Apex Predator Summer Showdown

Apex Predator Summer Showdown 2026

The Hunt Expands. The Mission Continues. The Apex Predator Summer Showdown returns August 29-30, 2026, with an expanded format designed to welcome more divers, more boats, and more opportunities to remove invasive lionfish from Florida's waters.

Whether you're diving from your personal boat, hunting with your favorite dive outfitter, or joining us aboard the DX Divers charter for the Mini Showdown, you'll be competing in one of South Florida's premier conservation-focused lionfish tournaments.

Together, we'll work to protect Florida's reefs while competing for cash prizes, bragging rights, and the title of Apex Predator.

 
Event Schedule

Summer Showdown (Main Derby)

Saturday, August 29, 2026:

Tournament Begins: 7:00 AM

Sunday, August 30, 2026

Fish Turn-In & Measuring: By 4:00 PM
Awards Ceremony: 5:00 PM

Mini Showdown Presented by DX Divers

Saturday, August 29, 2026

Boat Departure: 8:00 AM
Return to Dock: Approximately 1:00 PM
Awards Ceremony: Approximately 1:30 PM

Tournament Format: 

Summer Showdown (Main Derby)

The Summer Showdown is a two-day lionfish tournament open to all participants. 

Divers may compete:

From personal boats
Through participating dive outfitters
As part of the DX Divers Mini Showdown
Participants will compete in teams of two to harvest as many lionfish as possible between the start of the tournament on Saturday morning and the official close on Sunday at 4:00 PM.

Hunters may dive anywhere in Florida during the tournament period; however, all fish must be presented during the official fish count and measurement on Sunday in Pompano Beach to qualify for awards.

Each participant will receive:

Official Apex Predator Challenge Coin
Car Seat Cover 
 

Mini Showdown Host at DX Divers

The Mini Showdown automatically registers you for the full derby and the mini. The mini is a single morning two tank competition held aboard a chartered DX Divers (Lady Go) on Saturday. 

Participants will compete in teams of two during a two-tank dive to harvest as many lionfish as possible. This mini derby is only for those on the chartered boat and helps keep the competition fair and equitable, making it a unique competition where the best hunters will come out on top! 

Each participant will receive:

Official Apex Predator Challenge Coin
Apex Predator Car Seat Cover

Important:

The Mini Derby Registration includes your seat on the DX Divers charter. 
Divers must provide their own equipment.
Tank rentals and gear rentals are available through DX Divers.
Contact DX Divers directly for rental information: 954-420-0009

The Best Part
Every lionfish harvested during the Mini Showdown will also count toward the Summer Showdown Main Derby. This means participants aboard the DX Divers boat have the opportunity to compete for awards in both tournaments! 

 
Packet Pickup & Check-In

Participants may pick up event items:

Before the Mini Showdown on Saturday
After the Mini Showdown on Saturday
During fish turn-in on Sunday
Additional details will be provided prior to the event.

Awards & Prizes

Summer Showdown Awards
Presented Sunday, August 30 at 5:00 PM.

Categories
🥇 Most Lionfish Caught — $150 Cash Prize

🐟 Largest Lionfish — $100 Cash Prize

🐟 Smallest Lionfish — $50 Cash Prize

 
Mini Showdown Awards
Presented Saturday, August 29 at approximately 1:30 PM.

Categories
🥇 Most Lionfish Caught — $150 Cash Prize

🐟 Largest Lionfish — $100 Cash Prize

🐟 Smallest Lionfish — $50 Cash Prize

 
Join us August 29-30, 2026, as we continue the fight against invasive lionfish and help protect Florida's reefs one dive at a time.