NEWS

The Marlin Group Acquires Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series and Expands Global Footprint

David Ritchie of Bonnier and Capt. Jody Bright of Kona Tournaments shake hands at an announcement.

For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]

March 26, 2025 — The Marlin Group has acquired the prestigious Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series (HMTS) from Capt. Jody Bright and Tropidilla Productions. This strategic expansion of a renowned tournament series in one of the sport’s most iconic destinations further strengthens The Marlin Group’s position as the world’s premier operator of international big-game fishing tournaments.​

Founded in 1987 by Capt. Bright, the HMTS now comprises eight distinct tournaments held between March and September, with the majority taking place in June and July. Collectively, these events in 2024 fielded 162 boat entries that fished a total of 22 days and caught a series record of 437 marlin, of which 96 percent were tagged and released. The series was the first in Hawaii to pay a cash purse for tag and release, awarding more than $2.5 million in 2024.

“Hawaii is the birthplace of our sport and probably the most renowned fishing grounds for marlin and other big game,” says David Ritchie, CEO of The Marlin Group. “Through our other tournaments, we have already established a strong presence in the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Central America. The HMTS fills that missing piece, expanding our reach and solidifying our position as a truly global enterprise.”

Hawaii Marlin Tournament Series Logo

To ensure a seamless transition, Bright will remain actively involved throughout the season, collaborating with Marlin staff to uphold the series’ esteemed standards.​

“I have been looking for the right successor for almost 10 years and cannot imagine a better new owner than The Marlin Group,” says Bright. “I wanted to find an owner who could elevate this tournament series through a strong network of integrated media properties, while also having the chops in the fishing world to continue the high level of competition the HMTS events have cultivated. Obviously with the Marlin magazine platform and their roster of first-class tournaments, The Marlin Group fits the bill perfectly. I am excited to work with them towards a smooth transition this season, and to watch them elevate this series to new heights in the coming years.”    

The Marlin Group’s acquisition of the HMTS adds another prestigious series to its distinguished owned and operated tournament portfolio, which also includes:​

  • Offshore World Championship: The championship of champions, a truly global tournament, hosted annually in Costa Rica, that brings together winning teams from various qualifying events worldwide.
  • Bermuda Triple Crown: A series of three premier tournaments held in Bermuda, attracting top anglers from around the world for a chance at a purse that exceeded $5 million in 2024 and is targeted at $6 million in 2025. ​
  • Scrub Island Billfish Series: Hosted in the beautiful British Virgin Islands, this series offers anglers the chance to fish the renowned North Drop.
  • Los Cabos Billfish Tournament: An annual event in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, known for its competitive spirit, big blue and black marlin, and big payouts. ​
  • Marlin Global Challenge: A worldwide competition that allows anglers to compete to catch the biggest blue marlin of the year in a winner-takes-all format.

With the acquisition finalized prior to the start of the first tournament of the series, The Lazy Marlin Hunt, all tournaments in the 2025 HMTS will operate under The Marlin Group’s ownership. Participants can register at konatournaments.com. 

About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; and the Bermuda Triple Crown, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.

Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.

Read more
No Comments

The Marlin Group Recruits Connor Motsko as Sales Director to Drive Growth and Expansion

Connor Motsko

For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]

March 18, 2025 – The Marlin Group is pleased to welcome Connor Motsko as its new Sales Director, further enhancing the group’s team of industry professionals. In this role, Motsko will drive growth across all group activities through his focus on business development and integrated sales. His appointment is effective immediately. 

Based in South Florida, Motsko will report directly to Marlin Publisher Dave Morel. He will play a pivotal role in expanding sales, strengthening industry partnerships, and working closely with senior leadership to identify new product and service opportunities.

“Connor’s passion for sportfishing, deep ties to the industry and business background give him a unique understanding of both the competitive and business aspects of the market,” says David Ritchie, CEO of The Marlin Group. “He will be a great addition to our team and we’re excited to bring him aboard.” 

