With the sun blazing overhead and temperatures soaring, 61 sand superstars from 12 countries were straight back into action. There were a few early shocks as defending champions fell, and newcomers looked right at home.

The host nation is well represented across the weight classes, with plenty of homegrown talent in the mix. In the women’s 50kg division, Mercedes CASTILLO BERNAL picked up two wins from two to put herself in a great position to push for a medal. Argentina’s Claudia CABRERA also got off the mark with a win but lost out to Castillo Bernal and sits second in the group.

There was an early upset in the women’s 60kg division as reigning world champion Anastasyia KRAVCHENKO (UKR) lost her opening bout to Andrea AVELINO BARRIENTOS (MEX), who scored the decisive point with just 16 seconds left on the clock. The home crowd loved it. The Ukrainian bounced back with a win in her second bout and will need one more to book her place in the next round.

In the women’s 70kg division, Greece’s Dimitra ANDROUTSOU got off to a strong start with two wins from two to top the group. That included a 4–0 victory over Debanhi TAPIA GARCIA (MEX), who responded with a win of her own over fellow Mexican Elide CASTAÑON BUENDIA.

Defending +70kg world champion Eliana BOMMARITO returned to the sandy circle and made a statement right away in her quest for a three-peat. It took her just 15 seconds to win her opening bout. “The Bomm” has dropped a few kilos in the off-season and gained nothing but speed to go with the power she already had. She followed up with another win inside three minutes to close out a dominant day.

The Glorious Georgians are back in the men’s division, with 3-time 70kg champion Levan KELEKHASHVILI, former 80kg champ Nika KENTCHADZE, 90kg powerhouse Dato PIRUZASHVILI and reigning +90kg champion Mamuka KORDZAIA all back together on the sand for the first time since 2023.

It was business as usual for Kelekhashvili, who picked up two wins to top his group in the men’s 70kg division. American Justin BENJAMIN, who won the opening leg of last year’s series in Acapulco, also won both bouts and will be looking for another big result this time around. Agustín DESTRIBATS from Argentina went two from two in Group B to finish top heading into the final round of matches.

It’s not just the Georgians making returns. France’s 2023 80kg champion Hugo CUENOT also made his comeback with a win over Guatemalan David CHOC, before falling to the impressive Geannis TAMAYO (CUB). Tamayo also beat Kentchadze to top the group. Kentchadze bounced back with a win of his own over Choc. Home favourite Yael PÉREZ AKE (MEX) had a perfect day, winning both bouts to top Group B.

In the men’s 90kg division, Dato PIRUZASHVILI marked his return with a win in his only bout of the day, placing him top of Group A. Over in Group B, Guatemala’s César Andrés UBICO ESTRADA leads the standings after finishing the day with a 100% record.

Oscar Pino has twice made it to the Olympics in Greco-Roman, only to step aside for the great Mijaín López each time, as is the way in Cuban wrestling. Now turning heads on the sand, he kicked off his Beach Wrestling career with a big win over former world champ Fatih YAŞARLI in the men’s +90kg division, going two from two. Defending champion Mamuka KORDZAIA reminded everyone why he’s still the man to beat, picking up two victories from two matches. 2024 World bronze medallist Kyle FERRITER (USA) looked sharp as well, winning both bouts in dominant fashion to top his group.

It was a firecracker of a start with all the athleticism, vibrancy and energy beach wrestling is known for. There's sure to be more drama before the sand settles and we crown our kings and queens of Monterrey.

If you can’t be there sandside for Finals Day on Tuesday, catch all the action live on the Beach Wrestling World Series YouTube channel as we find out who takes home the first golds of the 2025 season.