On Oscar night, the world’s greatest movie stars walk the famous red carpet in Hollywood. Spearfishing is now preparing for its own star-studded event, as some of the sport’s biggest names head to the dramatic cliffs of Sagres, Portugal, for the 2026 CMAS Spearfishing World Cup for Clubs, scheduled for 4 and 5 September.
World champions gather in Portugal
The entry list includes 30 clubs from different parts of the world and features several World Champions and internationally renowned athletes.
Italy will be represented by former World Champions Stefano Bellani (individual and teams) and Maurizio Ramacciotti (teams), runners-up in the previous edition, together with Luigi Puretti, who conquered a great second place in the World Spearfishing Championship in Spain in 2023.
The impressive Spanish contingent includes Santiago López Cid, winner an individual world title and 5 Spanish titles, the most recent of which came in the European Atlantic Ocean under conditions similar to those expected in Sagres. Also competing is three-time Spanish Champion David Fernández Montero.
Among the Portuguese favourites are Carlos Osório and Jody Lot, who claimed his second individual World Championship title in this very region in 2018.
Francisco Loffredi returns to defend his title
Crossing the Atlantic from Brazil, Francisco Loffredi, winner of the previous CMAS World Cup for Clubs, will return to defend his title. This time, he will compete for the Iate Clube do Rio de Janeiro, having won the trophy two years ago in his home city of Rio de Janeiro.
Another major name on the entry list is Brazilian athlete Paulo Sergio Pacheco, runner-up at the 2002 World Championship.
Another great news is the first participation of the Czech Republich spearfishing team! And only one team of women, but definitely very strong, with Teresa Duarte, Rita Teixeira and Catarina Santos.
Challenging Atlantic conditions in Sagres
The athletes’ preparation has been complicated by demanding sea conditions, with strong winds and high waves putting both competitors and crews to the test. However, the forecast currently indicates more favourable conditions for the two official competition days.
With an extraordinary line-up of champions and the unpredictable Atlantic Ocean as its stage, the 2026 CMAS Spearfishing World Cup for Clubs promises to deliver two spectacular days of competition.
For tomorrow, the northernmost competition zone has been selected. The area is expected to hold plenty of fish, but some teams have expressed concerns about the decision, as it was virtually impossible to scout properly during the preparation period. Local teams could therefore have a significant advantage over the rest of the field. Nevertheless, let us hope for an exciting competition, plenty of catches and a great day for everyone.
