2026 Results

International Sandsculpting Championship

With a world-class venue, 30 of the world’s most talented sculptors, and an exciting prize purse, Neptune’s International Sandsculpting Championship has distinguished itself as a premier event unlike any other. View the Results from 2026’s Sandsculpting Championship below.

Blue Double Wave (Short)

Solo Artists

Blue Double Wave (Short)

1st Place - Solo

"Underwater"

Ferenc Monostori, Hungary

Sometimes we have to dive under to see things differently..

2nd Place - Solo

"Birth of Neptune"

Ilya Filimontsev, Russia

3rd Place - SoloSculptors' Choice - Solo

"Strangers Are Only Friends You Haven't Met Yet"

Abe Waterman, Canada

It’s possible that the only thing these two had in common was their height, but anytime they were found to be in the same room it was filled with smiles and laughter. Donna, Francisco, love you both, always. “It’s the vibe of the thing.”- Dennis Denuto

4th Place - SoloNeptune's Choice - Solo

"The BeautyCraft"

Vadim Bandarets, Belarus

Watch out! If your photo is too perfect, someone might think this sculpture was generated by AI and doesn’t exist in reality. The cracks and imperfections are proof of human touch. A flawless form doesn’t make an object beautiful; it can make it look artificial. Today, true beauty is found in authenticity, mistakes, and flaws — because that is what is actually real.

Blue Double Wave (Short)

Teams

Blue Double Wave (Short)

1st Place - Team

"Powered by NI (Natural Intelligence)"

Nikolai Torkov, Russia
Martijn Rijerse, Netherlands

In a world convinced that the search for Artificial Intelligence is the search for the new Holy Grail; the power of Nature and all of the magic it has created tends to be taken for granted. This sculpture depicts our Natural Intelligence as the foundation of who we are, part of something bigger, be it in the Sky on Land or Water, we can be one with the Natural world around us, and it will set you free.

2nd Place - TeamSculptors' Choice - Team

"There's Always a Bigger Fish"

Wilfred Stijger, Netherlands
Edith van de Wetering, Netherlands

Power is absolute; it is always relative. This frozen moment captures the instant when dominance gives way to a greater force. A timeless reminder that no matter how strong, powerful, or dominant we may seem, there is always something bigger.

3rd Place - Team

"Birds of Passage"

Marie Line Gagne, Canada
Isabelle Gasse, Canada

“Birds of Passage” is a tribute to everyone who crosses our path throughout life’s odyssey. Whether they are family, romantic partners, friends, coworkers, or mere strangers, every person we open our hearts to contributes to the beauty of our existence, leaving a unique imprint of their journey. When our paths diverge and distance settles between us, the resulting emptiness transforms into profound gratitude. These memories settle gently within our hearts, weaving an invisible yet deeply real landscape. Each encounter shapes the person we become day by day. In the quiet moments, their voices still resonate serving as a testament to precious bonds that defy time.

Neptune's Choice - Team

"Water Wings"

Brian Wigelsworth, USA
Dan Belcher, USA

Our sculpture is a fun attempt at illustrating the buoyancy and life of water. For children, water wings are away for them to experience swimming when they’re still learning. As we experience water and the sea through our lives we learn ways that water can hold us up and also propel us along as if we are flying.