FISHING: Hot Springs ready for world bass fishing extravaganza | Arkansas Democrat Gazette

Hot Springs will host the Bass Fishing World Championship on Lake Hamilton from Oct. 1-3, with the event marking the 20th edition of the only globally sanctioned world championship for bass fishing. Steve Arrison of Visit Hot Springs said 22 nations will compete, including Australia, Canada, Spain, and Venezuela. The USA Bass Team will defend its gold medal from the 19th World Championship in South Africa, where it overcame a huge deficit to beat Italy. The 2026 USA roster is Kevin VanDam, Scott Martin, Dustin Connell, Drew Gill, Ott Defoe, and Dakota Ebare. VanDam returned from retirement for the team after a USA Bass appeal. Ebare replaced Jacob Wheeler, who withdrew Aug. 6 due to family obligations.