EL NIDO – Elite divers armed with the highest level of bravery take on the scenic yet vicious waters of Palawan as the Red Bull World Cliff Diving World Series officially opens its 2025 season in this beautiful coastal town north of the renowned paradise island on Friday, April 11.

With the imposing limestone formations serving as the perfect backdrop that should give the extreme sport its menacing look, daredevils from different countries are all eager to deliver exhilarating acrobatics and earn the nods of judges.

With reigning champion Aidan Heslop of the United Kingdom withdrawing in the PH stop, the male division is now an open race with everyone itching to make a big splash in this tourist haven.

Last year’s runner-up and one-time champ Constantin Popovici of Romania and 10-time titlist France Gary Hunt are both focused to get as many points as possible and become the king at the end of the season.

Meanwhile, Australian Rhiannan Iffland, the reigning champ since 2016, starts her nine-peat quest on the women’s side.

Her compatriot, Filipino-Australian Xantheia Pennissi, tries to impress in front of his home fans as the Tarlac native eyes to eclipse her seventh place finish in the 2019 edition at the very same town.

Same as before, the men and women competitors take their acts on platforms that have a height of 27 and 21 meters, respectively.

When all is set and done in El Nido, the annual tournament moves to Polignano A Mare, Italy on June 28 to 29; Mostar, Bosnia and Herzegovina on Sept. 5 to 6; and in Boston, USA on Sept. 19 to 20.