Motsko’s career has been deeply embedded in the marine world. He is a co-shareholder in the renowned White Marlin Open in Ocean City, Maryland. Born into that environment, Motsko possesses a profound and unique understanding of big-game fishing and world-class fishing tournaments. 

Beyond the realm of competitive angling, Motsko has successfully launched both business and non-profit ventures within the marine sector, showcasing his ability to identify opportunities and execute impactful strategies. With experience ranging from sales leadership in fast-moving consumer goods to working with major billfish tournaments, he has earned a reputation as a results-driven leader with a strong entrepreneurial mindset.

“Marlin has always set the standard in the sport fishing industry, leading the way with innovation, expertise, and a true love for the sport,” says Motsko. “I’m beyond excited to join the team, contribute to its legacy, and connect with a community that shares the same passion that I’ve had since I was young. This is an amazing opportunity and I can’t wait to get started.”

For more information, please visit www.marlinmag.com.

About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; and the Bermuda Triple Crown, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.

Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.

Read more
No Comments

Marlin Global Challenge 2025: Ready to Join the Hunt?

Marlin Global Challenge

For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]

  • Global competition recognizes year’s biggest tournament-caught blue marlin 
  • Winner-takes-all jackpot
  • Honored as a MARLIN Achievement of the Year

February 27, 2025 – The Marlin Group, the world’s largest big-game fishing network, is making waves in 2025 with the launch of the Marlin Global Challenge. This high-stakes showdown invites teams from across the globe to battle for the biggest tournament-caught blue marlin of the year, with a winner-takes-all jackpot that could change the game for the winning team. With an ambitious $1 million target prize for its inaugural year, this new event is set to become the most electrifying annual challenge in big-game fishing.

“We awarded more than $5 million in cash payout in our international tournaments in 2024, and we’re targeting a payout exceeding $6 million this year,” said David Ritchie, CEO of The Marlin Group. “We recognize that a target payout of $1 million in our first year of operating this new Challenge format represents an ambitious goal, but that’s the scale of event we are intent on building.”

The winning team of the Challenge will be honored as an Achievement of the Year winner in a special annual edition of Marlin in December, 2025. 

“Marlin has been a global leader and big-game authority for more than 40 years,” said Jack Vitek, Editor-in-Chief of Marlin. “The trust we’ve earned with readers, clients and tournament participants over four decades uniquely positions us with the expertise and credibility needed to execute this competition.” 

Running from April 1, 2025, to October 31, 2025, the Marlin Global Challenge invites anglers who are participating in recognized blue marlin tournaments anywhere in the world to preregister with the Marlin Global Challenge for their chance at the title. Only catches from established tournaments with certified scales, weighmasters, and witness verification will be eligible. The registered team that catches the heaviest blue marlin over 500 pounds during this time will claim the title. With no divisions or regional limits, this is a truly global tournament that anyone who fishes an established tournament can win. 

“We created the Marlin Global Challenge to fill a demand in the big-game fishing world,” said Jennifer Dudas, Tournament Director for The Marlin Group. “Teams that fish competitively can now chase a globally recognized achievement, no matter where, when or how often they fish. Our format really makes it easy for teams to participate. I couldn’t be more excited for the launch of the Marlin Global Challenge.”

The entry fee for each team is $2,000, with 85 percent of the prize pool awarded to the single heaviest blue marlin caught among registered boats. Total payout will be dependent on the number of boats participating, and will be awarded following a rigorous verification process to ensure the integrity of the competition. 

With its straight-forward format, global participation, and a hefty payout, the Marlin Global Challenge is an easy and fun way to raise the bar even higher on your tournament plans for the year. Learn more or register today at marlinglobalchallenge.com. 

About The Marlin Group
The Marlin Group is the world’s largest big-game fishing network reaching more than one million captains, anglers, mates and boat owners annually across a variety of touchpoints. The group publishes Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, and operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas, Mexico; Scrub Island Billfish Series in the British Virgin Islands; and the Bermuda Triple Crown, making it the worldwide leader for international billfishing tournaments. Marlin Expeditions, formerly Marlin University, has led anglers on educational excursions to the globe’s top big-game fishing destinations for more than 20 years. The Marlin Group is a core division of the US-based outdoor adventure company Bonnier LLC.Learn more at marlinmag.com and bonniercorp.com.

