Some of the world’s top competitive bass anglers are coming to Arkansas as the 2026 Black Bass World Championship begins Sunday, September 27, before moving to Lake Hamilton in Hot Springs for a week of international competition.
The 20th Black Bass World Championship will bring teams representing 23 nations to Arkansas, with practice beginning Monday and three days of championship competition scheduled Thursday through Saturday, October 1–3.
USAngling is hosting the international championship in partnership with Visit Hot Springs. Lake Hamilton will serve as the competition venue.
MEET THE TEAMS SUNDAY AT BASS PRO SHOPS
The championship week begins Sunday, September 27, with a special public event at Bass Pro Shops in Little Rock.
Fans will have an opportunity to meet members of the USA Bass Team and anglers representing competing nations from noon until 3 p.m.
The gathering will give Arkansas fishing fans an opportunity to meet international competitors before teams travel to Hot Springs for the championship.
A captains meeting is also scheduled Sunday in Hot Springs.
THREE DAYS OF PRACTICE BEGIN MONDAY
Official practice begins Monday, September 28, on Lake Hamilton.
Practice sessions are scheduled Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, with boats operating from the Andrew H. Hulsey State Fish Hatchery.
An opening ceremony and dinner are scheduled Monday at Horner Hall inside the Hot Springs Convention Center.
The practice period gives teams representing countries from around the world three days to learn Lake Hamilton before championship fishing begins Thursday.
WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP COMPETITION OCTOBER 1–3
Competition begins Thursday, October 1, and continues through Saturday, October 3.
Anglers will launch from the Andrew H. Hulsey State Fish Hatchery on Lake Hamilton during each day of competition.
Teams are competing for international medals, with the final results determined following Saturday’s competition and final weigh-in.
The nations scheduled to participate include the United States, Australia, Canada, Colombia, Croatia, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, England, France, Guatemala, Italy, Latvia, Mexico, Namibia, Philippines, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Romania, Serbia, South Africa, Spain, First Nations – Turtle Island and Venezuela.
OAKLAWN OUTDOORS SHOW COMES TO HOT SPRINGS
The championship will include more than fishing.
The Oaklawn Outdoors Show is scheduled in Hot Springs during all three competition days.
According to USAngling’s official schedule, the show will be open from noon until 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday and from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. Saturday.
The outdoor show is part of a weekend designed to bring fishing fans and outdoor enthusiasts together while international teams compete on Lake Hamilton.
FREE CONCERT SATURDAY AT 4 P.M.
Championship Saturday will include a free concert featuring The Frontmen at Bank OZK Arena in Hot Springs beginning at 4 p.m.
The Frontmen bring together the lead voices associated with Restless Heart, Lonestar and Little Texas.
Following the concert, attention will turn to the arena for the championship’s final weigh-in and medal presentation.
RANGER BASS BOAT TO BE GIVEN AWAY
Saturday’s festivities will also include the drawing for a Ranger 519 bass boat.
USAngling says attendees must be present to win the boat giveaway.
The drawing will follow the concert as part of the championship finale that also includes the final weigh-in and medal ceremony.
ARKANSAS HOSTS THE WORLD
The championship gives Arkansas an opportunity to showcase Lake Hamilton and the Hot Springs area to anglers and fishing fans from around the world.
USAngling describes Lake Hamilton as a world-class bass fishery and is working with Visit Hot Springs to host competitors and visitors throughout championship week.
Events begin Sunday, September 27, and continue through Sunday, October 4, with competition taking place October 1–3.
SOURCE:
USAngling
Visit Hot Springs
2026 Black Bass World Championship
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