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Marina Pez Vela, Quepos, Costa Rica
March 12 – 14, 2026

The IGFA is excited to announce that the IGFA Open will be returning to Marina Pez Vela in Quepos, Costa Rica. With adherence to IGFA rules, an optional calcutta, and Costa Rica’s world-class fishing and hospitality, the IGFA Open is a premier billfish tournament that you will not want to miss! All proceeds from the IGFA Open will benefit the IGFA.

For more information about this event, please contact the IGFA at 954-927-2628, or Angling Recognition Manager, Zack Bellapigna, at [email protected]

Live Scoring

Schedule

All events listed below will take place at Marina Pez Vela. We encourage all anglers, crew, and their guests to attend the social events during the tournament.

Schedule to be Announced

Rules & Categories

2026 IGFA Open Tournament Rules to be Announced

Register

IGFA Open Tournament Registration Coming Soon!

The IGFA Open has partnered with CatchStat to ensure a smooth and seamless registration and accurate, live scoring during the event. To receive more information about this event, please contact the IGFA at 954-927-2628 or [email protected].

Accommodations & Boats

All events for the 2026 IGFA Open will be hosted at Marina Pez Vela and we have worked closely with the team at Marina Pez Vela to ensure you have a great tournament experience.

Please see below for resources regarding the chartering of a boat, accommodations, and marina slip space for private vessels.

Charter Boats

Marina Pez Vela Guest Center:

[email protected]

Marina

To make slip reservations with Marina Pez Vela please email:
[email protected]

Lodging

To make lodging reservations with Marina Pez Vela please email:
[email protected]

Scoring

Live scoring for the 2026 IGFA Open is provided by CatchStat. Please click the button below for live tournament updates and scoring.

Recap of the Inaugural IGFA Open

Billfish Bonanza in Quepos, Costa Rica

The IGFA Open made a spectacular debut at Marina Pez Vela, Quepos, Costa Rica, with over 1,000 fish caught, including 988 billfish! After an intense competition, Team Galati claimed the top spot with 8,100 points and an incredible 48 sailfish releases on Day 2 alone. Captained by Tony Carrizosa, Team Galati’s anglers—Sean Dooley, Carmine Galati, Thomas Garmany, Justin Healey, and Pat Healey—released a total of 81 sailfish to claim the top spot.

Congratulations to the winners of the inaugural IGFA Open and a heartfelt thanks to each and every participant!

The top tournament team, Team Galati (above) finished with 8,100 points. Captained by Tony Carrizosa, anglers, Sean Dooley, Carmine Galati, Thomas Garmany, Justin Healey, and Pat Healey, released 81 sailfish overall, including 48 sailfish releases on day 2!

Team Tarheel finished in second place with 7,000 points. Anglers Mike Criscola, Frank Criscola Sr., Burro Gonzalez, Mike Kelly and Jorge Carillo captained by John Bayliss released 66 sails and a blue marlin.

Team Sea Base (above), captained by Captain Wendell Black with anglers Xander Black, Tony Canha, Nate Alers, Ryan Tubbs, Anthony Rizzo, and Christian Giordani finished in third place with 69 sails, good for 6,900 points.

Below are other great moments from the tournament that deserve recognition. The heaviest dolphinfish (below left) was caught by Team Crush’Em angler Carlos Perez, a 53.3-pounder, and the heaviest yellowfin tuna (below right), caught by Team Gladiator angler Steve Kehoe, weighed 128.5 pounds.

Congratulations to top angler, Jill Yates (Team Poco Ocho), JC Gonzalez, second place angler (Team Pura Vida), Maria Smith, (accepted by husband Brooks Smith) third place angler (Team Uno Mas), and top Junior Angler, Chris “Marlin” David (Team Catch 23). Winners are listed from left to right.

The IGFA extends its heartfelt congratulations to all participants for their grit and sportsmanship. A special thank you goes out to our sponsors, whose support was instrumental in making the tournament a reality. We’re also deeply grateful to Marina Pez Vela for providing a world-class venue and exceptional service.