Read more
No Comments

Bonnier’s Motorsports & Outdoor Group Announces Bold Expansion Plans for 2025

Off Road Expo. October 4-5, 2025 at Costa Mesa, CA

For Immediate Release
For inquiries, contact [email protected]

  • Off-Road Expo shifts into high gear with a new home in Orange County
  • Bigger, bolder and better—expanding the ultimate off-road truck experience
  • Bonnier supercharges growth plans for all event franchises

February 20, 2025 –  Bonnier LLC, operator of several national hunting and automotive consumer event properties, is making bold moves to elevate its event franchises in 2025. At the forefront of this transformation is the relocation of the nation’s premier off-road truck showcase, the Off-Road Expo. Moving from its longtime home in Pomona, Calif., the event is launching an exciting new chapter at the Orange County Fair and Event Center in Costa Mesa—promising a larger footprint with exciting new features for off-road enthusiasts.

“We’re not just relocating. We are reigniting ORE as an iconic brand,” said Tracy Feinsilver, the group’s Senior Vice President. “The OC Fairgrounds in Costa Mesa provides the perfect space for growth, enabling us to introduce new features and experiences that weren’t possible in the past. This will give us the chance to showcase what truly sets ORE apart in the truck community. Our goal is to continue evolving, engaging with clients, and offering unparalleled experiences in 2025 and for years to come.”

In its new venue, the ORE will introduce a major expansion in its layout and structure, designed to maximize attendee flow and increase engagement. The newly optimized layout will also accommodate new features and activations, bringing exciting opportunities for both exhibitors and attendees.

“The new venue will open up endless possibilities for growth and innovation, allowing ORE to build on its reputation as a premier event destination,” Feinsilver said. “This is a huge moment for the off-road truck and SUV community, and we’re thrilled to offer this exciting new chapter to our loyal exhibitors and attendees.”

For more information or to sign up as an exhibitor, see offroadexpo.com.

Collectively, Bonnier’s Moto & Outdoor Group reaches more than a million hunting and offroad enthusiasts annually through its on-site events and digital properties. In addition to the venue change for ORE, the group has aggressive growth plans across all of its core franchises:

Open Season Sportsman’s Expo
In 2025, Bonnier’s primary hunting franchise, the Open Season Sportsman’s Expo, will operate its 31st annual event in Columbus, Ohio and 39th annual event in Wisconsin Dells, Wis., as the company evaluates additional locations for expansion in 2026.

Street Machine Nationals
Car show enthusiasts know the Street Machine Nationals franchise as a cornerstone event with a strong legacy dating back to its launch in 1977. In 2025, Bonnier will operate events in Du Quoin, Ill. and St. Paul, Minn. Expansion is the target for this franchise, with more than a dozen locations already under consideration for the new year. 

Sand Sports Super Show
Bonnier’s flagship event, the Sand Sports Super Show will once again attract thousands of side-by-side offroad vehicles and enthusiasts to Costa Mesa, Calif., with sights set on making this year’s show the largest ever. 

About Bonnier
Bonnier is an outdoor adventure company that fuels passion for big-game fishing, motorsports and hunting. In its Motorsports & Outdoor group, Bonnier engages with more than a million outdoor enthusiasts annually through a nationwide series of experiential events, including the Sand Sports Super Show, Off-Road Expo, Open Season Sportsman’s Expo, Street Machine Nationals car shows, and professional watersports shows. Bonnier also owns The Marlin Group, the world’s largest big-game fishing network. As publisher of Marlin magazine, the industry’s No. 1 source since 1981, The Marlin Group operates the Offshore World Championship in Costa Rica; Los Cabos Billfish Tournament in Cabo San Lucas; Scrub Island Billfish Series; and the Bermuda Triple Crown. Bonnier is owned by Sweden-based Bonnier AB, a globally operating conglomerate with more than 200 years in publishing. Learn more at bonniercorp.com.

Read more
No Comments
TOP