Costa Offshore World Championship

Costa Offshore World Championship

One of the most prestigious sport-fishing tournaments in the world, this event brings together qualifying tournament-winning teams from across the globe to vie for the ultimate prize of World Champion.
 
Dates: April 6-10, 2025

What makes the Costa Offshore World Championship such an aspirational fishing tournament? First, every team must earn an invitation for this event by winning an Official Qualifying Event at one of 120 tournaments in 43 different countries. Second, our angler diversity is unmatched as anglers unite in Costa Rica from different hemispheres, languages, and fishing backgrounds. Anglers have the opportunity to forge lifelong international friendships with like-minded fishing enthusiasts. Third, teams are held to IGFA standards to hook their own fish and video each release, and they rotate boats each day, fishing with a different captain and crew. This creates as level a playing field as possible, with three days of head-to-head competition on the water. The location in Quepos, Costa Rica, provides plenty of opportunities for the anglers to capitalize on a hot bite offshore, with ample numbers of billfish expected throughout the tournament.

Why Compete in the Costa Offshore World Championship

Here are just a few reasons to fish:

  • Great fishing! Teams frequently encounter plenty of big Pacific sailfish—some pushing 100 pounds—plus good chances at blue, black and striped marlin.
  • Friendly yet intense competition on the water. Every team attending the OWC had to earn the right to participate by winning a qualifying event
  • Meet anglers from around the world. Participating teams travel from as far away as Kenya, Australia and Brazil to fish every year. 
  • Earn the title of World Champion. This is the only true world championship tournament in the world of sport fishing, complete with the gold signature Champion’s rings and trophies.
The boats file out of Marina Pez Vela for the first day of fishing.
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Quick Event Info

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.

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Tournament News & Highlights

Every year, the Offshore World Championship never disappoints. Check out past winners and highlights from previous tournaments.

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Tournament FAQs

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.