Nina Taylor 
Bass fishing is about to get its biggest moment in history. World Bass Enterprises (WBE) is bringing the top 50 professional anglers in the world to Nashville, Tennessee, for an event that changes the sport forever. Known as The Champions, this inaugural tournament runs from October 28 through November 1, 2026, and it comes with the largest prize purse ever offered in professional bass fishing. Whether you are a lifelong fishing fan, a casual outdoor enthusiast, or a family looking for an unforgettable fall experience, this event has something extraordinary in store.
Event Overview: What Is The Champions Tournament?
The Champions is the first-ever world bass fishing championship. World Bass Enterprises, founded and led by CEO Brian Bird, created the event to settle a question the bass fishing community has debated for years: who are the best anglers in the world?
For the first time in history, the top anglers from two rival organizations — The Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour — will compete on the same water, under the same conditions, for the same prize. There is no tour loyalty here. There is only one lake, one winner, and one Champion’s Cup.
Bird described the vision simply: the world’s top anglers deserved a marquee platform, and the best way to crown a true world champion was to bring the two biggest tours together to fish the same water head-to-head.
The event also celebrates America’s 250th birthday, giving it a patriotic dimension that extends beyond sport. It is a moment of national pride wrapped inside the most competitive bass fishing competition ever staged.
Dates and Location
| Event Element | Details |
| Tournament Dates | October 28 – November 1, 2026 |
| Competition Days | October 29, 30, and 31 |
| Tournament Venue | Old Hickory Lake, Sanders Ferry Park, Hendersonville, Tennessee |
| Expo and Signature Events | Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center, Nashville, Tennessee |
| Host Hotel | Gaylord Opryland Resort, Nashville |
| Concert Venue | The Pinnacle, Nashville Yards |
| Pro-Am Venue | Percy Priest Lake, Nashville |
The tournament itself takes place at Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville, a short drive north of Nashville. Sanders Ferry Park serves as the weigh-in hub and fan festival grounds. The park sits right on the lake, giving fans a front-row view of anglers returning with their catches each day.
The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center hosts the expo, media day, and opening ceremonies. This iconic Nashville landmark offers world-class hospitality and ample space for the 150,000-square-foot expo floor. Attendees staying at the Gaylord have walk-in access to many of the week’s signature events.
Old Hickory Lake is well known among serious bass anglers. It stretches over 22,000 acres and features a mix of structure, vegetation, and depth changes that reward strategic fishing. Conditions in late October bring cooler water and feeding patterns that favor experienced, adaptable anglers.
Full Five-Day Schedule
The event runs across five packed days. Below is a day-by-day breakdown of what to expect.
| Day | Date | Key Activities |
| Day 1 | October 28 (Wednesday) | Media Day, Opening Ceremonies, Lee Greenwood and Trace Adkins perform |
| Day 2 | October 29 (Thursday) | Blast Off (Competition Day 1), Lee Greenwood sings National Anthem, Expo opens |
| Day 3 | October 30 (Friday) | Competition Day 2, WBE Concert 250 (Riley Green headlines, Randy Houser opens) |
| Day 4 | October 31 (Saturday) | Competition Day 3, Fireworks show, Flyover, Weigh-in finale |
| Day 5 | November 1 (Sunday) | Pro-Am at Percy Priest Lake, Champion’s Cup awarded, Closing celebrations |
Opening ceremonies on October 28 set the patriotic tone. Grammy Award-winning vocalist Lee Greenwood performs his iconic song “God Bless the USA.” Country star Trace Adkins also performs during the ceremonies, which take place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.
The following morning, competition officially begins with Blast Off at Sanders Ferry Park. Lee Greenwood returns to sing the national anthem live before anglers launch onto Old Hickory Lake.
Friday night brings WBE Concert 250 at The Pinnacle, a 4,000-seat venue in Nashville Yards. Randy Houser opens the show, and CMA and ACM Award-winning country star Riley Green headlines what promises to be one of the year’s most memorable live music performances in Nashville. Concert access is available exclusively through VIP packages.
