World Bass Enterprises (WBE) is offering two amateur anglers the opportunity to compete against professional fishermen in 'The Champions' tournament this fall, with a record-breaking $3.25 million purse on the line. The event aims to crown a true world champion in the sport of bass fishing, a title that has historically been divided between major professional leagues.
A Record Purse and Fan Inclusion
The Champions tournament, scheduled from October 28 to November 1 at Sanders Ferry Park on Old Hickory Lake near Hendersonville, Tennessee, boasts a $1.25 million prize for the first-place angler, the largest single payout in the sport's history. The field will consist of the top 25 anglers from the Bassmaster Elite Series and the top 25 from Major League Fishing's Bass Pro Tour. Adding a unique element, two fans will be selected to join these elite competitors.
WBE founder and CEO Brian Bird explained that the idea to include everyday anglers stemmed from fan feedback on social media and podcasts, with many expressing a desire to participate in such events. "We're streaming the opening ceremonies. We’re streaming the tournament, of course, the weigh-ins, but we’re streaming the Champions Dinner. We’re streaming the pro-am. You get to watch all of that," Bird said regarding the pay-per-view package that will enter fans into the drawing for the two spots. A no-purchase-necessary mail-in option is also available.
Festival Atmosphere and Additional Prizes
Beyond the competition, The Champions is designed as a five-day festival. The event will feature three days of fishing, media day, opening ceremonies, weigh-ins, a flyover, fireworks, a large expo, a pro-am tournament, fan activities, food and beverage vendors, and musical performances by artists including Riley Green, Lee Greenwood, Randy Houser, and Trace Adkins. A dedicated kids' park with various activities and a beer garden are also planned.
In addition to the competition opportunities, WBE is hosting multiple giveaways for fans. One fan will win Bird's 2023 Ranger Z521R 55th Anniversary Limited Edition bass boat, with entries gained through purchasing merchandise from WBE's online store or via mail. Other prizes include ATVs, a trip to the Bahamas, an alligator hunt, and fishing trips, aiming to provide fans with numerous winning opportunities. "There’s lots of opportunities to win so much stuff, and that’s something else that’s really neat about this," Bird stated. "I don’t think there’s ever been an event like it that’s giving away as much as we’re giving away to the fans."