Queenslander Hayden Cotter has become just the third man to claim three consecutive Pier to Pub titles after claiming his hat trick victory on Saturday.

The annual 1.2 kilometre swimming event attracts a flock of celebrated participants, with Cotter overtaking Olympic gold medallist Mack Horton.

The pair were locked until hitting the shore break, with Cotter pushing in front to beat Horton by just four seconds.

Lani Pallister was champion of the womens open and also the junior event for the second consecutive year.