IGFA Announces New South American Royal Slam 

New program celebrates the extraordinary freshwater game fish of South America

May 14, 2026


Dania Beach, Fla. –  The International Game Fish Association (IGFA), a global nonprofit organization committed to the conservation of game fish and the promotion of responsible, ethical angling practices, is proud to announce the addition of the South American Royal Slam to its suite of internationally recognized Angler Recognition Programs. Developed in collaboration with the IGFA South American Regional Council, the new program celebrates the extraordinary diversity and world-class freshwater game fish found throughout South America.

"South America has some of the most remarkable freshwater fisheries on the planet, and the anglers who pursue these species deserve recognition to match," said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. "The IGFA South American Royal Slam is a celebration of what anglers fishing the continent have known for generations – that these waters are among the finest in the world."

The South American Royal Slam challenges anglers to successfully catch the following seven species in accordance with IGFA International Angling Rules:

  • Dorado (Salminus brasiliensis)
  • Peacock (Cichla spp.)*
  • Payara (Hydrolycus spp.)*
  • Arawana (Osteoglossum bicirrhosum)
  • Redtail catfish (Pirarara) (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus)
  • Sorubim (Pseudoplatystoma spp.)*
  • Trahira (Hoplias spp.)*

(The “spp.” designation indicates that multiple species within a genus may apply rather than a single identified species.)

Only fish caught within the continent of South America will count towards the IGFA South American Royal Slam.

South America continues to attract anglers from around the globe and is supported by a growing network of lodges, outfitters, and guides dedicated to providing exceptional angling experiences. The introduction of the South American Royal Slam provides anglers with a new avenue for international recognition while strengthening IGFA’s presence and conservation-minded angling initiatives throughout the region.

The South American Royal Slam joins a broad portfolio of IGFA Angler Recognition Programs that honor anglers for outstanding catches across species, formats, and fisheries worldwide. Royal Slam Clubs recognize the lifetime accomplishment of catching each required species within a defined category, per IGFA International Angling Rules, with separate distinctions available for fly (tippet) and conventional tackle. All past and present catches are eligible, provided they are properly documented.

The IGFA recently introduced the Master Angler Program, a lifetime achievement framework that unifies these programs under a single structure, spanning seven categories and three progressive tiers. Qualifying South American Royal Slam achievements count toward the Royal Slams category within the program, meaning anglers who complete the new slam may already be building toward Master Angler recognition.

For more information about the IGFA’s Angler Recognition programs including Grand and Royal Slam and Trophy Fish Club programs, please visit https://igfa.org/angler-recognition/.

Media Contact: IGFA Marketing Manager, Shelby Stephenson  |   [email protected]  |  (954) 414-9952