ESL Season Opener in Santa Pola
Santa Pola (Alicante) is once again ready to position itself at the center of the international SUP racing scene. From April 24 to 26, the World SUP Festival Costa Blanca will return as the official opening event of the European SUP League 2026 season — bringing together a stacked international field and a total prize purse of €17,000.
With registration still in its final phase and the official entry list expected shortly, the organization has already confirmed a high-caliber lineup, underlining the importance of this event within the European and global SUP calendar.
Strong Elite Field Already Confirmed
The men’s race is shaping up to be highly competitive right from the start. Among the confirmed athletes are Shuri “Shrimpy” Araki, Donato Freens, Aarón Sánchez, Antonio Morillo, Fernando Pérez, Nicolo Ricco, Sergio Cantoral, and Filippo Mercuriali.
This mix of established international contenders and rising European talents guarantees a high-performance level across all disciplines, from sprint to long distance.
On the women’s side, the event once again proves its status as a premier stop on tour. Confirmed names include Cecilia Pampinella, Duna Gordillo, Esperanza Barreras, Alba Frey, Alexia Soto, and Sveva Sabato.
A particularly notable storyline is the return of Anna Tschirky, the first-ever winner of the World SUP Festival. Her comeback adds both historical weight and an exciting wildcard element to the competition.
Truly International Event
One of the defining features of the 2026 edition is its global reach. With athletes representing around 20 countries, the World SUP Festival Costa Blanca continues to strengthen its position as one of the most internationally diverse SUP events in Europe.
This level of participation not only elevates the competition but also reinforces Santa Pola and the Costa Blanca as a strategic destination for major water sports events, combining world-class racing conditions with strong tourism appeal.
Conditions Look Promising
Early forecasts suggest solid racing conditions for the three-day event, with waves around one meter and favorable winds expected throughout the competition window.
If confirmed, this setup should deliver dynamic and technically demanding races, offering both athletes and spectators an exciting show across all formats.
A Key Stop on the Global SUP Calendar
Over the years, the World SUP Festival Costa Blanca has established itself as a cornerstone event in international SUP racing, consistently attracting top-level talent to Santa Pola.
Its role as the season opener of the European SUP League 2026 once again highlights its importance — setting the tone for the entire season and providing an early benchmark for athletes aiming at overall tour success.
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