Though hosts Bahamas fell short of reaching the finals of the Concacaf Beach Soccer Championship—and with it, a place at the World Cup—they still had reason to celebrate, as rising star Wood Julmis was named the tournament’s Best Young Player.

Julmis, a 23-year-old attacker, shone brightly for the Bahamians, as he scored five goals and played a key role in helping his team reach the semi-finals for a second consecutive edition. His efforts earned him the Young Player Award, presented by Aramco, and capped off a memorable individual campaign despite his team’s heartbreak.

The Bahamas started the tournament with promise, as they topped their group after impressive victories over the United States and Trinidad and Tobago.

However, their dream of a World Cup berth ended in a nail-biting 2-3 semi-final loss to Guatemala. The United States then exacted revenge in the third-place playoff, handing the hosts a 2-6 defeat.

In the championship match, El Salvador edged Guatemala 2-1 to claim their third Concacaf Beach Soccer title. Both finalists will represent the region at the Beach Soccer World Cup later this year.

El Salvador’s Emerson Cerna was the standout performer of the tournament, as he took home the Best Player Award, presented by Scotiabank, while also claiming the Top Scorer Award, presented by Aramco, after netting six goals.

His teammate, goalkeeper Eliodoro Portillo, was named Best Goalkeeper for his heroic displays between the posts. El Salvador also claimed the Fair Play Award, rounding off a dominant showing in the tournament.

Julmis and his team's journey ended earlier than hoped, but his individual brilliance stands as a beacon of pride for the host. As the young forward continues to develop, his performances suggest that brighter days could be ahead for Bahamian beach soccer.