Bradley Lucas made history in sensational style at the 2025 FishOMania Grand Final at Westwood Lakes in Boston, Lincolnshire, becoming the youngest ever champion with a winning weight of 54.225 kg – all in his debut appearance, live on Sky Sports Action in the UK.
Lucas set the pace early on, storming into the lead after the fourth weigh-in with an impressive 28.200 kg haul. With 2020 champion Harry Bignell by his side as bank runner, momentum seemed firmly on Lucas’ side. However, by the sixth weigh-in, veteran Steven Openshaw had mounted a remarkable charge, leaping from 15th after the first weigh-in to seize the top spot.
Openshaw, who was bidding to become the oldest FishOMania winner in history, was soon reeled back in. Lucas responded with a massive 12.100 kg catch at the seventh weigh-in, reclaiming the lead by just 2.250 kg heading into the final stages.
The duel between Lucas and Openshaw captivated fans throughout the afternoon. A 3.950 kg haul in the penultimate weigh-in proved decisive, giving Lucas just enough of a buffer to hold on. In the final tally, he edged out Openshaw by a slender margin of 1.025 kg to claim the £50,000 top prize.
Openshaw settled for second place and a £10,000 payout, while third-placed Kerry Kirkwood, along with Harry Michael and Charlie Law, each earned £2,000 for topping their respective lake sections.
Additional Highlights
Despite unable to retain his champion status, David Shires delivered a strong defence of his title, ultimately finishing in fourth with a total weight of 49.900 kg – just behind Kirkwood’s 51.175 kg.
There was also a standout performance from 18-year-old Harry Michael, who made his FishOMania debut in style. The junior champion climbed to second place by the fifth weigh-in and ended the day in 8th overall, while also securing his lake section win.