Saturday wraps up on-the-water competition with a fireworks show and military flyover at Sanders Ferry Park. This is the final weigh-in day and the most dramatic evening of the week.
Sunday closes the event with the Pro-Am at Percy Priest Lake, followed by the official awarding of the Champion’s Cup to the tournament winner.
Tournament Format
The Champions operates under a neutral format designed to give both tours an equal footing. Here is how it works.
| Format Element | Details |
| Total Anglers | 50 (top 25 from each tour) |
| Competition Days | 3 days |
| Scoring | Cumulative weight across all three days |
| Primary Qualification | Season standings in Bassmaster Elite Series and MLF Bass Pro Tour |
| Additional Qualifiers | Any angler winning a major 2026 tournament on either tour |
| Tournament Entry Fee | No entry fee for qualified anglers |
| Champion’s Award | The Champion’s Cup |
The top 25 anglers from the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series earn their spots based on season standings. The same applies to the top 25 from Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour. Any angler winning a major event during the 2026 season on either tour also qualifies, which means the field could technically exceed 50 competitors.
Cumulative weight across all three competition days determines the champion. There are no cuts. Every angler fishes all three days, and the totals stack up until the final weigh-in on Saturday.
The tournament carries no entry fee for participants. It is invitation-based, reflecting the elite qualification standards both tours require across a full competitive season.
The prize money breakdown is as follows:
| Finishing Position | Prize |
| 1st Place | $1,250,000 |
| 2nd Place | $500,000 |
| 3rd Place | $300,000 |
| Total Purse | $3,250,000+ |
The $1.25 million top prize is the largest single payout in the history of professional bass fishing. For context, both the Bassmaster Classic and the MLF REDCREST — the two most prestigious individual championship events on their respective tours — pay $300,000 to the winner. The Champions pays more than four times that amount.
Anglers to Watch
The full qualifier list will be confirmed later in the season. However, several names are already generating significant excitement heading into October.
Jacob Wheeler is a four-time Major League Fishing Bass Pro Tour Angler of the Year and one of the most dominant forces in professional bass fishing. His consistency across multiple seasons and his ability to adapt to different fisheries make him one of the favorites at Old Hickory Lake.
Brandon Palaniuk is a two-time Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series Angler of the Year. He has consistently performed at the highest level in the sport and is widely regarded as one of the most complete anglers in competition today.
Early automatic qualifiers reported by The Bass Cast include Drew Gill, Hank Cherry Jr., Fisher Anaya, Takahiro Omori, and Zack Birge. Each brings a distinct fishing style and strong credentials from their respective tours.
NFL Hall of Famer Randy Moss has joined the event as an official ambassador. Moss, a noted fishing enthusiast, will promote the tournament and his new fishing series in partnership with WBE, adding a crossover appeal that extends well beyond the traditional bass fishing audience.
Expo Guide: 150,000 Square Feet of Outdoor Industry
The Official Expo of The Champions takes place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center. It covers 150,000 square feet of space, making it one of the largest outdoor industry expos in the country.
The expo brings together leading brands across fishing, hunting, and outdoor sports. Booth applications are open for exhibitors through the official WBE contact portal.
What to expect inside the expo:
- Fishing rod and reel manufacturers displaying the latest tournament-grade equipment
- Bass boat builders showcasing new models across all price ranges
- Marine electronics companies featuring fish finders, GPS units, and trolling motor systems
- Soft plastics, hard baits, and specialty lure brands with product demos and giveaways
- Hunting and outdoor lifestyle brands complementing the fishing lineup
- Apparel, accessories, and lifestyle products across the sport’s major names
- Live demonstration zones where experts show casting techniques, rigging methods, and electronics use
The expo is a destination in itself. Whether you are shopping for new gear, comparing boats, or simply soaking in the latest innovations in outdoor technology, the scale of the expo floor offers something for every level of angler and outdoor enthusiast.
