global big-game championship.
“This evolution has been a long time coming—and we’ve listened to the global big-game community every step of the way,” said David Ritchie, CEO of The Marlin Group. “We’re preserving everything that makes the OWC legendary—the prestige, the camaraderie, and the fierce competition—while unlocking new opportunities for serious teams to bring their best game. This is what a true world championship should look like.”
For the first time, teams can choose to compete from the OWC host facility at Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, or at any location of their choosing, so long as they fish within approved boundaries—a major logistical boost and another step toward making the OWC the most accessible, yet elite, competition in offshore sportfishing. As in years past, the weigh-ins, dockside activities and awards banquet will take place at Marina Pez Vela. The nearby luxurious Parador Nature Resort & Spa will host a lavish registration kickoff party and provide discounted accommodations for tournament participants.
Technology takes its place in the new era, too. Boats with or without omnidirectional sonar are welcome. To keep the playing field level, billfish released without the assistance of Omni will count more—striking a balance between cutting-edge tech and traditional sportfishing grit.
At the heart of this evolution, one thing remains sacred: anglers must hook and fight their own fish without assistance, in strict accordance with IGFA rules. This commitment honors the tournament’s legacy and ensures the OWC continues to reward true angling skill.
The new structure also slashes participation costs from the previous $15,950 entry fee. Qualifying teams—those invited to participate due to their win in an Official OWC Qualifying Event—can now enter for just $3,500. Open-entry teams are welcome to apply for the new base entry of $5,000, opening the tournament to a broader, more diverse, and hungrier competitive field.
And for those looking to up the ante, 2026 will introduce expanded optional jackpot categories—offering substantial cash payouts that many may not realize have become part of the OWC experience. While the event only began awarding cash two years ago, these new jackpots promise to make the stakes even more thrilling for those bold enough to enter.
Held each April at Marina Pez Vela, the OWC has attracted top-tier anglers from more than 70 nations across its storied history. In 2025, 34 teams from 19 countries released 591 billfish in one of the sport’s most electric weeks.
In 2026, a new era begins. Bigger field. Bolder format. Higher stakes. Charter boats will book fast—lock yours in now at marinapezvela.com, then head to owc.catchstat.com to register. This is your shot at one of the most coveted prizes in all of sportfishing: the OWC Championship Ring.
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About the Offshore World Championship
Produced by The Marlin Group, the Offshore World Championship is the most internationally diverse billfish tournament on Earth. The tournament is operated under strict IGFA rules and serves as the final battleground where winners of qualifying events compete against the sport’s top competitive challengers, in a truly global big-game showdown.
About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series; the Bermuda Triple Crown; and the Marlin Global Challenge, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.
Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.
- Published in Events