The European SUP League 2026 has published its first overall ranking update following the completion of the opening event of the season, the World SUP Festival in Santa Pola. With the first stop now completed, the standings reflect the combined results from Technical Race, Long Distance and Sprint.
Santa Pola delivered the first major battles of the season and has already set the tone for what promises to be a highly competitive European circuit. With the second event about to begin in Taranto, Italy, athletes now turn their focus to defending, consolidating or improving their positions in the general ranking.
Shuri Araki and Alba Alonso lead the Open rankings
In Open Men, Japan’s Shuri Araki takes the early lead with 850 points after a strong all-round performance in Santa Pola. Spain’s Sergio Cantoral Quirant sits in second place with 794 points, while Denmark’s Donato Freens completes the top three with 692.2 points.
In Open Women, Spain’s Alba Alonso Frey leads the overall standings with 793 points. Italy’s Bianca Toncelli follows closely in second with 787 points, while Spain’s Espe Barreras holds third place with 742 points.
Overall ranking after Santa Pola – Top positions by category
With the first overall standings now confirmed, the European SUP League moves on to Taranto, Italy, for the second stop of the season. The leaders will look to defend their positions, while the chasing athletes will have their first major opportunity to close the gap and reshape the rankings.
The season has only just begun, but Santa Pola has already provided a first clear picture of the athletes to watch in the fight for the 2026 European SUP League overall titles.