Tickets and Entry Information
Ticket categories for The Champions cover a range of budgets and experience levels. The event is designed to be accessible to families and fans, with premium options available for those seeking an elevated experience.
| Ticket Type | Key Access |
| General Admission | Fan festival at Sanders Ferry Park, weigh-ins, expo access |
| VIP Package | Concert 250 access, exclusive events, priority viewing areas, curated experiences |
| Streaming Ticket | Live online broadcast of all competition days, sweepstakes entry |
| Pro-Am Pass | Access to Percy Priest Lake for the Sunday Pro-Am event |
Concert 250 access is exclusively available through VIP packages. Tickets for general admission and VIP packages are available through worldbassenterprises.com. VIP packages went on sale in late June 2026 and include a combination of concert access, exclusive events throughout Championship Week, and select hospitality experiences.
The streaming ticket is a unique offering that gives fans at home live access to the full tournament. Additionally, purchasing a streaming ticket enters buyers into the Average Joe fishing sweepstakes, which gives one lucky fan the chance to fish head-to-head against the world’s top 50 anglers. The sweepstakes entry period closes on August 20, 2026.
Parking details and on-site logistics for Sanders Ferry Park will be announced as the event date approaches. Visitors should check worldbassenterprises.com regularly for updates on parking passes, shuttles, and on-site access procedures.
Visitor Guide: Hotels, Transport, and Nearby Attractions
Nashville is one of America’s most visited cities, and the infrastructure for large events is excellent. However, hotel availability near the tournament fills quickly, especially around major events in the fall.
The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center serves as the official host hotel. It is the largest non-gaming hotel in the United States and connects directly to the expo and signature event venues. Staying here eliminates the need for transport between the resort and most event activities. Booking early is strongly advised.
Other solid hotel options within the Nashville metropolitan area include properties in Hendersonville near the lake, downtown Nashville near Broadway, and the Nashville Yards area near The Pinnacle. Each option offers different trade-offs between proximity to the lake, expo access, and Nashville nightlife.
Getting around is straightforward. Nashville International Airport (BNA) serves direct flights from across the country. Rideshare services operate efficiently across the metro area. Dedicated event shuttles between the Gaylord Opryland and Sanders Ferry Park are likely, though confirmation will come from WBE closer to the event.
Nashville’s surrounding attractions add significant value to any trip built around Championship Week:
- The Country Music Hall of Fame in downtown Nashville
- The Grand Ole Opry at Opryland
- Broadway’s honky-tonk strip for live music every night of the week
- The Johnny Cash Museum and Patsy Cline Museum
- RCA Studio B historic recording studio tours
- Centennial Park and the Parthenon replica
- Radnor Lake State Park for hiking and wildlife viewing
For dining, Nashville offers everything from world-famous hot chicken at Prince’s and Hattie B’s to upscale Southern cuisine at The Catbird Seat and top-tier steakhouses along Broadway and in the Gulch neighborhood.
Family Activities and Entertainment
The Champions is designed as a family-friendly event from the ground up. The fan festival at Sanders Ferry Park runs throughout the competition days and includes a full lineup of activities for all ages.
Family-focused activities at the festival include:
- Kids fishing activities and casting contests at the park grounds
- Interactive games and outdoor challenges for children and adults
- Fireworks show on Saturday night following the final weigh-in
- Military flyover during Saturday’s championship day festivities
- Food and beverage vendors covering a wide range of options throughout the week
- Multiple musical performances across the event schedule
- Live weigh-in coverage with crowd interaction and angler meet opportunities
The musical lineup alone is worth the visit for country music fans. Lee Greenwood, Trace Adkins, Randy Houser, and Riley Green represent a remarkable concentration of country talent across just five days. The event also commemorates America’s 250th birthday, giving the patriotic performances added resonance throughout the week.
Travel Tips for Attending Championship Week
A few practical points will make your trip significantly smoother.
Book accommodation immediately. The Gaylord Opryland and nearby properties will sell out well before October. Do not wait until after ticket purchases to arrange your hotel.
Plan for traffic in Hendersonville. Sanders Ferry Park sits in a suburban area, and large event crowds create congestion on surrounding roads. Arriving early each morning before the Blast Off is the best strategy. Alternatively, use shuttle services if WBE announces them.
Pack layers for late October in Tennessee. Mornings on the lake can be cool, and evening events like the fireworks show and Concert 250 will require a jacket. Weather in Nashville during late October averages highs in the mid-60s Fahrenheit and lows in the mid-40s.
