World’s finest divers show wares in El Nido

EL NIDO, Palawan , Philippines — Poetry in motion will be in full display as 24 of the best divers on Earth converge at one of the world’s most scenic island destinations in the much-awaited opening leg of the 2025 Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series today here.

Action meets drama starting at 3 p.m. at the Lagen Island where the star-studded cast plunges into the crystal-clear waters of the famed El Nido with its iconic limestones and majestic sunset serving as backdrop.

Reigning champion Rhiannan Iffland of Australia headlines the women’s cast with sights on a ninth straight title as the gravity-defying event makes a splashing comeback in the Philippines after six long years.

Aidan Heslop, the defending men’s titlist from Great Britain, is out this time due to herniated disc in his lumbar spine, making it a wide-open race for the other contenders led by former 10-time champion Gary Hunt.

Out to give the big names a run for their own money is home bet Xantheia Pennisi, a Filipina-Australian who finished seventh in 2019.

“It’s a special place for me. It’s an honor to be able to represent both the Philippines and Australia,” said Pennisi.”