RESULTS FROM THE 2025 MONTEREY SHOOTOUT

36 HOURS, 140 UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHERS, DYNAMIC MONTEREY BAY CONDITIONS

The 2025 Monterey Shootout showed an impressive turnout, with over 140 dedicated contestants braving the cold, dynamic conditions of Monterey Bay. With $60,000 in prizes on the line, participants flocked from near and far to give their all during this 36-hour photo and video competition. Despite limited visibility, our community of intrepid underwater photographers gladly accepted the challenge, capturing stunning images and video of a diverse array of subjects that showcased the natural beauty of our local waters. This year, cormorants, tubesnout eggs, and the creative use of slow shutter speeds stole the show. 

But this year’s Shootout was about more than just a contest. In the days leading up to the event, the Monterey diving community was struck by the sudden loss of three of its own: Jamie Tabscott, Steve Clatterbuck, and James Vincent—staff and friends from Aquarius Scuba and Any Water Sports who were at the heart of the Monterey dive community.

In the face of grief, we came together not only to compete, but to support one another, celebrate the lives of those we lost, and begin to heal. The unity displayed throughout the weekend was a reminder of just how much of a family the Monterey dive community truly is.