The Motu o Fiafiaga lived up to its name as the 22nd Steinlager I’a Lapo’a Fishing Tournament wrapped up in a festive atmosphere on Saturday, 26 April, also marking the successful completion of Leg 2 of the 2025 NPDL Pacific Island Series. 

Hosted by the Pago Pago Game Fishing Association (PPGFA), this year’s tournament brought together top teams from across the region, featuring 16 boats representing American Samoa, Samoa, and New Zealand.

The tournament officially kicked off on Monday, 21 April, with a significant milestone—American Samoa’s Lieutenant Governor, Pulumataala Ae Ae Jr fired the ceremonial opening flare, the first time a government representative has taken part in this role, signalling the territory’s deepening support for the event.

The awards ceremony, hosted at DDW Restaurant, recognised the efforts of all teams. PPGFA President Emmanuele Pu’e expressed his gratitude to sponsors, especially their long-time Naming sponsor, Steinlager.

“Thank you to our sponsors for supporting us through so many I’a Lapo’a tournaments over the years. A special thanks to Steinlager for placing your trust in us — we pray we may continue this partnership for many years to come,” said Pu’e. “To our visiting teams, you travelled far to challenge us in our waters, and you managed to bring in more catches and big fish. Come again next year — and I guarantee, we’ll be ready to do better. To my Pago team, thank you for hosting our visitors so warmly. We have shown them the true meaning of our land and our spirit.”

Despite facing rough weather conditions in the final stretch, teams delivered strong performances, bringing in qualifying fish every day and showcasing the resilience and camaraderie that define Pacific game fishing.

Samoa’s Team Yellowfin, captained by Seiuli Roy Lee, staged a remarkable comeback to claim 1st place in the Steinlager I’a Lapo’a Tournament. The win was especially meaningful after Yellowfin’s challenging performance in Leg 1 held in Apia, Samoa, where they placed last in the 26th SIGFA International Tournament.

"I wish to thank the President of the Pago Pago Game Fishing Association and the team behind the I'a Lapo'a Tournament. Also, to their executive team — you ran the tournament with real class, and we received incredible support from you all throughout the week. I'm truly grateful for everything you did” said Seiuli. 

“I also want to thank Vaughan Simpson, Tournament Director of the NPDL Pacific Island Series, and our Naming Sponsor, Neptune Pacific Direct Line (NDL), for backing this event. And of course, a huge thanks to all the staff, volunteers, and the teams from New Zealand, Samoa, and Tonga for making this tournament so memorable."

The Steinlager I’a Lapo’a Tournament is more than just a regional event—it’s one of a select number of qualifying tournaments worldwide for the prestigious Offshore World Championship (OWC) held annually in Costa Rica. Entry into the OWC is by invitation only and reserved for winners of recognised international tournaments, making the I’a Lapo’a a golden ticket to the global sportfishing arena.

The 22 nd Steinlager I’a Lapo’a Tournament also served as Leg 2 of the NPDL Pacific Island Series, a three-leg regional competition that spans Samoa, American Samoa, and Vava’u, Tonga. Cumulative points from all three tournaments will determine the overall winners of the NPDL Pacific Island Tournament. Each leg is also a qualifying event for the prestigious Offshore World Championship held in Costa Rica, making it an unmissable opportunity for Pacific anglers to shine on the global stage.

With two legs now completed, the overall standings in the NPDL Pacific Island Series are:

1st – Fua II (Samoa): 787.7 points

2nd – Yellowfin (Samoa): 592.4 points

3rd – Double Hooked (American Samoa): 564.1 points

4th – Grandee (New Zealand): 509.7 points

5th – Brave Hart (New Zealand): 500.0 points

The leaderboard will continue to evolve as the boats head next to Vava’u, Tonga for Leg 3 which will be held May 5 – 10, 2025. The fleet now sets its sights on Tonga as the series continues to gain momentum with four competing boats from Samoa sailing to Tonga on Tuesday evening. NPDL Pacific Island Series Tournament Director and Samoa International Game Fishing Association (SIGFA) President, Vaughan Simpson noted the growing prestige of the series and the vital role it plays in connecting Pacific Island game fishing communities.

“This is only the beginning for the NPDL Pacific Island Series,” Simpson said. “From Apia to Pago Pago and soon to Vava’u, this is more than a tournament—it’s a celebration of Pacific fishing culture, excellence, and community.”