Matt Robertson Wins $1.25 Million at WBE’s Inaugural The Champions Tournament

HENDERSONVILLE, Tenn. — Matt Robertson turned five bass into a $1.25 million payday Saturday, winning World Bass Enterprises’ inaugural The Champions tournament on Old Hickory Lake.

The Kuttawa, Kentucky, pro weighed 20 pounds, 2 ounces in the championship round to secure what WBE calls the largest first-place payout in bass fishing history.

The event offered a $3.25 million purse and brought together 60 professional anglers and two “Average Joe” entrants. Three days of competition narrowed the field to 15 anglers for Saturday’s championship.

Pake South finished second with four bass weighing 13 pounds, 7 ounces, earning $500,000. Wesley Strader claimed third and $300,000 with 11 pounds, 2 ounces.

Championship Round: Top Five

Place Angler Weight (lbs.–oz.)

1 Matt Robertson 20-02 $1,250,000

2 Pake South 13-07 $500,000

3 Wesley Strader 11-02 $300,000

4 Trey McKinney 11-00 $200,000

5 Michael Neal 10-10 $100,000

Weights reflect the championship round only. Team Stars also captured The Champions Cup team competition, sending 10 anglers into the final compared with Team Stripes’ five. Source: World Bass Enterprises’ official tournament release. Visit World Bass Enterprises for additional tournament information and standings.

www.worldbassenterprises.com