The White Marlin Tournament 2026 returned to Marina Cap Cana this year.
Thirty-two boats participated in this year’s tournament. Anglers traveled from Puerto Rico, the United States, Cuba, Brazil, Mexico, Italy, and the Dominican Republic.
Over the course of the three-day competition, 66 billfish were released, a result that continues to strengthen Cap Cana’s position as one of the leading sport fishing destinations in the Caribbean.
Of the total releases, 57 were white marlin, three were blue marlin, and six were sailfish.
Two boats led the White Marlin Tournament 2026
The boats “Pícara” and “La Polla” emerged as the standout performers of the tournament, winning the Sonar and Non-Sonar categories, respectively.
In the Sonar division, “Pícara” earned 1,300 points through the release of four white marlin and one sailfish.
Xavier Acevedo led the team with 900 points, followed by Juan Carlos Puig with 300 points. Miguelito Benjamín completed the score with the release of a sailfish.
Second place went to “Fresh Air,” followed by “Bandolera,” “Amapola,” and “Dear Maker.”
For the second consecutive year, “La Polla” dominated the Non-Sonar category with 3,300 points after releasing eleven white marlin.
Much of that victory was made possible by Dionisio Infante, who contributed 2,100 points, and Cristiano Mota, who added another 1,200.
An event with international reach
Beyond the results, the White Marlin Tournament 2026 once again demonstrated Cap Cana’s appeal within the international sport fishing circuit.
Anglers from seven countries participated in this year’s competition.
The number of releases recorded throughout the tournament reflects the event’s continued growth across the region.
The competition also reinforces Marina Cap Cana’s role as host of some of the Caribbean’s most important nautical events.
Individual awards
Among the individual awards, Dionisio Infante was recognized as the best overall angler in the Non-Sonar category.
Javier Ruiz received the award for best overall angler in the Sonar category.
Yadira Olivo was honored as the tournament’s top female angler.
During the awards ceremony, Luisa Jiménez, deputy director of Marina Cap Cana, presented trophies to the winning boats as well as the individual award recipients.
A tradition that continues to grow
With each edition, the White Marlin Tournament continues to rank among the most important sport fishing events in the Dominican Republic.
The tournament has also become an important part of Cap Cana’s nautical identity and its growing reputation within the Caribbean sport fishing community.
