New international division to debut in Amazonas in 2027, with plans to build a nationwide tournament network

BENTON, Ky. (Sept. 15, 2026) – Major League Fishing (MLF), the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, announced today the launch of MLF Brazil , establishing the league’s first international division in South America and expanding MLF’s global tournament network into one of the world’s most diverse sport-fishing destinations.

Beginning in 2027, MLF Brazil will establish a national presence designed to grow competitive sport fishing, create new opportunities for Brazilian anglers and showcase the country’s extraordinary fisheries on an international stage. The four-year agreement extends through 2030, with plans to progressively expand MLF-sanctioned competition across Brazil.

MLF Brazil will operate under the direction of Beatriz Vinas, MLF Brazil Executive Director, who will oversee the development of the MLF brand, competitions, events and strategic relationships throughout the country.

“Bringing Major League Fishing to Brazil is an extraordinary opportunity for Brazilian sport fishing,” said Vinas. “Brazil is already one of the great dream destinations for sport fishermen around the world. Through MLF, we have an opportunity to introduce its rivers, giant peacock bass, natural beauty and tourism experiences to an even larger international audience. That visibility can translate into tourism, business opportunities, jobs and income throughout the tourism and sport-fishing economy. Our goal is to build something that benefits anglers and the fishing industry while also helping position Amazonas as one of the world’s premier sport-fishing destinations.”

Brazil is home to some of the world’s largest freshwater reserves and largest river network, providing MLF Brazil with opportunities to develop competition across a remarkably diverse range of fisheries. From the Amazon and Pantanal to the Cerrado and major river basins of the South and Southeast, the country offers an extraordinary variety of game fish, including peacock bass, golden dorado, redtail catfish, jau catfish, spotted sorubim and tambaqui.

Unlike MLF’s traditional North American competition, MLF Brazil will have the opportunity to build events around species and ecosystems unique to the country, introducing new styles of competition and fishing experiences to MLF’s international audience while providing Brazilian anglers a platform to become part of MLF’s growing global network.

“Brazil represents an incredibly exciting next step in the international growth of Major League Fishing,” said Dave Washburn, MLF Vice President of Operations. “Few countries can match the combination of world-class fisheries, iconic species, passionate anglers and extraordinary destinations that Brazil offers. Our vision for MLF Brazil extends well beyond a single event or region. We see an opportunity to build a truly national platform for competitive fishing while connecting Brazilian anglers, fans, destinations and industry partners to the larger MLF community around the world. Amazonas provides a remarkable gateway for that launch, and we’re excited about what this can become over the next several years.”

The first major milestone will come in September 2027 with the inaugural MLF Brazil Expo in Manaus, Amazonas. The event will bring together fishing, outdoor recreation, tourism and the boating industry and will be held in conjunction with the first official MLF-sanctioned fishing tournament in Brazil. The competition will target the region’s famed peacock bass, creating a showcase for Brazilian anglers and one of the country’s most iconic sport-fishing species.

Amazonas will serve as the gateway for MLF Brazil’s national expansion. Located in the heart of the world’s largest tropical rainforest and within the largest river basin on Earth, the state is internationally recognized for its immense waterways, pristine wilderness and giant peacock bass fisheries. Destinations including Barcelos, Santa Isabel do Rio Negro and the greater Manaus region have helped establish Amazonas as one of the world’s premier destinations for sport-fishing tourism.

“MLF Brazil appreciates the institutional support of Amazonas State Deputy João Luiz for his efforts in building the institutional relationship between Major League Fishing and the Legislative Assembly of Amazonas, as well as that of Governor Roberto Cidade for recognizing MLF’s potential to contribute to the state’s economy, tourism development and global visibility,” said Vinas. “The initiative reflects a broader opportunity to position sport fishing as a tool for sustainable tourism, international promotion and regional economic development.”

Following its inaugural season, MLF Brazil plans to continue expanding its competitive footprint throughout the country. An MLF Brazil National League is planned for 2028, followed by additional growth of the national tournament structure in 2029 and the development of local and state leagues alongside the national circuit by 2030.

MLF Brazil is also exploring the development of an inaugural MLF World Cup in Amazonas in 2029, which would bring together top anglers representing MLF International partners from around the world to compete in the Brazilian Amazon.

The proposed event would showcase not only elite international competition but also the diversity of global sport fishing, bringing anglers together around species and fisheries unique to Brazil. The World Cup concept would also create an international gathering point for anglers, fans, fishing brands, manufacturers, tourism operators, media and industry leaders while showcasing Amazonas as a global sport-fishing destination.

For more information about MLF Brazil, visit MLFBrazil.com. For complete details and the latest information on Major League Fishing and its international partners, visit MajorLeagueFishing.com . For regular updates, photos, tournament news and more, follow MLF’s social media outlets at Facebook, X ,  Instagram and YouTube.

About MLF Brazil
MLF Brazil is the official Brazilian division of Major League Fishing, created to advance competitive sport fishing and connect Brazil’s anglers, fisheries and outdoor industry with the global MLF community. MLF Brazil is dedicated to developing professionally organized competition and industry events while promoting responsible angling, conservation and fishing tourism. With the world’s largest freshwater reserves, an expansive river network and iconic game fish ranging from peacock bass and golden dorado to tambaqui and redtail catfish, Brazil offers a uniquely diverse setting for competitive sport fishing. MLF Brazil seeks to showcase that diversity while creating new opportunities for anglers, fans, destinations and the fishing industry throughout the country.

About Major League Fishing
Major League Fishing (MLF) is the world’s largest tournament-fishing organization, producing more than 250 events annually at some of the most prestigious fisheries in the world, while broadcasting to America’s living rooms on CBS, Discovery Channel, Outdoor Channel, World Fishing Network and on demand on MyOutdoorTV (MOTV). Headquartered in Benton, Kentucky, the MLF roster of bass anglers includes the world’s top pros and more than 30,000 competitors in all 50 states and 20 countries. Since its founding in 2011, MLF has advanced the sport of competitive fishing through its premier television broadcasts and livestreams and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for bass through research, education, fisheries enhancement and fish care.