Bring cash and card options. Food truck vendors and smaller expo exhibitors sometimes prefer cash. However, most major expo booths and ticketed experiences will accept cards.
Download the WBE app or bookmark worldbassenterprises.com for live updates during the event. Leaderboard standings, weigh-in times, and schedule adjustments will be communicated through official channels in real time.
If you plan to visit Nashville’s entertainment district after event hours, book restaurant reservations in advance. October is peak tourist season in Nashville, and walk-in tables at popular spots are rare.
Latest Updates
World Bass Enterprises has been steadily releasing details since the event’s announcement in February 2026. Here is a summary of major updates confirmed as of the time of writing.
- April 2026: Go West Creative, Cumberland Hospitality Group, and Excel Sports Management confirmed as key operating and production partners
- June 2026: Riley Green confirmed as WBE Concert 250 headline performer; Randy Houser confirmed as opening act
- June 2026: Lee Greenwood confirmed for Opening Ceremonies on October 28 and National Anthem on October 29; Trace Adkins also confirmed for Opening Ceremonies
- June 2026: The Pinnacle in Nashville Yards confirmed as Concert 250 venue
- July 2026: Randy Moss confirmed as official event ambassador
- Ongoing: Full angler list, ticket pricing breakdown, expo exhibitor announcements, and broadcast details to follow
Fans should monitor worldbassenterprises.com and the official WBE social media channels for ongoing announcements. The qualifying angler list, full expo exhibitor roster, and broadcast information are among the major announcements still expected before October.
Conclusion
The Champions tournament and expo represents a landmark moment for professional bass fishing. Running from October 28 to November 1, 2026, the event brings together the sport’s top 50 anglers for a five-day celebration of competition, entertainment, and outdoor culture in Nashville, Tennessee. The record-setting $3.25 million prize purse, with $1.25 million going to the winner, gives the tournament a scale that rivals major events across all of professional sports. The 150,000-square-foot expo at Gaylord Opryland, the WBE Concert 250 headlined by Riley Green, patriotic performances from Lee Greenwood and Trace Adkins, a military flyover, fireworks, and family activities at Sanders Ferry Park combine to make this far more than a fishing tournament. It is an annual tradition being born, and October 2026 is where it all begins. Plan early, book accommodation now, and come ready to witness history on Old Hickory Lake.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Champions tournament at World Bass Enterprises 2026?
The Champions is the first-ever world bass fishing championship, organized by World Bass Enterprises. It brings together the top 25 anglers from the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and the top 25 from Major League Fishing’s Bass Pro Tour to compete on Old Hickory Lake in Hendersonville, Tennessee, from October 28 to November 1, 2026. The total purse is $3.25 million, with $1.25 million going to the winner.
How do anglers qualify for The Champions tournament?
Anglers qualify based on their season standings in their respective tours. The top 25 from the Bassmaster Elite Series and the top 25 from the MLF Bass Pro Tour earn automatic spots. Any angler who wins a major tournament on either tour during the 2026 season also qualifies, which means the field could include more than 50 competitors.
Where is the expo held, and what is there to see?
The Official Expo of The Champions takes place at the Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center in Nashville. It covers 150,000 square feet and features exhibitors from across the fishing, hunting, and outdoor sports industries. Visitors can browse fishing gear, bass boats, marine electronics, lures, apparel, and live demo zones throughout the event.
How do I get tickets for WBE Concert 250 featuring Riley Green?
Concert 250 access is available exclusively through VIP packages purchased at worldbassenterprises.com. Packages went on sale in late June 2026 and include a range of Championship Week experiences in addition to concert entry. General admission tickets do not include concert access.
Where should I stay for Championship Week?
The Gaylord Opryland Resort and Convention Center is the official host hotel and offers direct access to the expo and signature events. Properties in Hendersonville near Old Hickory Lake also offer convenient access to tournament activities. Nashville’s downtown hotels provide easy access to evening entertainment. All options fill quickly in October, so booking as early as possible is highly recommended.
