Michael Jordan’s competitive fire has carried him to six NBA championships, five MVP awards, and countless iconic moments. But over the weekend, the GOAT learned that even legends can come up just short. This time, far from the hardwood.
Jordan’s crew aboard his 80-foot yacht Catch 23 finished second at the prestigious White Marlin Open in Ocean City, Maryland, landing a 71-pound white marlin that earned a $400,000 payday.
A Weekend Battle on the Water
The White Marlin Open is widely considered the biggest and richest fishing tournament in the world, drawing more than 280 boats and millions in prize money. Delayed and extended due to weather, the competition saw a final-day rush with 211 boats hitting the water in search of the winning catch.
Jordan’s crew, led by angler Trey “Cricket” McMillan, hooked their marlin on the sixth day. As they returned to the harbor, “Sirius,” the Chicago Bulls’ legendary intro song, blared over the loudspeakers, a nod to Jordan’s basketball legacy. The weigh-in confirmed second place, sparking celebration aboard Catch 23.
A $4.27 Million Catch
The top prize went to Dan Gough and his crew on the Billfisher, whose 72-pound marlin edged out Jordan’s by a single pound. That catch was worth an estimated $4.27 million, underscoring just how slim the margin was between first and second.
“The biggest tournament — people come from all over,” competitor Jimmy David told COAST TV. “Michael Jordan, all kinds of people… And the best of the best fishing. That’s for sure, the Super Bowl.”
Still a Win for the GOAT
While Jordan didn’t leave with the trophy, his presence once again turned the event into a spectacle. Fans crowded the docks for a glimpse of the NBA icon, snapping photos as he posed with his crew and their catch.
It’s not the first time Jordan has made waves in competitive fishing, and likely not the last. After all, whether it’s basketball, golf, NASCAR, or marlin fishing, one thing hasn’t changed: MJ still hates to lose.