The 57th Annual Antigua and Barbuda Sport Fishing Tournament roared into the history books over the weekend of June 7–8, 2025, delivering the biggest tournament of its kind in the Caribbean to date. With 23 boats competing from Antigua, Guadeloupe and St. Barths, the Falmouth Harbor Marina was electric with competition, camaraderie and Caribbean pride.
It was a weekend of adrenaline on the water and celebration on land. Thousands turned out to witness world-class fishing in the day and enjoy two massive after-parties by night. The Saturday party drew over 2,000 patrons, while Sunday’s grand finale welcomed a crowd of more than 3,000, setting a new attendance record for the event. But on the open sea, it was Antigua’s own Double Rum and Coke that once again proved why they are the team to beat.
Captain Sean Williams and his crew aboard Double Rum and Coke dominated the Top Teams Marlin Division, racking up an impressive 1,800 points. With that total, the team secured their second consecutive championship title, an extraordinary feat that puts them firmly in the pantheon of Caribbean sport fishing.
The victory cements Double Rum and Coke as a powerhouse in the sport, not just in Antigua and Barbuda, but across the Caribbean.
In the Top Teams Sporting Division, it was Sweet 1, captained by the experienced and ever-cool Dr. Wink, that reeled in the win with a standout catch weighing 199.90 lbs. It was a display of patience, precision and poise which were key qualities for success in sport fishing at this elite level.
Sweet 1’s triumph was particularly notable given the depth of the field this year, with boats from three islands going head-to-head in highly competitive waters.
The future of sport fishing also had its moment, as the Top Teams 25 and Under Sporting Division saw Smooth Runnings rise to the occasion. Captained by Marco Bento, the crew landed a catch weighing 124.20 lbs to secure the division’s top spot.
The tournament continues to grow in both scale and stature. The presence of boats from Guadeloupe and St. Barths highlighted the regional draw of the event, making Antigua and Barbuda the undisputed epicenter of Caribbean sport fishing.
Organizers hailed this year’s tournament as the most successful in its 57-year history, with entries, catches and crowds all exceeding expectations.
“Every year this event gets bigger and better,” said a tournament spokesperson. “But this year was something special with 23 boats, thousands at the after-parties and phenomenal competition on the water. It shows how much sport fishing means to Antigua and the region.”
The weekend was more than just fishing; it was a cultural celebration, an economic boost and a spectacular display of what the twin-island nation has to offer.
With this year’s tournament setting a new bar, all eyes now turn to 2026. Will Double Rum and Coke make it three in a row? Will rising stars like Smooth Runnings climb even higher? And will more Caribbean islands join the fray?
One thing is clear: the Antigua and Barbuda Sport Fishing Tournament is more than just a competition: it’s a Caribbean tradition and it’s only getting stronger.
Until next year, tight lines and fair seas!
