The Ultimate Bass Fishing Showdown in Nashville
A Historic Union: Elite Anglers Converge for the First Time
This autumn, professional bass fishing is set for an epic encounter. For the first time in an official capacity, the sport's two leading organizations will see their top talents compete head-to-head. World Bass Enterprises (WBE) has unveiled “The Champions” tournament, scheduled from October 28 to November 1. This event is designed to determine a singular champion and will feature the largest payout ever witnessed in the sport's history.
Unprecedented Stakes: A Prize Pool That Rewrites Records
The financial rewards associated with “The Champions” tournament are truly astounding, establishing a new benchmark for professional angling. A total prize fund exceeding $3 million will be distributed, with the victor claiming a staggering $1.25 million—the largest single check ever presented to a bass fishing champion. Even beyond the top spot, the rewards are substantial, with second and third place securing $500,000 and $300,000 respectively.
Beyond the Cash: The Quest for Unified Supremacy
Jacob Wheeler, a decorated four-time MLF Angler of the Year, emphasizes that while the prize money is significant, the true anticipation lies in the opportunity to compete against a consolidated field of talent. He views the tournament as a long-awaited chance for competitors to transcend friendly rivalry and definitively establish a true champion through direct confrontation.
A Spectacle for All: More Than Just a Fishing Event
The five-day extravaganza, which includes three days of intense fishing competition, is meticulously crafted to be a major attraction for the Nashville area. Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville will serve as the central hub, providing a family-friendly environment that will feature a headline musical performance on Friday evening, a spectacular fireworks display, and a ceremonial flyover.
An Immersive Experience: Beyond the Waters Edge
The fan experience extends to the renowned Gaylord Opryland Resort, which will be the venue for the tournament's official media day and opening ceremonies. The resort will also host the Official Expo of The Champions, a vast 70,000-square-foot exhibition showcasing a diverse range of brands from the fishing, hunting, and broader outdoor industries.
Continuing the Celebration: Post-Championship Pro-Am
Following the conclusion of the championship, the angling excitement will persist on Percy Priest Lake on Sunday, November 1. WBE is organizing a special pro-am competition, where the top 15 performing anglers from the main tournament will be paired with well-known personalities and legendary figures from the fishing community.
Forging Unity: A Vision for the Sport's Future
WBE Founder and CEO Brian Bird, a long-standing devotee of the sport, articulated that this event provides the world's most accomplished anglers with the recognition they deserve. By bridging the divide between the two dominant bass tours, the tournament aims to establish an enduring annual tradition that will broaden the appeal of professional fishing to a global audience.
Shared Enthusiasm: Anglers Embrace the Unification
This sentiment is widely echoed by the competitors themselves. Brandon Palaniuk, a two-time Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year, highlighted the widespread enthusiasm within the community for a unified title. While individual anglers will be vying for the substantial cash prize, a strong sense of tour pride remains, as both organizations aspire to claim the inaugural Champions Cup.
Operational Excellence: Expert Management and Future Announcements
Excel Sports Management has been appointed as the Executive Producer for the event, overseeing strategic planning and commercial production. Further information regarding the complete roster of qualifying anglers and broadcast schedules is anticipated to be released in the forthcoming month