World’s largest non-profit sportfishing tournament splashes into Southern California waters September 19–23

Builds on $7 million raised to date supporting thousands of our nation’s heroes

This weekend, 125 combat-wounded veterans from across the country will join members of Southern California’s sportfishing community for the eighth annual War Heroes on Water (WHOW) sportfishing tournament. This transformative five-day event features two full days of action on the water and has become a cherished tradition within the SoCal community, where locals share their passion for sportfishing and the ocean, creating a supportive family for our heroes, many of whom have been honored with the nation’s highest military decorations.

“For seven years, the SoCal sportfishing community has come together to create an experience that honors our nation’s heroes and supports their healing,” said WHOW Founder Anthony Hsieh. “The unwavering support of our WHOW family reaches far beyond the water, reminding our veterans they are never alone. WHOW is more than a tournament, it’s a powerful expression of gratitude and a celebration of the community that stands behind our combat-wounded veterans.”

The tournament officially kicks off tomorrow, September 20, at 5:00 p.m., when the WHOW fleet assembles for opening ceremonies in Newport Basin. This year’s fleet – comprised of more than 60 yachts generously donated by the SoCal community, with 50 of the area’s top sportfishing vessels, captains, and crews competing – is the largest to date. The fleet will line up in formation for a patriotic boat parade through Newport Harbor before heading out to sea for the fishing competition. The Orange County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard will begin the parade with a rendition of the National Anthem. The public is welcome and encouraged to line the parade route, both on land and on the water, to send-off the fleet and honor the sacrifices made by these brave men and women. Parade route details can be found HERE.

“Each year, WHOW is powered by the extraordinary generosity of our yacht owners and the passionate spirit of the local community,” said WHOW Tournament Director Rod Halperin. “Many members of the WHOW fleet are now multi-time participants, and a select few have been part of every tournament since the beginning. Together, they create a life-changing experience for our veterans, a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when a community comes together for a cause greater than itself.”

Once the vessels depart Newport Harbor, the tournament kicks into high gear, with each crew coaching their veterans and working to get them on fish, and ultimately onto the winners’ podium. But the most meaningful part of the weekend is the time spent on the open ocean, where a therapeutic environment fosters deep bonds among team members - connections that extend well beyond the final weigh-in.

The fishing concludes on Monday, September 22 with on-water closing ceremonies just outside Avalon Harbor, featuring a stunning flyover by the Tiger Squadron’s vintage WWII aircraft as the WHOW fleet lines up. The teams then gather on Catalina Island’s iconic Green Pier to weigh their big catches and celebrate the weekend. Catalina locals are encouraged to join the celebration on the pier beginning at 5:00 p.m. – and the festivities will be livestreamed HERE.

The tournament formally concludes with a private and emotional awards ceremony on Tuesday, September 23, where veterans reunite with their captains and crews to celebrate their accomplishments alongside yacht owners and fellow participants.

“We’re honored to be a part of the WHOW tournament and to witness the incredible generosity that surrounds it,” said Freedom Alliance President Tom Kilgannon. “Each year, the WHOW family comes together in a remarkable show of support for our veterans. It’s humbling to be part of something that brings so much healing and hope to those who have sacrificed so much for our country.”

Behind the scenes, dozens of volunteers work tirelessly throughout the year to ensure that the tournament’s festivities are filled with the memorable touches that the veterans and participants have come to cherish. The generous support of the WHOW family, including fleet members, corporate sponsors, individual donors and volunteers has enabled the tournament to directly serve more than 550 veterans on the water and raise more than $7 million to support thousands more through Freedom Alliance’s year-round programs that support the rehabilitation needs of wounded service members, combat veterans, and military families.

A silent auction featuring a wide array of items, from luxury getaways and premier sporting events to handcrafted gear and one-of-a-kind experiences, is now live and closes at 6:00 p.m. PT tomorrow. Click HERE to view the catalog and bid.

About War Heroes on Water

War Heroes on Water (WHOW) is an annual sportfishing tournament of unprecedented scale that supports combat-wounded veterans’ programs. It was created in 2018 by loanDepot Founder and CEO Anthony Hsieh, who is also the owner and leader of Team Bad Company, a world-class, record-holding competitive sportfishing fleet. Through Hsieh's deep connections with the country’s sportfishing and business communities, WHOW has grown exponentially and is now the largest non-profit sportfishing tournament in the US.

Additional information, including photos and videos from past tournaments, may be found at www.warheroesonwater.com | Instagram: @warheroesonwater | Facebook: www.facebook.com/WarHeroesonWater | YouTube: War Heroes on Water Fishing Tournament

About Freedom Alliance

Freedom Alliance is a charitable organization which provides help and support to wounded troops and military families. Freedom Alliance has awarded more than $30 million in college scholarships to the children of military heroes killed or disabled in military service and has spent millions more helping injured veterans and military families with outdoor recreational therapy trips, Heroes Vacations, care packages for deployed troops, mortgage-free homes, all-terrain wheelchairs and much more. To learn more, visit www.FreedomAlliance.org or Facebook.com/FreedomAlliance.

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"WHOW is more than a tournament, it’s a powerful expression of gratitude and a celebration of the community that stands behind our combat-wounded veterans.”