Special delivery: Sign up for the free Marlin email newsletter. Subscribe to Marlin magazine and get a year of highly collectible, keepsake editions – plus access to the digital edition and archives.
The Pelagic Rockstar Offshore Tournament returned in grand fashion to the iconic Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica from January 9–12, 2025, drawing a tournament-record 107 teams and 606 anglers from around the globe. With over $2.3 million in prize money awarded, and the fleet releasing an astounding 2,425 billfish, including a single-day record of 1,354 billfish releases, the tournament delivered incredible excitement and set new benchmarks in the world of billfish tournaments.
“An offshore tournament fleet of over 100 boats with prize money over $2.3 million puts the Rockstar in elite company,” said tournament director Capt. Tony DiGiulian. “And to say we have awarded a single check for over $1 million to our Grand Champion in a 100% billfish release tournament is truly something to be proud of. This is a victory for conservation & billfish release tournaments across the globe, and I could not be prouder of our team for making this such a success.”
Game Plan, a 65-foot American Custom Yacht captained by John Brennan, was crowned champion of the tournament with an extraordinary 63 sailfish and five blue marlin releases for 7,800 points. Their performance earned them an unprecedented payout of over $1.1 million— which the tournament is reporting as possibly the largest single-team payout ever awarded in an all-release billfish tournament.
Hot on their heels was War Party, captained by James Parker on their 64-foot Viking. Their impressive tally of 58 sailfish and four blue marlin for 7,000 points earned them a strong second-place finish and a payout of $33,480. Rounding out the top three was Mama Seata, with Capt. Ronnie Fields leading their 64-foot Bayliss to 6,600 points from 60 sailfish and two blue marlin, for a payout of $37,080.
There were also several impressive payouts awarded outside of the top three. Kelly Dawn, a 45-foot Rybovich captained by Will Ochse, had an impressive showing with their first-place finish in the non-sonar division and a 35-pound dorado that earned them over $340,000. Team Salty Canucks, fishing aboard the Good Day, added a touch of drama by reeling in a tournament-record 171-pound yellowfin tuna, earning $107,060 and a place in the history books.
“The Pelagic Rock Star 2025 has set a new benchmark in sportfishing,” said Jeff Duchesneau, Marina Pez Vela General Director. “This milestone underscores Marina Pez Vela’s reputation as a world-class destination for anglers, offering not only exceptional fishing experiences but also luxury facilities and unforgettable moments. We are proud to host events that celebrate conservation, skill, and the passion of the global sportfishing community.”
