IGFA Events Calendar

Where in the world is the IGFA? The International Game Fish Association is involved in numerous events worldwide. The list below shows IGFA's upcoming signature events. For more information on IGFA events, please contact IGFA Headquarters at 954-927-2628 or email [email protected].

 

 

 

2025 IGFA Global Online Auction

OPENS: Sunday, September 28, 2025 at 6:00 PM EDT 

CLOSES: Sunday, October 5, 2025 at 6:00 PM EDT

Get ready to place your bids on world-class fishing trips, tackle, artwork, apparel, and more during the IGFA's Global Online Auction! 

All funds raised will support the IGFA's mission of promoting ethical angling practices, youth education, and the conservation of game fish.

For table sponsorship opportunities, please click here, and for more information, please contact IGFA  at [email protected] or 954-927-2628.

 

2025 IGFA Tommy Gifford Awards

Thursday, October 30, 2025

Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) announced its 2025 Tommy Gifford Award winners, an annually bestowed accolade that recognizes captains, guides, or crew members who have made extraordinary contributions to recreational angling through innovation, leadership, or outstanding accomplishments in their trade.

Named for one of the greatest saltwater charter skippers of all time, Tommy Gifford Award recipients are selected through a rigorous nomination and vetting process conducted by the IGFA Legendary Captains and Crew Committee.

This year’s recipients include Captain John Bayliss, Captain Billy Borer, Captain Barry Cross, Captain Paul Dixon, Captain Gene Grimes, and Captain Kevin Nakamaru. 

These industry legends will be honored later this year at the IGFA Tommy Gifford Awards Ceremony, taking place Thursday, October 30, 2025, at the Westin Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Additional event details will be released in the coming weeks. 

For table sponsorship opportunities, please click here, and for more information, please contact IGFA  at [email protected] or 954-927-2628.

 

2026 IGFA Open

Exciting Three-Day Tournament Celebrates Costa Rica's Renowned Billfish Fishery

March 12-14, 2026, in Quepos, Costa Rica

After a thrilling 2025 debut with over 1,000 fish caught, the IGFA Open returns to Marina Pez Vela, Costa Rica, offering world-class billfishing under IGFA rules, live scoring, and unmatched hospitality—all while supporting the IGFA and the future of our sport.

For tournament inquiries, please contact IGFA Angler Recognition Manager, Zack Bellapigna at [email protected] or (215) 260-9545. For more information on the 2026 IGFA Open, including rules, registration, and additional details, click here.