Basketball legend Michael Jordan is back in Ocean City this week for the 52nd Annual White Marlin Open, one of the world’s largest and richest billfishing tournaments.
The tournament runs August 3 through August 8 and draws hundreds of boats and thousands of anglers competing for millions of dollars in prize money. Held annually since 1974, the White Marlin Open has grown from 57 boats competing for a $20,000 purse to an internationally recognized event that awarded more than $7.24 million in 2025, including a top individual prize of $3.9 million. Since its inception, the tournament has paid out more than $121 million and is widely recognized as the world’s largest billfishing tournament.
Jordan has become a familiar face at the event, returning to Ocean City nearly every summer with his fishing team. His participation has become a tradition, with fans often gathering at the docks for a chance to catch a glimpse of the NBA icon during the daily weigh-ins.
Last year, Jordan’s team earned a second-place finish after angler Trey “Cricket” McMillan reeled in a 71-pound white marlin, just one pound behind the tournament-winning catch. The team took home more than $385,000, and Jordan was photographed at the scales celebrating alongside his crew.
