Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament Honored as Marlin Magazine’s 2025 Tournament of the Year
Recognized for giving back, fierce competition, and electric dockside energy, Big Rock earns Marlin Magazine’s first-ever Tournament of the Year Award.
Morehead City, NC (February 21, 2026) —The Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament is proud to announce that it has been named Marlin Magazine’s 2025 Tournament of the Year, recognizing its long-standing tradition of competitive excellence, community impact, and unforgettable moments both on and off the water.
Since its inception in 1957, Big Rock has grown into the largest nonprofit fishing tournament in the world, blending world-class angling with a commitment to charitable giving. In 2025 alone, the 67th annual tournament featured 272 teams, saw 420 billfish released – including 238 blue marlin – and awarded more than $6 million in prize money.
“Often imitated, never duplicated. This tournament has a unique way of blending passion with purpose,” said Madison Struyk, Executive Director of the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament. “This wouldn’t be possible without our loyal participants, sponsors, and spectators — it’s the many hands behind the scenes that make this tournament what it is.”
Beyond competition, the Big Rock continues to make a tangible difference in the local and global community. The Big Rock Foundation contributed $2 million to charity in 2025 – setting a new annual record. Since its founding, the Foundation has donated nearly $14 million to support causes that strengthen both the community and the sport.
Read Marlin Magazine’s full feature here → https://www.marlinmag.com/tournaments/marlin-awards-tournament-year/
We’ll see you in June…
This year promises even bigger action: There’s $1.4 million rolling over in the Super 20 Division, with an estimated $3 MILLION payout for the winning fish in Level VI, and a world-record payout of $6.2 MILLION if the fish wins Levels I – VI. You won’t want to miss the chance to compete for history — and a tournament record purse of nearly $10 MILLION dollars. Rules + Registration details are coming soon!
Join us June 5–14, 2026, in Morehead City, North Carolina, for another legendary season of competition, camaraderie, and charitable giving, only at The Big Rock Tournament.
For more information about the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament or The Big Rock Foundation, visit https://thebigrock.com/
—