FORT WORTH, Texas – Just 19 months ago, Easton Fothergill was in an Alabama hospital, awaiting brain surgery. On Sunday, he stood victorious at the 2025 Bass Pro Shops Bassmaster Classic presented by Under Armour, making history in front of thousands at Dickies Arena.
Record-Breaking Performance on Lake Ray Roberts
The 22-year-old Grand Rapids, Minn., native dominated the three-day tournament, reeling in 15 bass for a total of 76 pounds, 15 ounces—the highest winning weight in the event’s 55-year history. His victory margin of 8 1/2 pounds was also one of the largest ever recorded. Fothergill is now the second-youngest champion, following Stanley Mitchell, who won in 1981 at just 21 years old.
A Life-Changing Win
For many, the Ray Scott Trophy and $300,000 prize would be the pinnacle. But for Fothergill, competing in the Classic itself was the true reward. Reflecting on his journey, he said:
“It’s indescribable, the trajectory of my life since that first bad moment. Everything has come true that I’ve ever wanted. It’s pretty crazy.”
Adapting to the Challenge: Tactical Fishing on Lake Ray Roberts
Fothergill’s ability to adjust his approach daily was key to his success. With shifting weather conditions—windy on Day 1, calm on Day 2, and moderate on Championship Sunday—he changed locations and techniques frequently. Rising temperatures had triggered bass to spawn, scattering them across the 23,950-acre reservoir.
His go-to technique? An ultra-light 3/32-ounce Neko rig (red bug). He also landed a few key catches using an off-white jerkbait.
The Championship-Winning Catch
The defining moment came mid-afternoon on Championship Sunday. With only four bass in his livewell, he spotted a hefty bass near a submerged tree. He patiently cast his Neko rig, losing four baits in the process, before finally enticing the bass to strike.
“I was scared (of losing) at 1 o’clock and with only four fish. But that was the fish that got it for me.”
A Meteoric Rise in the Bass Fishing World
Fothergill’s journey to the Classic stage has been nothing short of remarkable. Weeks after his surgery in August 2023, he won the Bassmaster College Bracket and secured a spot in the 2024 Classic, where he finished 16th. His momentum carried into two Bassmaster Open victories, earning him an invitation to the 2025 Progressive Bassmaster Elite Series and a berth in this year’s Classic.
Despite a rough start to the 2025 Elite season, finishing 93rd and 101st in Florida, he regained his confidence on Alabama’s Coosa River. That reset paid off as he stormed through the Classic, leading after a tournament-best 29-6 on Day 2 and sealing his win with a decisive 8-pound bass on Day 3.
The Final Showdown
Local favorite Lee Livesay, of Longview, Texas, kept the pressure on early Sunday, briefly tying Fothergill atop the leaderboard. But it was 20-year-old Trey McKinney, the 2024 Dakota Lithium Elite Series Rookie of the Year, who surged late with a 7-11 largemouth that put him within striking distance.
Fothergill, however, had the final word, landing his 8-pounder to cement his historic win.
Official Final Standings
- Easton Fothergill – 76-15
- Trey McKinney – 68-7
- Lee Livesay – 66-10
- Hunter Shryock – 64-14
- Cory Johnston – 58-7
- John Cox – 56-13
Other notable achievements included John Garrett’s 8-12 bass, which held as the Mercury Big Bass of the tournament, earning him $2,500. Fothergill also claimed an additional $30,000 in bonuses from Toyota and Yamaha incentive programs.
A New Era for Easton Fothergill
Once known for his resilience after brain surgery, Fothergill now carries a new title—Bassmaster Classic Champion.
“I appreciate everything in life much more now. I’m definitely a stronger person.”
- 2025 Bassmaster Classic Title Sponsor: Bass Pro Shops
- 2025 Bassmaster Classic Presenting Sponsor: Under Armour
- 2025 Bassmaster Classic Platinum Sponsor: Toyota, Progressive
- 2025 Bassmaster Classic Premier Sponsors: Bass Pro Shops, Dakota Lithium, Humminbird, Mercury, Minn Kota, Nitro Boats, Power-Pole, Progressive, Ranger Boats, Rapala, Skeeter Boats, Yamaha
- 2025 Bassmaster Classic Outdoors Expo Presenting Sponsor: GSM Outdoors
- 2025 Bassmaster Classic Local Partners: Mountain Dew, Anderson Merchandisers, BDS, Cavender’s, MAXAM Tire, TNT Fireworks, Busch Light
- 2025 Bassmaster Classic Youth Forum Sponsor: U.S. Army
- 2025 Bassmaster Classic Weigh-In Sponsor: Yokohama Tire
- 2025 Bassmaster Classic Kickoff Party Title Sponsor: Cavender’s
- 2025 Bassmaster Classic Kickoff Party Presenting Sponsor: Resistol
- 2025 Bassmaster Classic Tailgate Title Sponsor: Progressive
- 2025 Bassmaster Classic Tailgate Presenting Sponsor: Lippert
- 2025 Bassmaster Classic Celebrity Pro-Am Title Sponsor: Progressive
- 2025 Bassmaster Classic Celebrity Pro-Am Presenting Sponsor: Yokohama Tire
- 2025 Bassmaster Classic Host: Fort Worth Sports Commission
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About B.A.S.S.
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting-edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
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