2026 Tournament:

Hosted by the South Dakota Walleye Classic

Saturday, July 25th & Sunday, July 26th
Registration is Friday, July 24th

The 2026 Walleye Classic & Festival is bigger than ever. We’re proud to once again partner with AFTCO to bring the AFTCO Walleye Throwdown to Akaska, South Dakota—now with an exciting new format where one lucky angler could reel in a brand-new Ford Maverick.

The grand prize will be awarded to the angler with the heaviest walleye weighed over the two-day event. In addition, anglers will have even more chances to win with eight bi-hourly cash payouts—four weigh-ins each day, with payouts every session. With a single entry, registered anglers are eligible for the grand prize and multiple bi-hourly payouts.

More details coming soon, including official rules, early registration, AFTCO Swag Packs, and additional prize announcements.

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2026 SDWC Format Explained