WHO WON AT THE FIRST ANNUAL SFC AWARDS
All the winners of the night from the show, which aired Dec. 25 on the all-new ESPN App.
SFC closed the book on a historic 2025 season with the first annual SFC AWARDS. Held at SFC's Studio Headquarters in Fort Worth, Texas, the show aired Christmas night, Dec. 25 on the all-new ESPN App.
The inaugural ceremony brought together the anglers, captains, mates, teams, and moments that defined a breakthrough year for the league—one marked by record-setting performances, dramatic finishes, and the continued growth of competitive offshore fishing on a national stage.
SFC AWARDS were handed out across 10 different categories:
Walker’s Cay Open Named Tournament of the Year
The night began by recognizing the event that set the standard for competitive excellence in 2025. Tournament of the Year went to the Walker’s Cay Open, under the leadership of Ryan Edwards. Often referred to as “The Masters” of SFC, the Walker’s Cay Open stood out for its seamless execution at one of sport fishing’s most iconic—and logistically challenging—locations. Returning elite competition to Walker’s Cay after nearly two decades of dormancy was no small feat, and the event delivered memorable fishing, a world-class awards experience, and the unmistakable charm of the Bahamas, complete with its famed crab races.
Lights Out Boston Delivers Catch of the Year
Few moments swing seasons, and Rob Carmichael’s quadruple white marlin release at The MidAtlantic did exactly that. Competing for Lights Out Boston, Carmichael’s performance flipped the leaderboard late in the tournament, securing both the event win and the Atlantic Division title. The effort earned Catch of the Year, edging out a field of dramatic, season-altering feats that included walk-off wins, record-setting releases, and championship-deciding blue marlin. Carmichael’s calm execution under pressure embodied the razor-thin margins that define SFC competition.
Lights Out Boston Crowned Angling Club of the Year
Dominance across the Atlantic Division translated into Angling Club of the Year honors for Lights Out Boston. The club combined elite results with a strong presence ashore, highlighted by a record-setting 47 white marlin releases at the Oak Bluffs Bluewater Classic and consistent podium finishes throughout the season. Lights Out’s success was emblematic of the professionalism and preparation now expected at the highest level of SFC competition.
Gregg Trenor Earns Angler of the Year
No individual left a bigger mark on the 2025 season than Gregg Trenor of the Third Coast Renegades Angling Club, who was named Angler of the Year. Trenor led all Gulf Division anglers in billfish releases and set a new benchmark for blue marlin dominance, accounting for 15 of the Renegades’ 18 blue marlin releases of the season. His consistency and ability to deliver in critical moments defined the Renegades’ divisional championship run and set the standard for excellence across the league.
Jaselyn Berthelot Honored Twice
The star angler of the Mississippi Blues Angling Club was one of the evening’s most celebrated figures, earning both Female Angler of the Year and Moment of the Year. Berthelot’s season featured standout performances across the Gulf Division, including becoming the only female angler to lead all competitors in an SFC tournament.
Jarrett Birch Named Mate of the Year
Behind every great team is a mate making the difference, and Jarrett Birch of the New Jersey Sea Birds Angling Club earned Mate of the Year for his clutch contributions in pivotal moments. From hooking tournament-defining blue marlin to responding under extreme conditions offshore, Birch’s steady presence played a critical role in securing key finishes and a playoff berth for the Sea Birds.
Texas Lone Stars Take Team of the Year
The Texas Lone Stars Angling Club capped a championship campaign by winning Team of the Year. Fresh off claiming the Zane Grey Championship Playoffs, the Lone Stars showcased resilience and adaptability all season, climbing from a sixth-place start to ending the season at the top of the heap. Their record-setting 19 billfish releases in Pensacola and consistent podium finishes highlighted a team that peaked when it mattered most.
Dusty Adinolfe named Sportswoman of the Year
Sportsman of the Year honors went to Dusty Adinolfe of the New York Granders, recognized for her unwavering commitment to integrity, inclusivity, and community support throughout the season.
Renegades’ Landon Bell Awarded Captain of the Year
The evening concluded with Captain of the Year, awarded to Landon Bell of the Third Coast Renegades. Bell’s leadership guided the Renegades to three of their four wins, and the Gulf Division title. His acceptance speech thanked his mates along with angler and boat co-owner Gregg Trenor. Together, this squad won more than $1.2 million in tournament prize money across the summer Gulf fishing season across both SFC and non-SFC sanctioned events.
A Celebration of a Defining Season
The first annual SFC Awards not only celebrated champions but reflected how far the league has come: spotlighting elite competition, compelling personalities, and moments that resonated far beyond the docks.