Professional bass fishing is set for a showdown this fall as the industry’s two most well-known leagues potentially face off for the first time in an official capacity. World Bass Enterprises (WBE) announced the launch of “The Champions” tournament, a new event scheduled for Oct. 28 through Nov. 1 that will crown a champion and award the largest payout in the history of the bass fishing so far.
The event marks a milestone for the bass fishing community by bringing together the top 25 anglers from the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and the top 25 from Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour. For years, fans have debated which circuit holds the world’s elite talent; this October, those athletes will finally settle the score on the waters of Tennessee’s Old Hickory Lake.
A Jaw-Dropping Purse
The winnings of the tournament have will set a new benchmark for professional angling. With a total prize pool exceeding $3 million, the individual winner is set to take home a $1.25 million grand prize. This payout represents the largest single check ever awarded to a bass fishing champion. The rewards remain substantial further down the leaderboard, with second- and third-place finishers slated to receive $500,000 and $300,000, respectively.
Jacob Wheeler, a four-time MLF Angler of the Year, noted that while the prize money is remarkable, the opportunity to compete against a unified field is what the athletes have truly been waiting for. He described the tournament as a long-overdue chance to move past friendly banter and determine a true champion through direct competition.
A Multi-Day Outdoor Festival
The five-day event, which includes three days of fishing competition, is being positioned as a major draw for the Nashville region. Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville will serve as the primary hub, offering a family-friendly atmosphere complete with a Friday night headline musical act, a fireworks show, and a ceremonial flyover.
The fan experience extends to the Gaylord Opryland Resort, which will host the tournament’s official media day and opening ceremonies. The resort will also house the Official Expo of The Champions, a 70,000-square-foot expo featuring brands from across fishing, hunting, and the outdoors.
Following the championship, fishing action continues on Percy Priest Lake on Sunday, Nov. 1. WBE will host a special pro-am competition, pairing the top 15 anglers from the tournament with celebrities and legendary figures from the fishing world.
Unifying the Sport
WBE Founder and CEO Brian Bird, a longtime enthusiast of the sport, characterized the event as a platform that the world’s top anglers have long deserved. By bridging the gap between the two biggest bass tours, the tournament aims to establish an annual tradition that expands the reach of professional fishing to a broader global audience.
The sentiment is shared by the competitors themselves. Brandon Palaniuk, a two-time Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year, emphasized that the entire community is energized by the prospect of a unified title. While the anglers will be competing individually for the massive payday, tour pride remains a significant factor as both organizations look to claim the inaugural Champions Cup.
Excel Sports Management will serve as the Executive Producer for the event, managing strategy and commercial production. Additional details regarding the full list of qualifying anglers and broadcast schedules are expected to be released in the coming months.
