B.A.S.S. officials announced the disqualification of Elite Series angler KJ Queen from the 2025 Pro-Guide Batteries Bassmaster Elite at Mississippi River event, following two failed credibility assessments administered via polygraph. In addition to the disqualification, Queen has been fined, in accordance with Elite Series rules.
The polygraph exams are administered at random based on finishing position and are a standard part of B.A.S.S. tournament procedure. Queen was selected for a routine screening after finishing 8th at the Mississippi River event.
According to B.A.S.S., Queen failed the initial polygraph screening and subsequently underwent a second assessment by an independent examiner at a later date, which also resulted in a failed result. All polygraph assessments conducted under B.A.S.S. jurisdiction are subject to a quality control review by a second examiner before final results are confirmed.
The disqualification stems from a violation of Elite Series Rule C3(ii)a, which prohibits anglers from soliciting, gathering, or intentionally receiving information from non-competitors that could provide a competitive advantage. Rule C3(ii)j outlines that a first offense of this rule results in automatic tournament disqualification and a fine of up to $10,000.
As a result of the disqualification, Queen’s 8th-place finish has been vacated. All anglers who finished below him will move up one position in the final standings.
At the time of this article, Queen has not made a public statement regarding the disqualification.
