Azul Freediving Challenge celebrates 10 years of freediving, competition, national records, and community at Cenote Yum Kin in Mexico.
The Azul Freediving Challenge celebrated its 10th anniversary from September 14–27, 2026. The two-week event took place at Cenote Yum Kin in Leona Vicario, Riviera Maya, Mexico.
Organized by PranaMaya Freediving, the anniversary edition brought together freedivers from around the world for a celebration of depth, learning, and community.
The anniversary edition brought together 70 people from 13 different nationalities. In addition, the program included workshops, training sessions, a pre-competition, a static apnea competition, and the main depth competition.
Of the participants, 55 registered for the Azul Freediving Challenge, including 22 first-time competitors. The event created opportunities for freedivers of different experience levels to learn, share knowledge, challenge themselves, and connect with an international community.
Azul Freediving Challenge 2026 at Cenote Yum Kin
Cenote Yum Kin provided a spectacular natural setting for the anniversary celebrations. With a depth of approximately 85 meters and water temperatures around 31°C, it offered a distinctive environment for athletes to pursue their goals in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean.
Throughout the event, participants took part in activities designed to develop their skills, prepare for competition, and share their passion for freediving. In addition, the workshops, training sessions, and pre-competition activities helped create an atmosphere of learning and camaraderie before the main competition began.
Azul Freediving Challenge 2026: Official Results
The main competition took place from September 25–27 and featured outstanding performances in Free Immersion (FIM), Constant Weight Bi-Fins (CWTB), and Constant Weight No Fins (CNF). In addition, all results listed below were final and official.
Free Immersion (FIM)
Constant Weight Bi-Fins (CWTB)
Constant Weight No Fins (CNF)
Women:
🥇 Mariel Barjau
🥈 Javiera Pinto
🥉 Chengming Yuan
Men:
🥇 Matthieu Duvault
🥈 Brian Tong
🥉 Arturo Serratos
Women:
🥇 Mariel Barjau
🥈 Chengming Yuan
🥉 Twigy Feng
Men:
🥇 Guillermo Villarreal
🥈 Santiago Pérez Buenfil
🥉 Claudio Bonato
Women:
🥇 Chengming Yuan
🥈 Mariel Barjau
🥉 Twigy Feng
Men:
🥇 Shaun Parrott
🥈 Brian Tong
🥉 Michel Filinis
First-Timer Overall
Overall Podiums
Women: 🥇
Karin Ericsson
🥈 Erin Lee
🥉 Jordan Link
Men:
🥇 Cade Cooke
🥈 Leo Díaz
🥉 Maxon Zhao
Women:
🥇 Mariel Barjau
🥈 Chengming Yuan
🥉 Twigy Feng
Men:
🥇 Cade Cooke
🥈 Stefano Spicca
🥉 Brian Tong
National Records at Azul Freediving Challenge 2026
The anniversary edition celebrated new national records achieved by athletes representing Chile, Argentina, Bolivia, and Brazil. Furthermore, across its ten-year history, the Azul Freediving Challenge has seen approximately 115 validated national records, highlighting its contribution to the growth of competitive freediving.
A special recognition went to Javiera Pinto, who reached 67 meters in Free Immersion (FIM), therebysetting a new Chilean national record.
Additionally, we recognized Libertad Coronel for her experience, dedication, and determination to explore greater depths at Cenote Yum Kin.
Sponsors of Azul Freediving Challenge 2026
Of course, this anniversary would not have been possible without the support of our sponsorsand partners. Special thanks to Cressi, Molchanovs, Bonassi, FO2, and many others for supporting the event and contributing prizes for our athletes.
We were equally grateful to the organizers, safety team, judges, volunteers, instructors, and everyone who helped make this edition possible.
A Memorable Closing Celebration at Bendito Coyote
Following two weeks of activities, training, competition, and shared experiences, the AzulFreediving Challenge celebrated its 10th anniversary with a special closing event at Bendito Coyote Bar.
The evening brought everyone together for a celebration full of surprises. For example, guests enjoyed a raffle with prizes and a live mariachi performance that added a distinctly Mexican touch to the festivities.
It was the perfect opportunity for athletes, organizers, sponsors, and friends to celebrate their achievements, share memories, and enjoy the community spirit that had defined the event throughout the week.
The closing celebration was a fitting end to an unforgettable anniversary, bringing the entire Azul community together beyond the competition platform.
Ten Years of Depth, Discovery and Community
Looking back on this milestone, the 10th anniversary was about much more than competitionresults. It celebrated a decade of achievements, friendships, personal growth, and a sharedpassion for freediving.
From the workshops and training sessions to the official competition and the final celebration, every part of the event contributed to making this milestone special.
Thank you to everyone who was part of these ten years of the Azul Freediving Challenge. Your dedication, enthusiasm, and support helped build the community we celebrated in 2026.
Ten years down, and the journey continues!
Azul Freediving Challenge — 10 years of depth, discovery, and community.
