Lionfish Tournament Returns to Destin-Fort Walton Beach This May

The Emerald Coast Open, billed as the world’s largest lionfish tournament, returns to Destin-Fort Walton Beach from May 16–18, 2025, with over $100,000 in prizes.

Organizers expect this year’s haul to top last year’s total of nearly 12,000 lionfish caught by more than 100 divers. The goal: help manage the Gulf’s invasive lionfish population, which threatens native species and coral reef ecosystems.

“The tournament removes thousands of lionfish from our waters and raises public awareness at the same time,” said Alex Fogg, Okaloosa County’s Natural Resources Chief.

Events surrounding the tournament include Restaurant Week, where local chefs prepare lionfish dishes, and the Lionfish Festival at HarborWalk Village in Destin, which features marine education, vendors, and family activities. Tournament winners will be announced May 18 at AJ’s Seafood and Oyster Bar.

For rules and registration, visit emeraldcoastopen.com.