91Ô­´´'s Bruce Waugh is much like a fish out of water when it comes to seeking publicity for his work as an artists and sculptor.

He's even more like a fish out of water when it comes to accepting accolades for his prize-winning efforts.

But a piece of his art, this one carved out of sand, has brought high praise and forced him to speak to media after his creation – aptly called Fish Out of Water – recently landed him top prize at the American Sand Sculpting Championships in Florida.

Admittedly, he was appreciative of receiving the title.

The four-day sand sculpture competition was held at Fort Myers Beach attracting more than 15,000 attendees to take in the awe-inspiring work of eight master sculptors and 10 advanced amateur sculptors from 10 countries.

"First time I’ve placed first at an event in years," he said. Waugh is well known locally and across the country for his sculpting of sand, snow/ice, and pumpkins.

Waugh put 26 hours of work into his winning solo piece of three fish swimming amidst a coral reef, in what he described as an abstract style.

There was some question if Waugh was going to attend, or if the event was even going to happen, he explained.

"First time back after years of absence… two COVID years and then a couple years of hurricane damage that ravaged the city. Hurricane Ian being the worst," he recounted.

"Then, two more hurricanes in the month leading up to event threatened to cancel it again," but Waugh credited organizers and the host city for pulling it off under difficult circumstances.

"Wonderful people to work with during the event," he said, "And lots of praise also from the public viewing the event as well."

Admittedly, he said, this competition and the first-place win were a highlight of his year.