20th Anniversary BIG OM in Omišalj Brings Together 40 Teams, 160 Participants, and Over 780 kg of Tuna

Omišalj, September 6, 2025 – The jubilee 20th edition of BIG OM, one of the Adriatic’s oldest and most prestigious big game fishing tournaments, has successfully concluded on the Riva Ivana Pavla II in Omišalj. The international qualifying event gathered 40 teams and around 160 anglers from Croatia and abroad, including Italy, Slovenia, Germany, Denmark, Austria, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Serbia. Over the course of three exciting fishing days, participants landed a total of 787.41 kilograms of tuna.

Winners of the Tournament

The title of overall champion went to BIG GAME TEAM MIMA II – SRD Stara Voda Kostrena, led by Domagoj Grabovac, thanks to their spectacular catch of a 141-kilogram tuna, the largest fish of the tournament. With 1932.47 points, the team not only secured first place but also earned a special award for the biggest individual catch. This victory grants them the honor of representing Croatia at the World Big Game Fishing Championship in Costa Rica in 2026.

Second place was claimed by Team Tequila from Ljubljana, captained by Tomislav Jukić, with 1549.65 points, while third place went to the Slovenian team Barracuda, skippered by Bojan Cestar, with 1440 points.

Special Awards

In addition to the main trophies, the tournament awarded special recognitions:

  • First fish on the rod – Team Barracuda (Bojan Cestar)

  • Largest individual catch – BIG GAME TEAM MIMA II (141 kg tuna)

  • Fair play award – Team Fish42 from Italy, captain Fabrizio Rossi

Gastronomy and Entertainment

BIG OM is more than just a fishing competition – it is a festival of sea, food, and music. Visitors were treated to a wide array of tuna delicacies, including tuna cracklings, steaks, salads, and other seafood specialties. Special attention went to MasterChef finalist Matija Nikolić, founder of Wok by Matija, whose wok-style tuna dishes sold out completely.

Evenings on the Riva were filled with music and celebration, featuring performances by Grupa Venus, Trio Re-Play, Damir Kedžo & band, DJ Tommy, and a grand finale concert by the Grooversi.

A Proposal that Marked the Jubilee Edition

The closing ceremony brought a memorable surprise when, in front of a full Riva, a marriage proposal took place – and was joyfully accepted. This emotional moment added a touch of love to an event already rich with sportsmanship and camaraderie.

Tradition That Grows Stronger

Since its inception in 2005, BIG OM has grown into a landmark event that combines sport, gastronomy, and entertainment while showcasing Omišalj and the island of Krk as top Adriatic destinations.

The organizers extended their gratitude to all participants, sponsors, and visitors, and invited everyone to return next year for the 21st edition of BIG OM.