European-SUP-League-Lido-Gandoli — The ESL Race in Lido-Gandoli was great success.

European SUP League Heads Into Decisive Final With Isla Cristina and Sesimbra

The 2026 European SUP League is entering its final and most important phase. After successful stops in Santa Pola, Taranto, Zurich, and Rybnik, the championship now moves to the Atlantic coast for two back-to-back events that will determine this year’s overall champions.

The first stop takes place in Isla Cristina, Spain (September 4–6), followed just one week later by the Grand Final in Sesimbra, Portugal (September 11–13). With only two events remaining, every race and every point will be crucial in deciding the men’s and women’s overall titles.

Isla Cristina Makes Its European SUP League Debut

The fifth event of the season will introduce Isla Cristina to the European SUP League calendar. Athletes will compete in the 200-meter Sprint on Saturday and the Technical Race on Sunday, with both disciplines counting toward the overall standings and a combined €6,000 prize purse.

The Atlantic coastline of southern Spain is expected to provide challenging conditions, with wind, swell and changing water states testing competitors’ race strategy, technical skills and ocean knowledge.

Sesimbra Set to Crown the 2026 Champions

Just seven days later, the tour heads to Sesimbra, Portugal, where the European SUP League Grand Final will once again decide the overall champions.

With little time for recovery between the two events, athletes will have to balance travel, preparation and performance. The titles will effectively be decided over just ten days of racing, making consistency more important than ever.

Donato Freens Leads the Men’s Championship

Dutch paddler Donato Freens arrives at the final stretch as the overall leader with 2,501 points, thanks to another impressive season highlighted by his victory in the Technical Race and second place in the Sprint in Poland.

Spain’s Sergio Cantoral sits second with 1,940 points, while Italy’s Filippo Mercuriali remains close behind in third with 1,869 points, keeping the battle for the podium wide open.

Young Spaniard Rubén Cantoral continues to impress in fourth place despite competing in the junior division, while Aarón Sánchez, winner of both races in Zurich, rounds out the top five and remains within striking distance.

Alba Alonso Frey Controls the Women’s Race

In the women’s standings, Alba Alonso Frey leads the championship with 2,151 points after a dominant performance in Poland, where she claimed victories in both the Sprint and Technical Race.

Nuria Chiquero is second with 1,656 points, while Italy’s Cecilia Pampinella remains in third after leading the championship earlier this season.

The fight for the remaining podium places is equally close, with Sveva Sabato and Espe Barreras separated by just 35 points heading into the final two events.

Everything to Play for

The European SUP League overall rankings combine results from all three race disciplines, with Technical Race accounting for 40% of the total score, while Sprint and Long Distance each contribute 30%.

With only Isla Cristina and Sesimbra remaining on the calendar, every start, buoy turn and finish position could decide the championship. The Atlantic double-header promises an exciting conclusion to one of the league’s most competitive seasons to date.