Monster Energy / MCON Racing Takes Silver At 2025 Key West World Championships

Key West, FL - November 10, 2025

Written By: Matthew Hledin

The 2025 Key West World Championships delivered another unforgettable chapter in offshore powerboat racing, and Monster Energy / MCON Racing once again proved their place among the sport’s elite.

National Series Challenges

Arriving in Key West for the 2025 RWO Offshore World Championships was no small achievement for MCON Racing. Throughout a demanding WPRA National Series season—beginning in June at Lake of the Ozarks, MO, and spanning six additional rounds across the continental US—the team faced a series of setbacks, including hull damage, blown motors, and personnel changes. It wasn’t until the RWO Clearwater National Championship that everything finally clicked, with MCON Racing securing an overall win for the weekend and clinching second place in the regular season standings. Still, before making the journey to Key West just four weeks later, the Mercury-powered 438 Skater had to return to team headquarters at Lake of the Ozarks for critical maintenance and preparation.

Early Success

Despite a challenging and unpredictable 2025 National Series season, MCON Racing entered Key West with significant momentum, fresh off a victory at the final round of the WPRA National Series in Clearwater. However, the team faced formidable competition in the Pro Class 1 division, lining up against elite contenders such as 222 Offshore from Australia, X-Insurance South, GC Racing MTI, and Defalco Racing. Nevertheless, on Day 1 of racing, the 438 Monster Energy / MCON Racing Skater surged to the front of the fleet, outpacing eight other Pro Class 1 vessels and securing a commanding win to open the championship weekend.

Defalco Fights Back

Despite battling mechanical issues, Defalco Racing—the reigning 2025 P1 Offshore Triple Crown champions—finished Day 1 in fourth place. However, Day 2 told a different story, as Defalco overcame adversity and edged out Monster Energy / MCON Racing in a tightly contested battle to claim first place in the second heat.

Double Points

For over 40 years, the RWO Key West World Championship has stood as the crown jewel of offshore racing—a week-long festival featuring three days of testing, three days of high-stakes racing, and a non-stop celebration of the sport’s best. Yet, no aspect is more thrilling than Sunday’s double-points finale. By the time the final day arrives, all 98 boats have endured three days of testing and two days of fierce competition, with their positions set heading into the decisive third race. But with double points on the line, everything can change—no team’s lead is truly secure. Heading into Sunday, MCON Racing held the advantage with first- and second-place finishes, while Defalco Racing followed closely with fourth and first. The stakes were clear: if Defalco could capture the checkered flag in the double-points race, they would clinch the World Championship title and the $250,000 prize, regardless of the earlier results.

Down To Just 2 Points

From the opening lap, the pressure was on. MCON Racing’s trademark blend of aggressive starts, technical precision, and unwavering focus kept them firmly in podium contention throughout the race. However, in Race #3, it was Defalco who ultimately prevailed, narrowly edging out MCON Racing for the overall victory by a mere two points.

What Silver Means For The Team

While the ultimate prize narrowly escaped them, this silver finish is a testament to the team’s growth and resilience. It marks months of meticulous preparation and cements Monster Energy / MCON Racing as a force to be reckoned with in the premiere Pro Class 1 class.

Looking Ahead

With the 2025 season in the books, Monster Energy / MCON Racing is already setting their sights on the next challenge. Fans and sponsors can expect even bigger things in 2026, as the team continues to push the limits of performance and storytelling in offshore powerboat racing.

Congratulations to Monster Energy / MCON Racing on a remarkable achievement at the 2025 Key West World Championships.