Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo — The fishing vessel Poseidon, from Puerto Aventuras, took first place in the XXI International Fishing Tournament “Cosme Alberto Martínez Magaña” in Isla Mujeres, winning the top cash prize of 360,000 pesos after two days of competition in the waters of the Mexican Caribbean.
The tournament brought together more than 80 boats with crews from Mexico and abroad, competing for a total prize pool of more than 900,000 pesos. The event was organized by the municipal government of Isla Mujeres and has become one of the island’s signature sporting events, combining competitive fishing with tourism promotion, family activities and support for the local economy.
Mayor Atenea Gómez Ricalde led the awards ceremony and congratulated the participating crews, saying the tournament helps keep Isla Mujeres’ fishing and nautical traditions alive while generating economic benefits for local families, businesses and tourism service providers. Local officials have repeatedly described the tournament as one of the most important sport-fishing events in the municipality and a major draw for visitors during the spring season.
Poseidon finished at the top of the general classification with 9,105.65 points, securing the 360,000-peso prize. The second-place boat, Poquito Más, finished with 8,278.60 points, followed by Keen M I with 7,799.65 points, Keen M II with 7,683.10 points, and Gannet with 6,652.60 points.
The top five finishers were:
- Poseidon — 9,105.65 points
- Poquito Más — 8,278.60 points
- Keen M I — 7,799.65 points
- Keen M II — 7,683.10 points
- Gannet — 6,652.60 points
This year’s edition took place from May 22 to 24, with the traditional captains’ dinner held ahead of the competition and the official starting signal given from the Muelle Fiscal de Madera on Saturday morning. The tournament wrapped up Sunday with the closing of registration, validation of scores and the awards ceremony at Playa Centro.
The event is part of a long Caribbean sport-fishing tradition. Isla Mujeres has deep ties to the sea, from commercial fishing and lobster cooperatives to whale shark tourism, boat charters and nautical events. The Cosme Alberto Martínez Magaña tournament draws serious anglers, but it is also a community event, with visiting crews filling hotels, restaurants, marinas, shops and transport services over the weekend.
Municipal officials said the two-day competition unfolded in a family-friendly atmosphere, with local, national and international anglers demonstrating skill, experience and enthusiasm for sport fishing. The tournament also promoted Isla Mujeres as a destination for nautical tourism, a growing niche that includes recreational fishing, sailing, diving, yacht charters and other marine-based activities.
The win by Poseidon also gives Puerto Aventuras a share of the spotlight. The marina community south of Playa del Carmen is home to private boats, charter operators and experienced local captains, making its first-place finish a point of pride beyond Isla Mujeres. With more than 80 boats in the water and a strong field of competitors, Poseidon’s margin over the second-place finisher was enough to secure a clear victory in one of the Mexican Caribbean’s better-known fishing events.
Sport fishing tournaments in Quintana Roo are not only about the boats on the water. They bring together captains, deckhands, families, sponsors, restaurant owners, local suppliers and spectators. For a destination like Isla Mujeres, where tourism and maritime culture are closely linked, these events help reinforce the island’s identity as both a fishing community and a Caribbean vacation destination.
Beyond the final leaderboard, organizers emphasized the broader economic impact. Events like this generate overnight stays, restaurant spending, fuel purchases, marina activity and additional income for local families. For Isla Mujeres, the tournament remains both a sporting competition and a tourism tool, helping bring visitors to the island while celebrating a tradition rooted in the sea.
