Morehead City, NC – The Big Rock Board of Directors is eager to debut the Big Rock Triple Crown, a three-leg tournament series designed to challenge the best boats in competitive sportfishing. This series unites all three Big Rock tournaments, creating a unique challenge for anglers that compete in one of, or all Big Rock events.

2025 BIG ROCK TRIPLE CROWN TOURNAMENT SCHEDULE:

Big Rock Keli Wagner Lady Angler Tournament: June 7, 2025
Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament: June 9-14, 2025
Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament: July 10-12, 2025

“The Big Rock Triple Crown allows us to award an overall champion each year.  Boats will test their skills in three distinctly different venues: the Ladies tournament, the Kids Tournament and of course the Big Rock Tournament.  It should be very competitive and exciting” states Big Rock Board Member, Casey Wagner.

The Big Rock Triple Crown is a boat-based tournament, boats entered in any Big Rock tournament are eligible to enter the series. A boat can have different anglers for each event. Entry in all three tournaments isn’t required however, boats will receive 50 points per tournament they enter (up to 150 points). An official Big Rock Triple Crown entry form must be completed prior to the first eligible fishing day in a boat’s first tournament. 

There is no additional cost to enter Level I, where boats will compete for the title of Big Rock Triple Crown Champion and a prize package that includes: Six custom Big Rock Triple Crown rings designed by Bailey’s Fine Jewelry, a championship trophy and exclusive Big Rock Triple Crown apparel.

For those looking to up the stakes, the optional Level II Billfish Release Division ($5,000 entry fee) offers the chance to compete for cash prizes. Based on 75 boats, the estimated purse of $318,750 will be split among the top three teams: 1st Place (50%) – $159,375, 2nd Place (30%) – $95,625 and 3rd Place (20%) – $63,750.

Only teams registered in Level II of the Big Rock Triple Crown Tournament will be eligible for cash prizes.

Points will be awarded based on billfish released in each event, with the top boat securing the esteemed title of the inaugural Big Rock Triple Crown Champion.

Triple Crown Points will be awarded using the following scoring practices:

• White Marlin, Sailfish, and Spearfish: 125 points for releases, an additional 25 bonus points will be rewarded during Big Rock Kids if caught by a Jr. Angler & an additional 25 bonus points will be rewarded during Big Rock Kids if caught by a non-sonar boat.
• Blue Marlin: 400 points for releases, an additional 25 bonus points will be rewarded during Big Rock Kids if caught by a Jr. Angler & an additional 25 bonus points will be rewarded during Big Rock Kids if caught by a non-sonar boat. One point per pound will be rewarded for weighed blue marlin (during the Big Rock Tournament only).

The Big Rock Triple Crown champion will be celebrated at a private cocktail party in October 2025 in Morehead City, North Carolina. 

“The Big Rock Triple Crown launch is proof of our commitment to the Big Rock brand and its growth” explains Executive Director, Madison Struyk. “This series creates another unparalleled experience for participants and spectators by incorporating the traditions from our three tournaments with a newfound passion for innovation. Ultimately, we hope this expansion of the Big Rock brand will serve as a stepping stone to even greater charitable contributions in the years ahead.”

Now is your chance to be a part of history, get started by registering for any Big Rock Tournament, today!

ABOUT THE BIG ROCK TOURNAMENTS

The Big Rock Tournament stands as a beacon of excellence in the world of sportfishing, attracting anglers from around the world to the pristine waters off the coast of Morehead City, NC. With a legacy spanning 67 years, it continues to be a cornerstone of the sportfishing community, embodying the spirit of competition, camaraderie, and conservation. 

The Big Rock Keli Wagner Lady Angler (KWLA) Tournament stands as the largest lady angler event in the world! This prestigious tournament offers a platform for women to demonstrate their expertise and prowess in sportfishing. Named in tribute to the late Keli Wagner—an enthusiastic angler and cherished member of the Morehead City community who lost her battle to breast cancer in 2008 — the KWLA Tournament is deeply committed to philanthropy, proudly supporting local cancer organizations. Notably, it is an all-release tournament, ensuring that all billfish are released back into the ocean, emphasizing Big Rock’s dedication to conservation. This esteemed event not only celebrates the remarkable skills of lady anglers but also embodies a spirit of sisterhood and charity, leaving a lasting impact both on the water and throughout the community.

The Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament is a pioneering event designed to inspire the next generation of anglers while raising funds for children’s charities in eastern North Carolina. As the first of its kind, this tournament provides Jr. Anglers (age 16 and under) with an exciting and educational platform to engage in sportfishing. The young anglers catch and release their own billfish, fostering a respect for marine life and competitive sportfishing. Through this unique experience, the Big Rock Kids Billfish Tournament not only gets youth hooked on fishing but also contributes significantly to the well-being of children in the local community. Any age can compete in the tournament, however a competitive advantage is given by awarding an additional 25 points per billfish released by a Jr. Angler. 

The Big Rock hosts the largest series of non-profit billfish tournaments in the world. The Big Rock Foundation serves as the charitable arm of the Big Rock Tournaments. The Foundation combines the passion of its donors, tournament participants, sponsors, and retail customers to generate funds for its philanthropic endeavours. Those funds are distributed among a carefully selected group of charities that align with the foundation’s mission. The charities represent a diverse range of causes, including but not limited to education, healthcare, community improvement, and conservation. To date The Big Rock Foundation has contributed nearly $12 Million to worthy causes in eastern North Carolina and beyond!