The world stage is set and the stars have arrived. The 19th annual Black Bass World Championship kicks off this week, running from September 4 to 6, on the storied waters of Lake Arabie, and the USA Bass Team is locked, loaded, and ready to chase gold in South Africa.
Backed by a legacy of dominance, the American squad features six of the most decorated anglers in competitive bass fishing — each with their eyes firmly set on bringing the World Championship trophy back to U.S. soil, as they did in 2023.
A Brief History of the Black Bass World Championship
The Black Bass World Championship is one of the most prestigious international events in competitive bass fishing. Founded under the guidance of the International Black Bass Federation (IBBF), the championship was created to foster global camaraderie and competition in the sport of bass fishing, with a particular focus on black bass species such as largemouth and smallmouth bass.
The first official Black Bass World Championship was held in 1992, marking a new era in the sport by bringing together anglers from across continents. Unlike many national-level tournaments, this event focuses on national teams rather than individuals, with countries fielding their best anglers in a team-based format similar to the Olympics.
Over the years, the championship has been hosted in a variety of countries, including the United States, Mexico, South Africa, and Italy, helping to grow the sport’s popularity worldwide. The format generally consists of multiple days of competition, with points awarded based on daily catches, encouraging strategy, consistency, and adaptability.
The event has not only elevated international interest in bass fishing but has also promoted conservation practices and sustainable angling. Participating nations are required to adhere to strict catch-and-release rules, which underline the championship’s commitment to preserving fish populations for future generations.
Today, the Black Bass World Championship continues to be a symbol of excellence in the angling world, celebrating skill, sportsmanship, and a shared love for the sport across borders.
Building a Dream Team
Led by legendary angler and new USA Bass coach Kevin VanDam, the six-man team is a blend of world-class veterans and rising stars, all hungry to bring home gold from Arabie.
As the most decorated angler in bass fishing history, VanDam knows a thing or two about winning. Since taking the helm at USA Bass late last year, he’s focused on more than just résumés.
“One of the things that USA Bass came to me for help with is chemistry,” VanDam said. “When you put two guys together in a boat, they have to complement each other.”
That team-first mindset is crucial in the international format, where success hinges on how well pairs work together — not something most tour-level pros are used to.
“In the U.S., guys usually compete solo. It’s a one-man show and a lot of secrets,” VanDam said. “Here, there can’t be any secrets. We have to communicate everything. Telling someone what you saw isn’t the same as showing them.”
This year’s lineup reads like a “who’s who” of modern bass fishing greatness:
- Jacob Wheeler: Top-ranked angler and Bass Pro Tour hammer
- Kyle Welcher: 2023 Bassmaster Angler of the Year, renown for his finesse game
- Scott Martin: Former Forrest Wood Cup Champion with deep roots in competitive bass fishing
- Ott DeFoe: 2019 Bassmaster Classic Champion and shallow water tactician
- Logan Parks: Bass Pro Shops U.S. Open Champion and former Auburn University Bass Fishing Team president
- Drew Gill: Breakout star of 2024 and current Bass Pro Tour Rookie of the Year
The team competes under the banner of USAngling, the U.S. governing body for international fishing, which works to grow the sport through global competition, conservation, and youth development. USAngling is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to growing competitive angling in the U.S. and abroad.
Team Pairings on the Water
- Jacob Wheeler / Kyle Welcher
- Scott Martin / Logan Parks
- Ott DeFoe / Drew Gill
Each pair brings a unique mix of experience and momentum. Wheeler, the world’s top-ranked angler for over five years, teams with Welcher, the 2023 Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year. DeFoe, a Bassmaster Classic champ, joins forces with Gill, a rising star who’s already making waves in the Bass Pro Tour standings. Martin, a former FLW Championship winner and veteran of international competition, will fish alongside Parks, the co-winner of the million-dollar U.S. Open college tournament in 2021.
“This is a strong team — maybe the strongest ever,” said VanDam. “International competition is getting tougher every year, but we’re confident. There’s a big target on Team USA’s back, but we’re ready for it.”
The Venue: Arabie Dam
Lake Arabie presents a new challenge this year. Known for its fluctuating water levels, diverse habitat, and big fish potential, it promises to test everything from finesse tactics to power fishing under pressure.Set in the heart of South Africa’s Limpopo province, Arabie Dam is a 3,200-acre impoundment on the Olifants River. The fishery, known for producing monster five-fish limits exceeding 30 pounds, will host three days of official practice ahead of the tournament.
“It’s a quality lake,” VanDam noted. “There’s timber, rock, not much grass — kind of like the lakes in Mexico. It’s straightforward, but smaller than what our guys are used to. That means managing pressure and boat positioning will be huge.”
With the fish in the prespawn to spawn phase, the anglers will have to lean heavily on their electronics and instincts to pinpoint high-percentage areas. VanDam believes that’s where Team USA has an edge.
“These guys are elite when it comes to using forward-facing sonar. That’s going to be a big deal in this tournament — finding the needles in the haystack.”
Eyes on the Prize
Sanctioned by FIPSed, the International Federation of Freshwater Sportfishing (the international governing body for sportfishing competitions), the Black Bass World Championship is the premier global event for bass anglers. Now in its 19th year, the tournament features elite competitors from across the world battling it out for national pride and world supremacy.
While the World Black Bass Championship might not be as high-profile stateside as the Bassmaster Classic or Redcrest, it holds tremendous prestige on the global stage. With nations like Italy, South Africa, Mexico, and Spain fielding ever-improving squads, Team USA knows it won’t be a walk in the park.
Still, VanDam likes his odds.
“Our expectations are high, and we’re ready. We’ve got the skill, the mindset, and the chemistry. That’s a tough combination to beat.”
As the countdown to competition begins, bass fishing fans across the country—and around the world—will be watching to see if Team USA can live up to its legacy and bring home another world title.
Fueled by Industry Giants
The USA Bass Team travels to South Africa with backing from some of the biggest names in the sport, including:
- Bass Pro Shops
- Ranger Boats
- Lew’s
- Strike King
- MillerTech Lithium
- Visit Hot Springs
- MillerTech Lithium
- Bob’s Machine Shop
- Gamma Lines
- BaitFuel
- TwistLock
- Major Bass Media
