White Marlin Open expands to six-day format for 2026 tournament

The White Marlin Open, the world's largest and richest billfish tournament held in Ocean City, Maryland, will expand its fishing schedule in 2026 to allow participants to fish three out of six days instead of the traditional three out of five. This change, extending the tournament from Monday, August 3 through Saturday, August 8, aims to provide anglers with more flexibility to navigate the increasingly unpredictable offshore weather patterns that have caused last-minute schedule adjustments in recent years. Tournament Director Madelyne Motsko emphasized that the extended window gives every crew a better chance to compete under fair and favorable conditions. The 2026 event will continue to attract a large international field competing for millions in prize money, with registration taking place on August 1 and 2 at Harbour Island Marina. In recent years, rough offshore conditions have forced extensions of the tournament, with the 2025 event running longer than usual and awarding top prizes such as $3.9 million to the winning boat. Organizers hope the new six-day format will alleviate scheduling difficulties and maintain the prestige and spirit of the tournament's 53-year history.