Team USA Wins Gold at the 19th Black Bass World Championships
Events . Featured Stories . News & Press ReleasesA Stunning Comeback for Gold at Arabie Dam
In an unforgettable weekend of international bass fishing, Team USA hauled in gold at the 19th Black Bass World Championships on Arabie Dam in South Africa — rallying from a steep deficit to deliver one of the most dramatic comebacks in recent memory. Anchored by powerhouse performances from Ott DeFoe and Drew Gill, the U.S. squad surged past Italy on the final day to reclaim the crown.
The Stage Was Set
The world’s best anglers gathered September 4–6 on Arabie Dam, also known as Flag Boshielo Dam, a 3,200-acre fishery in Limpopo, South Africa. The team-based event scored anglers on penalty points — the sum of each nation’s duos’ finishes (the lower the number, the better) — across three days, with the lowest cumulative score determining the champions.
Twenty-one nations competed, and the conditions demanded precision: diverse structure, shallow spawners, and the pressure of the global spotlight.
The Comeback Begins
Day 1 was far from ideal for the U.S. team. With finishes of 9th, 13th, and 16th, Team USA trailed Italy by 24.5 penalty points — a gap that looked daunting in international competition.
But champions rise when the pressure mounts.
Game-Changing Day-2 Bag
On Day 2, Ott DeFoe and Drew Gill swung the momentum with a tournament-best five-fish bag weighing 23.88 pounds. Their catch not only kept Team USA alive but also injected belief that gold was still within reach.
As the sun set on Day 2, the Americans were still chasing, but the deficit had shrunk. The door was open.
Final-Day Domination
When it mattered most, Team USA delivered:
- 1st place – DeFoe/Gill
- 3rd place – Jacob Wheeler / Kyle Welcher
- 9th place – Logan Parks / Scott Martin
That consistency netted just 13 penalty points on Day 3 — the best team performance of the tournament. The surge pushed Team USA to 80.5 total penalties, overtaking Italy (92.5) and securing the gold medal. Australia rounded out the podium with bronze at 138 points.
Double Gold for DeFoe & Gill
For Ott DeFoe and Drew Gill, the weekend was nothing short of legendary. The duo no only anchored Team USA’s gold-medal run but also captured the individual duos’ gold medal, finishing with just 11.5 penalties and a total weight of 61.75 pounds — over eight pounds more than the Italian silver medalists.
Their dominance was a defining storyline of the entire event.
Consistency Was Key
Coach Kevin VanDam summed it up best:
“When you fish for three days, consistency shines and the cream rises to the top. Our team got stronger every day.”
The result was a testament to preparation, resilience, and a shared determination to bring the trophy home.
Redemption & What’s Next
This year’s triumph was especially sweet after a 4th-place finish at last year’s World Championship in Italy. Team USA proved they could regroup, refocus, and rise to the occasion at the top of the global stage.
And the story doesn’t end here — the 2026 Black Bass World Championships will be hosted in Hot Springs, Arkansas, on Lake Hamilton. Team USA will defend their title on home waters, with the momentum of gold around their necks.
Quick Stats:
- Event: 19th Black Bass World Championships
- Location: Arabie Dam, Limpopo, South Africa
- Dates: September 4-6, 2025
- Final Standings:
- 🥇 🇺🇸 USA – 80.5 penalties
- 🥈 🇮🇹 Italy – 92.5 penalties
- 🥉 🇦🇺 Australia – 138 penalties
- Duos Gold: 🥇 Ott DeFoe & 🥇 Drew Gill (61.75 lbs, 11.5 penalties)
World Champions Again
From a rocky start to a gold-medal finish, Team USA’s performance at Arabie Dam was a masterclass in perseverance and teamwork. With redemption achieved and home waters ahead, the stars and stripes have never flown higher on the international bass fishing stage.
Join the Conversation
What do you think about Team USA’s gold-medal comeback? Have a favorite moment from the championship or a shoutout for your favorite Team USA angler? Drop your thoughts in the comments section down below.
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KvD is certainly a great coach, but its what the guys on the water do that counts – congratulations on the gold!