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Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament & Festival Returns May 15–17, 2026

What began as a creative response to an environmental threat has grown into one of the Emerald Coast’s most anticipated—and impactful—spring events.

The Emerald Coast Open Lionfish Tournament and Festival returns May 15–17, bringing together divers, chefs, conservationists and families for a weekend that blends competition, cuisine and conservation. Centered around HarborWalk Village, the event is recognized as the largest lionfish tournament in the world—and one that continues to make measurable progress beneath the surface.

Big Impact, Growing Each Year

The numbers tell a powerful story.

During the 2025 tournament, more than 20,000 invasive lionfish were removed from Gulf waters, including 7,180 harvested during the pre-tournament and 13,322 during the two-day competition. Since its inception in 2019, the Emerald Coast Open has now removed over 100,000 lionfish, making a significant dent in one of the region’s most pressing marine challenges.

 

“This event has brought a lot of awareness to the invasive lionfish species and created a festive atmosphere for the enjoyment of our visitors and residents, while fostering prosperity for our local businesses,” said Okaloosa County Commission Chairman Paul Mixon.

Lionfish, native to the Indo-Pacific, have no natural predators in the Gulf and reproduce rapidly, threatening native fish populations and reef systems. Because they are not easily caught by traditional hook-and-line fishing, divers using spears play a critical role in controlling their numbers.

Competition with a Purpose

Divers from across the country travel to Destin to participate, forming teams and competing for nearly $175,000 in cash and gear prizes. Categories include most, largest and smallest lionfish caught.

At the 2025 event, standout teams included:

• Most Lionfish: Deep Water Mafia 1 (2,038)
• Smallest Lionfish: Team Lookin’ Back (2.8 inches)
• Largest Lionfish: Team In the Clouds (17.2 inches)

Behind the scenes, weigh-ins and measurements took place near the harbor, adding to the excitement as teams brought in their hauls and shared stories of early morning dives, deep-water hunts and record-breaking catches.

“While this event continues to flourish, the opposite is happening for this invasive species,” said Natural Resources Chief Alex Fogg. “The public is beginning to realize the impact of the lionfish on our ecosystem and because of the divers and our amazing partners, we are able to make a difference for our environment in Gulf waters.”

From Ocean to Table

Beyond the tournament, the Emerald Coast Open has helped spark a growing culinary trend: lionfish as a sustainable seafood.

Mild, flaky and often compared to snapper or grouper, lionfish is now featured on menus across the area. During the lead-up to the tournament, local restaurants compete in Lionfish Restaurant Week, showcasing creative dishes that highlight the species’ versatility.

In 2025, La Paz took top honors for the third consecutive year—further proof that conservation can be as delicious as it is impactful.

Festival attendees can sample lionfish dishes, watch fillet demonstrations and learn how choosing lionfish supports Gulf ecosystems.

A Win for Tourism and Local Business

The tournament and festival also provide a strong economic boost for Destin and the surrounding area.

Thousands of visitors travel to the Emerald Coast for the event, filling hotels, booking charters and dining at local restaurants. The combination of competition and festival atmosphere reinforces Destin’s reputation as both a premier fishing destination and a hub for conservation-driven tourism.

A Festival for the Whole Family

While divers compete offshore, the Lionfish Festival brings the celebration onshore.

Held at HarborWalk Village, the family-friendly festival features tastings, educational exhibits, interactive booths, local vendors and activities for all ages. Live music and a lively harbor setting create an inviting atmosphere where visitors can learn, explore and connect.

It’s an event designed to engage everyone—from curious kids to seasoned anglers—while raising awareness about protecting the Gulf.

More Than a Tournament

At its core, the Emerald Coast Open is about people coming together for a shared purpose.

From returning dive teams to first-time participants, the event fosters camaraderie, competition and a commitment to conservation. What started as a localized effort has grown into a signature Destin event with national reach—proving that a community-driven idea can create lasting environmental change.

As the 2026 tournament approaches, one thing is clear: Destin isn’t just hosting a competition—it’s leading a movement.

For more information, registration details or festival updates, visit emeraldcoastopen.com.

The post Taking a Bite Out of an Invasive Species: Lionfish Tournament May 15-17 appeared first on South Walton Connections.

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