Sixty elite bass anglers have gathered in Middle Tennessee for The Champions tournament at Old Hickory Lake. The event promises a massive $3.25 million purse, with a $1.25 million payout for the top winner, setting a record in professional bass fishing.
This tournament brings together 30 top anglers from the Bassmaster Elite Series and 30 from Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour. They compete to settle the debate of who truly is the best in the sport. Jacob Wheeler, a notable figure in MLF, expressed the significance of this event, equating it to a championship in football and emphasizing the prestige of uniting competitors from different leagues.
Competitors are divided into Team Stars (Bassmaster) and Team Stripes (MLF), battling for team and individual honors. Weights reset for Saturday’s championship, where the top 15 individuals vie for the historic first-place reward. Additionally, two amateurs, Eric Giessing from Missouri and Kyle Carr from Texas, join the pros, having secured their places through a sweepstakes.
Zack Birge, Team Stripes’ captain, credits experience as their advantage over younger anglers. He points out that seasoned competitors possess a wider range of traditional techniques, while some younger peers rely heavily on electronics. Wheeler, calling his teammates “OGs,” agrees that experience matters.
Trey McKinney, celebrated Bassmaster Angler of the Year, remains unfazed by challenges, confident in his skills despite the difficult conditions of Old Hickory Lake. The low water levels and minimal currents have tested competitors, potentially leveling the playing field for amateurs. McKinney believes this unpredictability creates a chance for unexpected winners.
There’s an added twist with the use of forward-facing sonar technology, permitted on either Thursday or Friday, and limited on Saturday. Drew Gill of MLF notes that this restriction could significantly affect outcomes.
Managing emotions is crucial in such high-stake events. Wheeler stresses that controlling emotions could be key to victory. McKinney views the potential win as life-changing, putting him in a “retirement-status” position financially. If victorious, he plans to celebrate with a seaside vacation before considering investments.
OutKick OutDoors is covering the event with exclusive interviews and updates. Follow their coverage on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube throughout the tournament.
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