Spectators can witness 24 of the world’s top athletes dive from a platform built above the pier into Tampa Bay, reaching heights of up to 90 feet.
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — One of the world’s biggest cliff diving competitions is making only one stop in the U.S. this year, and it’s right here in the Tampa Bay area.
The Red Bull Cliff Diving World Series is coming to the St. Pete Pier on June 5–6 for its only domestic stop, and its first-ever event in Florida.
Spectators can witness 24 of the world’s top athletes dive from a platform built above the pier into Tampa Bay, reaching heights of up to 70 feet for women and 90 feet for men. And it’s free for the public to enjoy.
“Known as the ‘Sunshine City, ‘ St. Pete delivers a high-energy waterfront setting where sport meets skyline, turning the St. Pete Pier into a world-class stage for cliff diving,” organizers said in a statement.
Athletes will perform increasingly complex dives judged on execution, synchronization and artistic impression. Organizers say that in only three seconds of freefall, divers hit speeds of 53 mph before entering the water with precision and control.
Among the U.S. competitors taking part in the event are Kaylea Arnett, Lisa Faulkner and James Lichtenstein, who made history at the 2025 World Series finale in Boston, becoming the first American male diver ever to win on U.S. soil.
“Winning in Boston last season was a huge moment—not just for me, but for the sport in the U.S. The energy from the crowd was incredible, and it meant everything to have that moment at home,” Lichtenstein said in a statement. “To now come into St. Pete as the only U.S. stop this year, it feels like we’re building something bigger, and I’m excited for fans to experience it again.”
Reigning champions Rhiannan Iffland and Gary Hunt are expected to headline the competition to defend their titles.