Tournament Coordinator

The 10th edition of the Presidential Flamingo Fishing Rodeo wrapped up Sunday evening at Marina Flamingo with cheers, trophies, and fireworks, marking another thrilling chapter in one of Central America’s most celebrated sportfishing events.

Over three days of competition, 28 boats and 144 anglers took to the rich Pacific waters of Costa Rica, collectively releasing an impressive 524 sailfish, five blue marlin, and a host of inshore and offshore species.

Hosted at the scenic Marina Flamingo and organized under the banner of the Presidential Challenge Charitable Foundation, the tournament blended serious offshore competition with a festive, conservation-minded spirit. With 16 families, five junior anglers, and dozens of women participating, the 2025 event reflected the growing inclusivity and excitement surrounding the sport.

The top honors of the weekend went to XTA-SEA, captained by Ronny Riebe and led by angler Alexis Chamorro. The team took home the Grand Champion title with a high score of 1,989 points, also claiming first place in the Nacascolo Holdings Sonar Offshore Division and notching the Most Billfish Releases using sonar with 1,900 points.

Following close behind were Black Hawk with 1,989 points and Prime Time with 1,892 points, rounding out the sonar offshore division with tight margins and remarkable performance.

Raging Bull delivered a standout showing with 1,350 points to win the Top Offshore Boat, also earning the Most Billfish Releases overall with Capt. Macky Pesch is at the helm. Angler John Bonner from Raging Bull also claimed the First Fish of Day Two, sponsored by Amigos Tacos & Beer, hooking up at 8:06 a.m.

The top female angler award went to Maureen Frank of Reel Moe with 1,000 points, while the Top Male Angler, sponsored by Hazel’s Restaurant, was Jack Mesfin aboard Amberjack with 850 points. Mesfin also secured the Top Junior Boy title, dominating both adult and junior divisions.

In the Junior Division, Peyton Kurtz on Wishin II took home Top Junior Girl, while the Frank Family received the Top Family Team award with 1,000 points.

On the inshore side, Vela Vivaz came out on top with 9 roosterfish releases, earning 225 points and the Top Inshore Boat title. The team also won Most Roosterfish Releases, sponsored by Flamingo Urgent Care.

The BCT Funfish Division celebrated some impressive individual catches. Summer Bracher aboard Git R Done landed a 55-inch dorado, winning Longest Dorado, while Casey Robinson caught the Longest Wahoo at 56.5 inches on Wishin II. Mike on The Mint landed the tournament’s Longest Tuna.

The tournament wasn’t all about competition. Attendees enjoyed live music by Calle Latina and the Rum Runner band, folkloric dance performances, fire shows, and live paintings by marine artist Carlos Hiller. The Saturday Night Fiesta and Sunday Awards Gala brought the community together for food, music, and conservation awareness.

The FECOP Conservation Workshop on Sunday morning highlighted the importance of marine sustainability, with support from the Marina Flamingo Foundation. Throughout the weekend, anglers followed strict catch-and-release protocols, with all billfish released and verified through scorecards and video review.

As the sun set on the awards ceremony, it was clear that this year’s Presidential Flamingo Fishing Rodeo was not just a contest of skill, but a celebration of camaraderie, conservation, and the shared love of the ocean.

For more information, visit the Presidential Challenge website.