Lake Of The Ozarks Pro Angler Competes For $1.25 Million In Bass Fishing Championship

A Lake of the Ozarks local is competing this weekend in Tennessee in World Bass Enterprises' inaugural "The Champions" tournament, with a $1.25 million first-place prize on the line.

Osage Beach pro angler Tyler Williams — also known as “The barefoot bandit” or “The jig man” — earned his spot in the 60-angler field through points in the 2026 Team Stars professional tour standings.

The tournament brings together 30 anglers from Team Stars and 30 from Team Stripes, representing two major professional bass fishing circuits. Williams is among the Team Stars anglers who qualified based on cumulative points during the season.

Competition runs Oct. 29-31 and includes three rounds. All 60 anglers compete in the opening rounds, with the top 15 advancing to Saturday's championship round.

The tournament uses a five-fish format, with anglers targeting their five heaviest bass each day. Cumulative weight determines who advances.

First place pays $1.25 million, while the total tournament purse is $3.25 million. Second place is worth $500,000, followed by $300,000 for third, $200,000 for fourth, and $100,000 for fifth.

Fans can follow the tournament through World Bass Enterprises' $50 pay-per-view stream, which includes competition coverage, weigh-ins, opening ceremonies, and the Champions Dinner where the winner will be crowned.

Williams will fish Thursday and Friday for a chance to advance to Saturday's championship round.