Super Bowl Energy Meets Flag Day Festivities: Aeto Claims Victory in the 2025 Fautasi Race

One of the biggest highlights of American Samoa’s Flag Day celebration went down yesterday (04/16/25) — the legendary fautasi race. With safety in mind due to high swells out at sea, the committee had to pivot from their original plan of starting the race 5 miles out. Instead, they rolled out Plan B, which included two heats and a final race to crown the champion.

First Heat:

In the first heat, Paepaeulupo’o from Aua, Aeto from Pago Pago, and Manulele Tausala 1 of Nuuuli fought their way into the finals.

Second Heat:

The second heat saw Matasaua from Manu’atele, Lupelele of Ili’ili, and Taema of Leone secure their spots.

Final Heat Lineup:

So, the final heat lineup was set: Aeto, Manulele Tausala 1, Iseula o le Moana, Taema, Paepaeulupo’o, Lupelele, and Matasaua.

The final race started 28 minutes late — the committee took their time lining up the fautasi to make sure it was fair across the board. Once the flag dropped, it was full throttle. Manulele Tausala 1 and Aeto jumped out in front, but Paepaeulupo’o, coming from the far side, started closing the gap. You could tell every crew trained their hearts out — nobody was backing down.

As the race went on, it became a showdown between Aeto and Paepaeulupo’o. Manulele Tausala 1 stayed in the fight, but slowly Aeto and Paepaeulupo’o began pulling away. Both crews were locked in — Aeto hungry to break a losing streak, and Paepaeulupo’o desperate to finally grab that first-place finish after back-to-back second-place heartbreaks.

Leading the charge was Skipper Ailao Tualaulelei, who was appointed and trusted by the leaders and the village of Pago Pago to be the Skipper for Aeto - and he didn't disappoint. Calm, locked-in, and leading with purpose from start to finish.

The final stretch was a battle of pure will. Every stroke counted. When the dust settled, it was AETO from Pago Pago who came out on top!

Image: Aeto on top. Paepaeulupo’o on bottom.

The race was so close that the committee didn’t announce anything until after reviewing the footage — that’s how intense it was.

People all over the island are calling this one of the fairest races in a long time. And get this — Aeto only had 36 rowers compared to other teams with 40+, but they rowed with so much heart and soul, you’d think there were 53 paddles in the water. Heart over numbers anytime!

Fa’amalo Aeto and the village of Pago Pago — what a win. Kuoli!!