Nashville is set to host one of the richest events in professional bass fishing this fall. The Champions, a five-day world championship, will take place October 28 through November 1, 2026, on Old Hickory Lake at Sanders Ferry Park in Hendersonville. Organizers have put up $3.25 million in total prize money, with the winner expected to take home roughly $1.25 million — billed as the largest single payout in the sport's history. The event pairs three days of elite competition with a multi-day fan festival, live music, and a large-scale expo.
The field will be loaded. The Champions brings together the top 25 anglers from the Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and the top 25 from Major League Fishing's Bass Pro Tour for head-to-head competition, with media day and expo activities planned at the Gaylord Opryland Resort. The format centers on three competition days at Sanders Ferry Park, wrapped in family programming and live entertainment tied to the daily weigh-ins.
