Legendary Wins at the 2025 White Marlin Open: Record Catches & Big Rewards
A Storied Tournament in Ocean City
The 52nd Annual White Marlin Open in Ocean City, Maryland, once again asserted itself as the world’s richest and most prestigious billfish fishing tournament. With turbulent seas and high stakes, this year’s event attracted 282 boats competing for over $7.2 million in prize money. Despite challenging weather, the tournament delivered unforgettable moments on the scales.
White Marlin Crown: “Billfisher” Claims the Top Prize
Dan Gough, angling aboard Billfisher, captured the tournament’s largest white marlin—a 72-pounder that earned the team approximately $3.9 million. For Gough, who’ll now enjoy this life-changing win, the victory resonates deeply after decades of chasing this elusive crown.
A Close Second: Michael Jordan’s “Catch 23” Makes Waves
Just one pound behind, Trey “Cricket” McMillan on Catch 23—Michael Jordan’s sleek Bayliss-built yacht—landed a 71-pound white marlin, translating to a hefty $400,000 prize. This marked the first time Jordan’s team reached the podium, capturing major attention from fans and the media alike.
Blue Marlin Excellence: A Gigantic Catch on “Barbara B”
Early in the week, Drew Osmeyer aboard Barbara B delivered a show-stopping performance by weighing a 929.5-pound blue marlin—not only securing the blue marlin division but awarding the team about $1.27 million. This impressive catch remained unchallenged the rest of the tournament.
The Legacy Continues
The 2025 White Marlin Open reaffirmed why it’s dubbed the “Super Bowl of fishing.” This year’s event brought drama, celebrity allure, multimillion-dollar paydays, and unforgettable moments—solidifying its grand legacy in sport fishing history.
Get Tournament-Ready with MacGregor Yachts
Inspired by the incredible performances? Whether you’re chasing white marlin in Ocean City, targeting sailfish in South Florida, or entering any other high-stakes offshore tournament, having the right boat is key to success.
At MacGregor Yachts, we specialize in matching serious anglers with tournament-ready sportfishing boats designed for speed, comfort, and efficiency on the water. From custom Carolina builds to high-performance outboard center consoles, our team can help you find the perfect vessel to elevate your game this tournament season.
Ready to make your mark at the next big event? Browse our current listings to start today.
