11/05/2026
The Release Man is the 2026 Marlin Global Challenge Champion, winning $100,000!
It takes a special blue marlin to win a year-long tournament that spans the world’s oceans. It takes an even more remarkable fish to get there in June and remain untouched the rest of the season. For Capt. Marty Bates and The Release Man, a 1,013-pound giant caught in Cape Verde proved to be just that fish.
The team will be honored in the 2027 Best of Big Game Annual Issue and at the 2027 Marlin Awards Ceremony, and has been invited to compete in the Offshore World Championship
The Global Challenge returns in 2027 with significant changes designed to broaden participation.
🔗Read more about their victory and get a first look at what’s in store for the 2027 MGC: https://www.marlinmag.com/tournaments/marlin-global-challenge-2026-results/