2025 Carp Fishing World Championship - And The Road To 2026

A look back at Team USA's 2025 performance in Croatia, and ahead to the 2026 FIPSed World Championship in North Macedonia.

In 2025, Team USA competed at the FIPSed Carp Fishing World Championship in Croatia and finished 6th overall out of 33 nations. It was a meaningful step forward for the program and an important result on one of the biggest stages in international carp fishing. Competing against some of the most established carp fishing countries in the world, the team delivered a consistent performance across all sections. The result reflected preparation, teamwork, and the ability to adapt to changing conditions throughout the event. Just as importantly, it showed that the United States can compete credibly at a high level internationally, while continuing to build experience and momentum for the future.

ON THE BANK IN CROATIA

One of the standout moments from the week came on the bank itself, where every fish mattered and every opportunity had to be earned. This image captures that part of the championship well – calm on the surface, but with constant pressure underneath. It also reflects the kind of fishing these events demand: patience, precision, and the ability to execute when chances come. The 2025 team included Bogdan Bucur, Srdjan Gazivoda, Sean Lehrer, Rafal Wlazlo, Norbert Samok, Tanner Smith, and Henryk Burza, with Captain Christine Simpson leading the effort alongside support from Darius and the rest of the team behind the scenes.

DEPTH ACROSS THE TEAM

Results like this are built by a full team effort, not by a single moment. Across the championship, Team USA had to stay organized, disciplined, and responsive to the conditions in each zone. The group handled long hours, difficult decisions, and the demands that come with representing the country at this level. That is part of what made the 6th-place finish so significant. It was not simply a respectable placing on paper – it was a benchmark that showed the program is moving in the right direction and has a foundation to build on heading into 2026.
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