Costa Offshore World Championship

Q: Do you need a special fishing or boat license to compete?

Yes. The tournament staff will assist each team in acquiring the necessary fishing licenses which are required to legally fish in Costa Rica

Q: Can we fish on a private boat?

No. The tournament provides each team with a different charter boat each day, with teams rotating vessels each day.

Q: Can teams fish with lures or natural baits?

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.

Q: Do we have to bring our own tackle?

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.

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 14-19, 2024

View 2024 Teams & Live Scoring

What makes the Costa Offshore World Championship such a competitive event? First, every team must earn an invitation for this event by winning a qualifying tournament. Teams rotate boats each day, fishing with a different captain and crew. This creates as level a playing field as possible, with four days of head-to-head competition on the water. Teams must also capture on video their releases of marlin and sailfish, along with a video qualifier that changes each day. The location in Quepos, Costa Rica, also provides plenty of opportunities for the anglers to capitalize on a hot bite offshore, with good 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.

“We fish and we race. In racing, you always take it one round at a time—you can’t even think about that final match until you make it through the qualifiers, and that’s what we did here. Every day we just concentrated on doing our best, and it worked out for us.”

“Our only goal for the tournament was to go fishing, drink a few beers, have a good time, and not finish last. And we ended up winning! We had a superb time in Costa Rica for this tournament and highly recommend it to anyone.”

“With each participating team having to win a qualifying tournament, this is a true World Championship, with winners fishing against other winners. The competition is fierce yet friendly, especially since there’s not a single dollar in prize money. It’s all for the trophies, rings and the title of being named Offshore World Champion.”

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.

Registration Fees

Event Rules

Awards & Prizes

Location & Marina

Registration Fees

Event Rules

Awards & Prizes

Location & Marina

Tournament News & Highlights

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

A Pacific sailfish breaks the surface of the ocean.

Who Will Be Named the 2024 Offshore World Champion?

A shot at the global title is on the line

A large pacific sailfish jumping out of the ocean at the 2023 Offshore World Championship.

Crowning the 2023 Offshore World Champions

A down-to-the-wire finish on the final day results in victory

A sport-fishing team stands and accepts their prize at an awards ceremony stage.

International Roosterfish Tournament Team Wins 2023 Costa Offshore World Championship presented by Continental

The team representing Mexico emerges victorious in a hard-fought tournament

Tournament FAQs

Find answers to common questions about the Costa Offshore World Championship.

How does a team qualify to fish in this event?

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.

Do you need a special fishing or boat license to compete?

Yes. The tournament staff will assist each team in acquiring the necessary fishing licenses which are required to legally fish in Costa Rica

Can we fish on a private boat?

No. The tournament provides each team with a different charter boat each day, with teams rotating vessels each day.

What species can we expect to encounter?

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.

Can teams fish with lures or natural baits?

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.

Do we have to bring our own tackle?

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.

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