Resounding Success in Benalmádena: The European SUP League Kicks Off with Over 220 Athletes from 10 Countries

The Battle for Hercules Lays the Foundation for a League Committed to Competition, Inclusion, and Sustainability

Melilla Takes Over as the Next Stop on the Circuit from May 2–4

The European SUP League (ESL) got off to a strong start in the waters of Benalmádena, wrapping up a weekend that has already made its mark on the history of European Stand Up Paddle. The Battle for Hercules, the opening event of the circuit, gathered over 220 athletes from ten countries — France, Germany, the United Kingdom, Italy, Denmark, the Netherlands, Brazil, Hungary, Peru, and Spain — cementing the league’s international scope right from the outset.

The public responded enthusiastically to an event that blended top-level competition with a festive atmosphere at Malapesquera Beach. Both technical and long-distance races delivered excitement and spectacle in a privileged setting, with an organization that rose to the challenge of launching a European circuit with a forward-looking vision.

Below, we present the initial ranking following this first stop, revealing the first leaders of the 2025 ESL season. These athletes will wear a distinctive yellow jersey in upcoming races, identifying them as the current circuit leaders.

Official Points Results for the League – Elite Category

Women’s Long Distance

1. Alba Frey (ESP)

2. Esperanza Barreras (ESP)

3. Duna Gordillo (ESP)

Men’s Long Distance

1. Donato Freens (NED)

2. Arthur Arutkin (FRA)

3. Aarón Sánchez (ESP)

 

Women’s Technical Race

1. Duna Gordillo (ESP)

2. Esperanza Barreras (ESP)

3. Kocsis Csillang (HUN)

Men’s Technical Race

1. Fernando Pérez (ESP)

2. Christian Andersen (DEN)

3. Sergio Cantoral (ESP)

 

Under 16 Category

Girls’ Long Distance

1. Martina Trobat (ESP)

2. Pia Ravina (ESP)

3. Henar Butragreño (ESP)

Boys’ Long Distance

1. Rubén Cantoral (ESP)

2. Alfred Gregory (ESP)

3. Enzo Ponzó (ESP)

 

Girls’ Technical Race

1. Martina Trobat (ESP)

2. Pia Ravina (ESP)

3. Henar Butragreño (ESP)

Boys’ Technical Race

1. Rubén Cantoral (ESP)

2. Enzo Ponzó (ESP)

3. Daniel Folgar (ESP)

 

RANKINGS

 

The ESL Is More Than Just a Competition Circuit. Inclusion and sustainability are at the core of its identity. One of the most meaningful moments of the weekend came with the participation of the ONCE Foundation, as blind athletes were introduced to SUP through an adaptive class. Meanwhile, the event reinforced its environmental commitment by using jerseys made from recycled materials, managing waste responsibly, and building an infrastructure designed to minimize environmental impact.

As the organizers highlighted:

“The ESL is a circuit with a long-term vision. We’ve designed a format focused on dynamic, accessible races tailored to all levels, including adaptive categories, open races, and awareness-raising actions. The ESL aims to grow from the grassroots, with a strong social and sporting commitment.”

The next stop on the circuit will take place in Melilla from May 2 to 4, as part of the Festival 3S — a continuation of a league that has made a promising debut and is building a growing community with every stroke.

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About the European SUP League (ESL)
The European SUP League is the official Stand Up Paddle circuit promoted by the European Surf Federation, in collaboration with national federations and leading event organizers across the continent. Launched in 2025, the ESL aims to professionalize, unify, and elevate SUP in Europe by offering athletes a solid, accessible, and internationally oriented competitive structure. The league is built on core values such as sustainability, inclusion, and broad participation, positioning itself as a growth platform for SUP from grassroots to elite level.