International Game Fish Association Red Sea Championship returns to El Gouna, Egypt in 2025

International Game Fish Association © IGFA

The International Game Fish Association (IGFA) is proud to announce that the second annual El Gouna IGFA Red Sea Championship will take place in El Gouna, Egypt, from February 12-15, 2025. Following the success of the inaugural event in 2024, the popular tournament returns to celebrate the beauty and diversity of Red Sea sportfishing. Anglers can highlight their skills while pursuing eight species of game fish divided amongst weight and release categories including yellowfin tuna, dogtooth tuna, giant trevally, bluefin trevally, amberjack, dolphinfish, sailfish and swordfish.

“We are thrilled to bring the IGFA Red Sea Championship back to the breathtaking waters of El Gouna,” said IGFA President Jason Schratwieser. “This tournament not only highlights the incredible diversity of game fish species unique to the Red Sea, but it also underscores the IGFA’s unwavering commitment to uniting anglers from across the globe. By promoting ethical angling and sustainable practices, we’re driving conservation efforts that extend far beyond this region, creating a lasting impact on the future of sportfishing worldwide.”

Fishing days for the tournament will take place on Thursday, February 13, Friday, February 14, and the morning of Saturday, February 15. With strict adherence to IGFA Angling Rules and sportfishing ethics, anglers will compete for trophies and prizes awarded to the top three anglers and teams, and to the participants who record the heaviest fish of the weight category species. The awards ceremony will be held on Saturday, February 15 following the conclusion of fishing at the celebrated El Gouna Marina.

The IGFA is encouraging early registration for the tournament, as spots are limited and expected to fill up quickly. The cost of registration is €4,000 per team, with each team consisting of up to four anglers. The registration fee includes boat rental for the duration of the tournament, angler bags, and all food and beverages. A limited number of vessels will be made available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tournament proceeds will drive forward the IGFA’s mission to advance game fish conservation efforts, cutting-edge research, and youth angling education programs. The IGFA would like to thank IGFA Representative and Tournament Director Ahmed Mitkees and the team at Ethical Anglers for the planning of this world-class event. Additionally, the IGFA would like to thank IGFA Trustee and President of the Egyptian Angling Federation Mohamed Kaddah, IGFA Trustee Massimo Brogna, and IGFA Representative Omar Khalifa for their leadership and support in planning the second year of this tournament.

Additional information on the 2025 El Gouna IGFA Red Sea Championship including rules, tournament categories, and registration information can be found at igfa.org/igfa-red-sea-championship.