in the news...

NEWLY LAUNCHED SERIES UNITES SIX PROMINENT TOURNAMENTS UNDER ONE PRESTIGIOUS UMBRELLA, SHOWCASING LOUISIANA’S RICH FISHING CULTURE.

​

Earlier this week the State of Louisiana endorsed the Louisiana Champions Cup (LCC), officially acknowledging the newly launched venture that unites six prominent tournaments in the state under one prestigious umbrella.
Louisiana is known as the “Sportsman Paradise.” “Throughout these events, we will showcase the state of Louisiana’s rich fishing heritage that lures anglers from around the world. I always say you can go fishing anywhere, but you catch fish in Louisiana,” said, Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana.

Soft Launched earlier in 2024, the Louisiana Champions Cup Sports Fishing Tournament Series unites anglers from across the United States to compete for the most coveted award in Louisiana. The circuit includes six LCC qualifying tournaments: Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic, Faux Pas Lodge Invitational, International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, Empire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo, and the New Orleans Invitational Billfish Tournament.

“The concept for the LGC came over the fact that my home state of Louisiana needed a tournament series with prestige that showcases Louisiana’s world-class fishery,” said Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic Tournament Director, Rene Cross, a longstanding figure in the Gulf Coast fishing community credited with developing the LGC concept. “What’s missing in billfishing these days is camaraderie. It’s not about the money. It’s about competing for bragging rights and the honor of winning. That’s what we’re bringing back with the LCC.”

Louisiana Champions Cup will collectively showcase the State of Louisiana’s rich maritime heritage, foster conservation efforts, and promote sustainable tourism. “Our goal from the start was to create something that was unique to Louisiana, which meant it had to be authentic. That’s why we’ve specifically sought out experienced, Louisiana-based captains and tournament directors to help us bring the LGC to life,” said LCC Event Director, Robbie Carter. “Having the blessing and endorsement of the state of Louisiana and support of the Plaquemines Parish Tourism is a fantastic testament to Rene’s vision and everyone’s belief of the future of the Louisiana Champions Cup.”

Louisiana has a lagniappe of gems to offer people from around the globe. From its natural resources that include the best fishing in the world, to history involving the longest-standing tarpon rodeo in the United States, and an undeniable record of some of the largest catches ever, Louisiana and its people offer a range of that "gumbo cup" of all things sport fishing combined with heartfelt, southern hospitality. “Working with Rene and Robbie to support what encompasses their passion behind the LGC vision, the Louisiana Governor’s Cup brand and experience embody the LGC tagline, ‘Sport Fishing Excellence, Louisiana Style,’ said LCC Communications Director, Gretchen David.

The LCC Series kicked off the northern gulf season in early May with Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic at the helm. Angler Rene Cross of Team Miss Remy landed his personal best yellowfin tuna of 200.6 pounds, while Team Supreme successfully released four blue marlin to win the overall tournament. Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic was a huge success with their field catching a combined total of forty-six blue marlin! Team Southern Charm landed a 728.4 pound blue marlin and Team Briar Patch won the tournament with seven blue marlin released.

"The Louisiana Champions Cup promotes an outstanding mix of Louisiana fishing tournaments that highlight Louisiana’s amazing fishery to the world while supporting our local coastal economies. I am proud that these tournaments represent the highest standards of angling, camaraderie, and conservation,” said New Orleans Big Game Fishing Club President, Charlie Caplinger.

Participating anglers are automatically entered into the LCC free of charge with their paid entry into any of the six qualifying tournaments. The overall winner will be crowned based on their collective performance across the six qualifying events. The winner of the 2024 Louisiana Champions Cup will be honored and recognized at the annual,
historic New Orleans Big Game Fishing Club awards ceremony held at the Southern Yacht Club in Spring 2025.
Remaining 2024 LCC Series tournaments: July 25 thru 27 - International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo in Grand Isle, LA, and Faux Pas Lodge Invitational in Venice, LA; August 1 thru 3 - Empire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo; August 22 thru 24 - New Orleans Invitational Billfish Tournament.