Juan De Dios Ruiz wins the 2026 Zicatela Open in Puerto Escondido

Mexican bodysurfer Juan de Dios Ruiz claimed victory at the 2026 Zicatela Open, held on August 29–30 at Puerto Escondido, Oaxaca, following a competitive international event featuring athletes from several countries.

Organised by the local bodysurfing community, the event brought competitors together at one of Mexico’s most iconic wave-riding destinations and delivered a series of closely contested heats before an international four-man final.

Ruiz established himself as one of the most consistent performers throughout the competition.

After winning his opening heat with 8.70 points, he continued his strong run through the event, including another heat victory with 8.73 points in Round 3.

In the Final, Ruiz produced the decisive performance. His two best waves, 5.67 and 4.50, gave him a 10.17-point heat total and the Zicatela Open title.

Fellow Mexican Angel Martínez secured second place with 7.76, completing an impressive one-two finish for the host nation.

Brasil’s Luciano Pereira Alavez finished third with 7.24, after demonstrating remarkable consistency throughout the rounds, while Australia’s Morgan Hely completed the international final in fourth place with 5.30.

Juan de Dios Ruiz (Mexico) — 10.17

Angel Martínez (Mexico) — 7.76

Luciano Pereira Alavez (Brazil) — 7.24

Morgan Hely (Australia) — 5.30

The road to the Final highlighted the depth of the field.

Martínez recorded one of the strongest performances of the competition with an 11.77-point heat total in the opening round.

Other standout heat totals included Ram Salinas Boggio La Nutria (10.17), Luca Cardoso (10.10), Godo Vasquez (9.26) and Edwin Alexis Rios Salmeron (9.24).

Luciano Pereira Alavez was particularly consistent on his way to the podium, posting totals of 8.33, 8.77 and 8.50 across the first three rounds.

Morgan Hely also progressed steadily through the draw, earning his place in the Final and ensuring representation from three continents among the final four.

The Zicatela Open once again demonstrated the strength of the bodysurfing community in Latin America and its ability to bring together competitors from around the world.

The event also highlighted the continued development of international competitive bodysurfing, with athletes from Mexico, Brasil, Peru, Chile and other nations sharing the water and different approaches to bodysurfing throughout the rounds.

The International Bodysurfing Association congratulates Juan de Dios Ruiz on his victory, as well as Angel Martínez, Luciano Pereira Alavez and Morgan Hely for reaching the Final.

IBSA also congratulates all the athletes who participated and thanks the local organisers, judges, officials, volunteers and partners whose commitment made the 2026 Zicatela Open possible.

Ranking

1. Juan De Dios Ruiz (Mexico) - 1000

2. Angel Martinez (Mexico) - 860

3. Luciano Pereira Alavez (Brasil) - 730

4. Morgan Hely (Australia) - 670

5. Mario Aragon (Mexico) - 610

5. Ram Salinas Boggio (Peru) - 610

7. Luca Cardoso (Mexico) - 555

7. Edwin Alexis Rios Salmeron (Mexico) - 555

7. Ricardo Zermenho (Mexico) - 555

10. David Ortiz (Mexico) - 488

10. Rajendra Shiwnath (Ecuador) - 488

10. Hunter Veloz (USA) - 488

13. Jordy Cortez (Mexico) - 450

13. Godofredo Vasquez (Mexico) - 450

13. Matias Biondini (Argentina) - 450

13. Mateus de França Barbosa (Brasil) - 450

13. Daniel Guevara (Peru) - 450

13. Pavel Volcov (Russia) - 450

19. Mark Dowling (USA) - 390

19. Andrew Waller (USA) - 390

19. David Camacho (Mexico) - 390

19. Norberto Cruz (Mexico) - 390

25. Stephen Rysak (Mexico) - 360

25. Ignacio Hernàndez Checura (Chile) - 360

25. Luis Eduardo Turrieta Ortega (Chile) - 360

25. Noa Jesus Martinez (Mexico) - 360

29. Callie King (USA) - 340

29. Juan Carlos Fierro (Mexico) - 340