Nina Taylor 
Bass fishing is about to have its biggest moment ever. The Champions, the first-ever World Bass Championship, is coming to Nashville from October 28 to November 1, 2026. Organized by World Bass Enterprises (WBE), this historic five-day event will take place on Old Hickory Lake at Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville, Tennessee. The prize pool exceeds $3.25 million, and the winner walks away with $1.25 million — the largest single payout in bass fishing history.
Whether you are a lifelong bass fishing fan or a first-time attendee, this guide tells you exactly how to get your tickets, what to expect, and how to plan your visit.
Event Overview: What Is The Champions?
The Champions brings together the top 50 professional anglers in the world. The field includes the top 25 from the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and the top 25 from Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour. This is the first time both major tours have competed head-to-head in a single championship event.
Three days of on-the-water competition run at the core of the event. Additionally, a massive fan festival, live music, an expo, fireworks, and a ceremonial flyover surround the tournament. The event also includes a pro-am competition on November 1 at Percy Priest Lake, where the top 15 finishers fish alongside celebrities and legendary anglers.
| Event Detail | Information |
| Event Name | The Champions — World Bass Championship 2026 |
| Dates | October 28 – November 1, 2026 |
| Tournament Venue | Old Hickory Lake, Sanders Ferry Park, Hendersonville, TN |
| Expo and Host Hotel | Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Nashville |
| Prize Pool | $3.25 million |
| First Place Prize | $1.25 million |
| Number of Anglers | 50 (Top 25 from each major tour) |
Are Tickets Free or Paid?
Here is the great news for fans. Admission to the three days of fishing competition at Sanders Ferry Park is completely free of charge. However, attendees must register in advance. Simply showing up without a registration will not guarantee entry. Therefore, completing your registration before you travel is essential.
Registration opened in early August 2026. If you have not yet registered, visit the official website at worldbassenterprises.com to complete the process. The site is the only official source for registration and event information.
Some ticketed or premium experiences may apply to special signature events, expo activations, and evening programming at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. Check the official site for specific details on those events, as pricing and availability vary by experience.
How to Register and Get Your Spot
Getting registered is straightforward. Follow these steps to secure your place at the event:
- Visit worldbassenterprises.com on a desktop or mobile browser
- Navigate to the fan registration or attend section of the website
- Fill in your personal details and select the days you plan to attend
- Submit your registration and save your confirmation email or reference number
- Bring your confirmation to the venue on event day for entry
Registration is open to all fans. There is no entry fee for the main competition days at Sanders Ferry Park. Additionally, the event welcomes families, so children and first-time fishing fans are encouraged to attend.
What to Expect at Sanders Ferry Park
Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville serves as the main competition hub. This is where fans gather to watch the weigh-ins, cheer on their favorite anglers, and take part in the full fan festival experience. The atmosphere is designed to be family-friendly from morning to evening.
Here is what fans can expect across the festival grounds:
- Live music with four bands performing each day
- Food trucks and a beer garden on site
- Kids’ activities including a petting zoo and guided fishing experiences
- Interactive games and gear demonstrations
- Merchandise booths featuring official WBE apparel and accessories
- Fireworks show and ceremonial flyover
Country music star Riley Green headlines at The Pinnacle, making the entertainment lineup as exciting as the fishing itself. Therefore, even fans who are new to bass fishing will find plenty to enjoy throughout the day.
The Gaylord Opryland Expo: What Happens There
In addition to Sanders Ferry Park, a major portion of the event takes place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. This venue hosts the official expo, media day, and opening ceremonies for The Champions.
The expo spans 150,000 square feet of exhibition space featuring top brands from fishing, hunting, and outdoor sports. Gear demonstrations, sponsor activations, and brand showcases run throughout the event days. An additional 70,000 square feet of expo space at the Gaylord Opryland hosts exhibitors from across the outdoor industry.
| Venue | What Happens There |
| Sanders Ferry Park, Hendersonville | Competition weigh-ins, fan festival, live music, food, kids’ activities |
| Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville | Official expo, media day, opening ceremonies, signature events |
| Percy Priest Lake | Pro-am competition on November 1 |
If you plan to visit the Gaylord Opryland for expo events, check the official schedule at worldbassenterprises.com, as specific session times and any ticketed programming will be listed there.
Planning Your Visit to Nashville
Nashville is an easy city to navigate and a fantastic place to spend a few extra days around the event. Old Hickory Lake and Sanders Ferry Park sit in Hendersonville, just a short drive from downtown Nashville. The Gaylord Opryland Resort is also conveniently located in the Music Valley area of Nashville.
A few practical tips to help you plan:
- Book accommodation early. Hotel rates in Nashville rise significantly during major events, and the Gaylord Opryland fills up fast.
- Rent a car or use rideshare services to move between the Sanders Ferry Park venue and the Gaylord Opryland locations.
- Bring sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes, and layers. Late October weather in Tennessee can range from warm afternoons to cool evenings.
- Arrive early each day to secure a good viewing spot near the weigh-in stage.
- Check the official WBE social media channels for daily schedules, angler updates, and any last-minute changes.
Additionally, the event will be streamed live for fans who cannot attend in person. WBE has confirmed international streaming plans targeting audiences in Japan, Canada, Australia, and beyond. Details on how to access the stream will be announced closer to the event date.
Conclusion
The Champions — the first-ever World Bass Championship — is one of the most exciting outdoor events of 2026. Running from October 28 to November 1 at Old Hickory Lake and Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville, Tennessee, this historic tournament combines elite professional fishing with a full-scale fan festival, live music, and a record-breaking $3.25 million prize pool. Admission to the competition days is free, but advance registration is required. Visit worldbassenterprises.com to register your spot, explore expo events at the Gaylord Opryland, and plan your full Nashville experience. Whether you are a dedicated angler or simply love great events, this is one you will not want to miss.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do World Bass Championship 2026 tickets cost?
Admission to the three competition days at Sanders Ferry Park is completely free. However, fans must register in advance through the official website at worldbassenterprises.com. Some premium or signature events at the Gaylord Opryland may carry separate costs, so checking the official site for updated pricing is recommended.
When does registration open for The Champions 2026?
Registration opened in early August 2026. If you have not yet registered, visit worldbassenterprises.com as soon as possible to secure your spot. Early registration is strongly recommended since capacity at the venue may be limited for certain programming.
Where exactly does the World Bass Championship take place?
The main competition and fan festival run at Sanders Ferry Park on Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville, Tennessee. The organizers hold the official expo, media day, and opening ceremonies at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. A pro-am event on November 1 takes place at Percy Priest Lake.
Who is performing at The Champions fan festival?
Country music star Riley Green headlines the entertainment at The Pinnacle. Additionally, the fan festival at Sanders Ferry Park features four live bands performing each day throughout the event. Food trucks, a beer garden, and family activities round out the on-site experience.
Will The Champions 2026 be streamed live online?
Yes. World Bass Enterprises has confirmed plans to live stream the event for fans who cannot attend in person. International audiences in countries including Japan, Canada, and Australia are among the target markets. The official website and social media channels will announce full streaming details and platform information closer to the event start date.
