The event was held on Lake Guntersville from October 5-11, 2025. As the largest bass fishing event in history, it offers a $500,000 first-place prize and over $1 million in total payouts. Supported by Alabama and local partners, the event returns to the roots of bass fishing with a five-fish limit and prohibiting the use of forward-facing sonar.

Competing against 190 of the best bass anglers, Ross secured an impressive 4th place overall with a total weight of 61 pounds, 3 ounces across the three-day tournament. Ross’s strong start came from key fish he targeted on a sprawling mat in six-to-seven feet of water. He strategically used a Strike King 4-inch Rodent, Texas-rigged with a hefty 1.5-ounce tungsten weight and 65-pound braid, paired with his Team Lew's Greg Hackney Signature Series Flipping Stick, 7'11" of heavy-action authority, and a lightning-fast 8.3:1 BB1 Pro reel.

This precise setup allowed him to effectively punch through dense mats, securing a dozen catches and consistently building his lead throughout the initial days of the tournament.

The third day of the tournament presented an unexpected challenge for Ross. His initial, highly productive spot only gave him two fish, meaning he had to quickly adapt and pivot to a secondary location he had scouted.

In this new area, a creek featuring scattered hydrilla patches in four to five feet of water, Ross switched to an unconventional but effective technique. He rigged a Strike King Hybrid Hunter Crankbait in Sweet Shad on Lew's Custom Lite Flipping Stick, a setup that provided the necessary power to work through the thick grass and leverage fish out of cover.

This bold move paid off, securing a six-pound bass and a subsequent four-pounder, solidifying his performance. After two days of mat punching dominance, his decisive action secured key catches. His final weight was announced, confirming his successful navigation of challenging conditions.

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