Article overview: If there were ever a week that perfectly captured why people keep coming back to Key West year after year… this was it. From the first cocktails at Dante’s to the final awards u...
If there were ever a week that perfectly captured why people keep coming back to Key West year after year… this was it.
From the first cocktails at Dante’s to the final awards under a pastel sunset, the 2026 Viking Key West Challenge delivered everything you want in a tournament—great fishing, even better company, and a few moments no one will forget anytime soon.
Kicking Things Off
Wednesday set the tone at Dante’s Tiki Bar, where teams checked in, grabbed a drink, and eased into tournament mode. Between the cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and captains meeting, the excitement was already building—and you could feel that this week was going to be a good one.
Lines In & Let’s Go
Thursday morning, lines hit the water at 8:30am sharp. Boats spread out, the radios came alive, and the first day of fishing was officially underway. By the afternoon, the weigh station at Conch Harbor Marina was buzzing with stories, strategy talk, and the first looks at what the leaderboard might shape up to be.
The night wrapped up back at Dante’s with a welcome buffet—because in Key West, the only thing better than fishing all day is reliving it over a plate of good food and a cold drink.
A Little Break, Key West Style
Friday brought a shift in pace (but not in energy). The pool party lunch at Dante’s was exactly what everyone needed—sun, music, and a chance to recharge.
The afternoon kept things fun with the Kids Dock Tournament, a Poker Run, and an amazing concert at Papa's Pilar. Equal parts competition and celebration, it was a reminder that this event is just as much about the people as it is about the fishing.
Championship Saturday
Saturday brought the final push. Lines in early, lines out by mid-afternoon—and then all eyes back on the docks as the last catches came in and scores were finalized.
That evening, everyone gathered at Opal Key Sunset Pier just in time for a classic Key West sunset. From there, it was straight into the awards dinner—and this year’s results did not disappoint:
Overall Grand Champion: Right Choice, 61’ Viking (for the third year in a row!!!)
Top Angler (2nd Place): Marian Kapusta – Right Choice
3rd Place Angler: Steven Psillos – Bimini, 58’ Viking
Top Female Angler (3rd Place): Pamela Fay
Top Junior Angler: Colin DiCembrino – HMY 64 Demo
Top Sailfish Team: Right Choice
Top Tuna Team (3rd Place): Heartlander, 58’ Viking
Top Dolphin Team (3rd Place): HMY 64 Demo
Top Kingfish Team (3rd Place): Pipe Dreamer, 70’ Viking
The Catch Everyone Will Be Talking About
And a special shoutout to Colin DiCembrino, for the first time in the tournament’s 12-year history, a blue marlin hit the leaderboard.
Colin DiCembrino—grandson of HMY owner Steve Moynihan—landed the fish that officially put this milestone on the map. It was the kind of full-circle, can’t-script-it moment that reminds you why we all love this sport in the first place.
Safe to say, this is one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
To read more about this historic release, check out our latest blog here.
Until Next Year…
Weeks like this don’t just happen—they’re built by the people, the boats, and the shared love of being out on the water.
If you’ve been thinking about joining the Viking Key West Challenge, consider this your sign.
Sign up for next year’s tournament and be part of it—we promise, you don’t want to miss what’s coming next.
For more information, reach out to an HMY Viking Yachts Product Specialists at (561) 331-5200.