DZURIK LANDS $50,000 PAYDAY AT THE 2026 BIG CRAPPIE CHALLENGE

Wow, what a weekend it was at the 2nd annual Big Crappie Challenge at Lake of the Ozarks. Nearly 800 anglers from across the country made their way to Lake of the Ozarks to participate in this one of a kind event. Over $170,000 in guaranteed cash & prizes was up for grabs, including a massive $50,000 Grand Prize to the angler who caught the biggest crappie of the event.

Congratulations to Dave Dzurik, your 2026 Big Crappie Challenge Champion. Dave landed his winning fish on Sunday with just 40 minutes to go in the event. He caught his $50,000 crappie up the Gravois Arm, while trolling crankbaits, then raced off to the Alhonna Resort weigh-in station to get it to the scales. Dave’s crappie locked in on 2.37 lbs., earning him 1st place and the $50,000 Grand Prize! Congratulations Dave!

We want to thank everyone that came out and participated in the 2026 Big Crappie Challenge. We hope you all had a great time at Lake of the Ozarks and we appreciate you fishing the event.
Thank you to all of the sponsors that make this event possible, including AFTCO, Fitz Fishing Tackle & Supplies, Surdyke Yamaha, G3 Boats, Slabz Crappie Rods, Ol Blue Tackle, 1 Standard, McCarty Taxidermy, and Ozark Bait & Tackle for their partnership & support of this event.

We also want to thank the Concord Village Lions Club for the fish fry at the Awards Ceremony and DA Films for the media coverage.

Thank you to our amazing staff that kept this event running seamlessly & smoothly for all of the anglers. Without you all this event would not be possible.