World Bass Enterprises Announces "The Champions," a New Championship Event Featuring Largest Purse in Professional Bass Fishing History
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — World Bass Enterprises, LLC today announced plans to launch The Champions, a new championship-level professional bass fishing event scheduled for Oct. 28–Nov. 1, 2026, in Nashville, Tennessee. The tournament will feature a purse exceeding $3 million, including a record $1.25 million first-place payout—the largest winner's share ever offered in the sport.
The event will be contested on Old Hickory Lake and is being billed as the first world championship to bring together the top anglers from professional bass fishing's two major circuits.
Founded earlier this year by Texas entrepreneur Brian Bird, World Bass Enterprises is fully funding the event independently, with no outside investors.
"Our goal is simple," Bird said. "We want to crown a true world champion and produce the highest-quality bass fishing event the sport has ever seen. To do that, you don't cut corners."
Bird, 51, is based in Eastland, Texas, and built his career in the electrical construction industry before selling his company in 2023. A lifelong angler, Bird grew up fishing small Texas lakes and remains an avid outdoorsman.
Elite Field, Unified Championship
The Champions field will include the top 25 anglers in 2026 Angler of the Year standings from both the Bassmaster Elite Series and Major League Fishing's Bass Pro Tour. Additional automatic berths will be awarded to winners of each circuit's regular-season events, creating a lineup that represents the highest level of professional bass fishing.
The three-day tournament will use a traditional five-fish weigh-in format. The field will be cut to the top 15 anglers for the final day of competition.
Use of live sonar technology will be permitted under a controlled format. Competitors may use live sonar on either Day 1 or Day 2, at their discretion. On the final day, live sonar will be allowed for half of the fishing time.
Record Payouts, Guaranteed Purse
The $3 million-plus purse is fully guaranteed by World Bass Enterprises. The winner will receive $1.25 million, second place will earn $500,000, and third place will take home $300,000.
"When we realized there had already been million-dollar payouts in the sport, we raised the top prize," Bird said. "We wanted this to be unmistakably the biggest win professional bass fishing has ever seen."
In addition to prize money, competitors will receive complimentary lodging and a prepaid $3,000 expense card to cover fuel and meals during the event week.
Five-Day Event Experience
While competition on Old Hickory Lake will take place over three days, The Champions is planned as a five-day event running Wednesday through Sunday. Activities will include fan engagement events, live entertainment, and a large outdoor industry expo at the Gaylord Opryland Resort.
Organizers plan approximately 70,000 square feet of exhibit space featuring fishing, hunting, and outdoor brands. A pro-am tournament featuring the top 15 finishers from The Champions will be held at Percy Priest Lake following the main event.
World Bass Enterprises is currently working with an experienced event production agency and a national public relations firm, and is in discussions regarding broadcast and streaming options.
Idea Born on the Water
Bird said the concept for The Champions began during a conversation in August 2024 near Mille Lacs Lake in Minnesota, following the Bassmaster Open at Leech Lake. The discussion centered on the lack of a single event that definitively determines the best angler across all major professional tours.
"I kept asking why nobody had put the best anglers from both leagues on the same stage," Bird said. "Everyone agreed it would be something special. From there, it just took on a life of its own."
Bird acknowledged past attempts at unified championship-style events, including the former Toyota Texas Bass Classic, but believes the timing is right for a modern version.
"The sport has changed," he said. "Technology, streaming, social media, and the scale of professional fishing today are completely different. There's no better time to do this."
Looking Ahead
World Bass Enterprises views The Champions as a complement to existing professional circuits rather than a competitor.
"We believe this benefits the anglers, the leagues, the sponsors, and the fans," Bird said. "If we do this right, it elevates everyone."
Despite the ambitious scope, Bird said he understands skepticism surrounding new tournament ventures—but remains confident.
"I've built businesses from scratch before," he said. "This one is fully funded, fully committed, and built to last. We're going to deliver something special."
Additional details regarding qualifying criteria, ticketing, broadcast partners, and event schedules will be announced in the coming months.