Captain Bryan Ramos and Fresh Air rose to the top in Leg Two of the 2026 Scrub Island Billfish Series, tallying 3,000 points to take the tournament victory and its largest payout, worth $127,433.34. Photo: Scrub Island Billfish Series

Captain Michael Mattson and Swish were the class of the series, winning Leg One before a dramatic five-blue final day in Leg Two helped secure the 2026 Scrub Island Billfish Series Championship with 6,100 points. Photo: Scrub Island Billfish Series

Big Ben remained a consistent threat throughout the week, finishing second in Leg One, third in Leg Two and second overall in the Scrub Island Billfish Series with 5,000 points. Photo: Scrub Island Billfish Series

Produced by The Marlin Group, this year’s tournament fields grew to 16 teams in Leg I and 14 teams in Leg II, up from 14 and 13, respectively, last year.

According to a press release from Scrub Island Resort, Spa and Marina, more than $500,000 in payouts were available across the two legs as anglers once again competed on the legendary North Drop.

The fleet recorded 93 billfish releases during the series – 89 blue marlin, two white marlin and two sailfish – including 58 releases in Leg I and 35 in a weather-shortened Leg II.

Leg I (August 24-28, 2026) 

Swish, the 78-foot Rybovich led by Captain Michael Mattson, came out on top with 3,600 points. Big Ben, a 78-foot F&S, finished second with 3,000 points, while Captain Shay Danzig and the 66-foot Spencer Marlin Darlin matched that total to finish third on time.

For Swish, the victory was worth $90,125, continuing an impressive summer for a program that has been making plenty of noise throughout the international tournament circuit. Miss Ma’am also made a late charge, topping the final-day shootout and finishing the leg with $47,316.66 in earnings.

Leg II (August 28-September 1, 2026) 

Leg Two also brought a new name to the top of the leaderboard. Captain Bryan Ramos and Fresh Air, a 54-foot Hatteras, accumulated 3,000 points to secure the tournament victory and the leg’s largest payout at $127,433.34.

Swish stayed hot with 2,500 points for second place and another $110,516.66, while Big Ben finished third with 2,000 points.

Top Angler- Leg I: Swish/Joe West

Top Angler Leg- II: Fresh Air/Ricardo Quinones

“The continued growth of the Scrub Island Billfish Series speaks to what makes this event so special – world-class fishing paired with the relaxed, private-island experience our guests enjoy once they return to the dock,” said Sandra Grisham-Clothier, General Manager of Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina.

“We’re proud to welcome these talented teams back to the BVI each year and to provide a home base that puts them close to the legendary North Drop while giving anglers, families and friends a memorable resort experience throughout the week.”

One of the world’s premier blue marlin fishing grounds

During the tournament, anglers and their families enjoyed the resort’s top-tier amenities, including Ixora Spa, world-class restaurants, two private beaches, a four-tiered pool with waterfalls, a 55-slip marina and more.

Scrub Island Marina is the closest marina to the North Drop, giving tournament teams convenient access to one of the world’s premier blue marlin fishing grounds while also serving as a departure point for exploring the VI’s sea life and neighbouring islands.

The 2026 Scrub Island Billfish Series was sponsored by Marlin, British Virgin Islands Tourist Board, Scrub Island Resort, Spa & Marina, Star brite, Bluefin USA, Alutecnos, Garmin, Costa, Tito’s Handmade Vodka, Don Q Rum, Caribbean Cellars, Yeti, Release Marine, Conch Republic Apparel, Ladies Love Pink, Big T Lures, and Marine Trophies.

Scrub Island said the dates for the 2027 Scrub Island Billfish Series will be announced later.