The Winning Hampton Beach Sand Sculpture Isn’t What You’d Expect

In my opinion... "Waiting for the Sunrise" by Karlis Ile should have won every award, but who am I to judge.  All of the sculptures were outstanding. Congrats to... The Hieght of Stupitidy" by Abe Waterman for winning First Place.  The cat was my next favorite behind  "Waiting For the Sunrise"

I'm amazed at what these artists can create with nothing more than sand, water, and a whole lot of talent. What starts as giant piles of sand somehow turns into museum-worthy artwork right on the beach.

I went by before the Jo Dee Messina concert at the Casino Ballroom so there there was some shading in my pictures.  Ooops.

After another incredible weekend at Hampton Beach, the winners of the 26th Annual Hampton Beach Master Sand Sculpting Classic have officially been announced.

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And if you haven't made it down to see them yet, you've still got time. The sculptures will remain on display through June 28 and are illuminated each night after dark.

Credit: Garret Doll

2026 Hampton Beach Sand Sculpture Classic Winners

First Place
"The Hieght of Stupitidy" by Abe Waterman

Second Place
"Spiritual Ascendence" by Dmitri Klimenko

Third Place
"The Birth of Venus" by Ilya Filimonstev

Fourth Place
"Waiting for the Sunrise" by Karlis Ile

Credit: Garret Doll

Governor's Choice Award
"Waiting for the Sunrise" by Karlis Ile

People's Choice Award
"Waiting for the Sunrise" by Karlis Ile

Sculptor's Choice Award
"The Hieght of Stupitidy" by Abe Waterman

One of the biggest winners this year was Karlis Ile's *"Waiting for the Sunrise,"* which captured not only fourth place but also both the Governor's Choice and People's Choice awards. Meanwhile, Abe Waterman's *"The Hieght of Stupitidy"* impressed both judges and fellow artists, earning First Place and Sculptor's Choice honors.

The annual competition has become one of New Hampshire's signature summer events, bringing world-class sculptors and thousands of visitors to Hampton Beach every June. If you're heading to the beach this week, take a few minutes to walk through the sculpture area. Pictures are impressive, but seeing these creations in person is a completely different experience.

And remember... they're made entirely of sand.

That's still wild to me.