Englewood Beach Waterfest Delivers High-Speed Thrills and Big Wins

Englewood Beach Waterfest Delivers High-Speed Thrills and Big Wins

Englewood Beach roared to life over the weekend as the 2025 Englewood Beach Waterfest brought offshore racing excitement back to Southwest Florida. Thousands of fans lined the shoreline for two days of high-octane competition during the APBA Offshore World Championship.

The event featured multiple race classes, from Bracket and Factory Stock to Super V and Class 1. In the SuperStock class, Raymarine / Big East with driver Cole Leibel and throttleman Gary Ballough took the top spot, while Team AMSOIL Offshore powered by Teague Custom Marine claimed first place in Race 1 earlier in the weekend.

Off the water, fans enjoyed live music, a bustling block party on Dearborn Street, and a full lineup of vendors and food trucks, making it one of the area’s most anticipated fall events.

Organizers say this year’s turnout was among the best yet, cementing Waterfest’s reputation as a must-see celebration of speed, sunshine, and Southwest Florida spirit.