The global open-water swimming franchise Oceanman Global will host “Oceanman Maldives” next Friday and Saturday in Kaafu Maafushi.

The event, organized by Swim Maldives, is set to become the largest international sporting event ever held in the country.

A total of 507 athletes are registered to compete, including 370 international participants.

Overall, the event is expected to draw more than 570 attendees in official contingents, with total attendance, including families and supporters projected to exceed 1,300.

Organizers said the scale of participation surpasses that of the 2024 World Bodybuilding Championships held at Canareef Resort, which attracted around 500 participants.

The event is expected to provide a significant boost to tourism, particularly the growing segment of sports tourism in the Maldives.

Sponsors include MoMIB and Solid Pro Solutions, with Bonaqua as hydration partner and Allied Insurance serving as risk partner. Official hotel partners are Arena Hotel and Kaani Hotel, while Dhiraagu is the digital partner and Mihaaru News the media partner. Transport will be handled by Icom Tours Maafushi.

The tournament has also received endorsement from Visit Maldives.

Competition categories include 10km, 5km, 2km, 2km fins, as well as Oceankids and Oceanteams events.