JIM MOTSKO

• As a charter mate in the 1970s, Jim Motsko often imagined a fishing tournament that actually guaranteed prize money, unlike the local brown-bag tournaments of the day. Thanks to his hard work, dedication and the support of some close friends, the famed White Marlin Open was born in Ocean City, Maryland. And even though the first year brought its share of grumblings, the young tournament director persevered, creating what is now the richest—and most popular—billfish tournament, bringing to the local community thousands of participants, tens of thousands of spectators, over 350,000 livestream viewers, and a cash prize purse of over $6.1 million in 2019. Since 1974, Motsko has awarded over $71 million in tournament winnings; even today, the event continues to wow the world’s billfishing enthusiasts.

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