War Heroes on Water Presented by loanDepot Brings Together Southern California’s Sportfishing Community and 130 Combat-Wounded Veterans for Ninth Annual Event
World’s largest nonprofit sportfishing tournament for veterans splashes into Southern California waters September 25-29
Captains and crews aboard more than 60 of the area’s finest sportfishing vessels provide veterans with a meaningful experience on the water
Builds on more than $8 million raised through Freedom Alliance, with 2026 on track to become the largest fundraising year in WHOW history
NEWPORT BEACH, Calif.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–
This weekend, 130 combat-wounded veterans from across the country will join members of Southern California’s sportfishing community for the ninth annual War Heroes on Water (WHOW) Presented by loanDepot. Taking place September 25-29, the five-day event will feature three days of sportfishing action on the pristine waters off the Southern California coast, providing veterans with opportunities for healing and connection. The tournament has become one of the SoCal community’s most cherished traditions, bringing together a supportive family that honors these heroes and their service and sacrifice.
“For nine years, the Southern California sportfishing community has come together to create something truly meaningful for our nation’s heroes,” said WHOW Founder Anthony Hsieh. “The time these veterans spend together on the water creates trust, connection and a sense of belonging that lasts long after the tournament ends. With this year’s tournament on track to be the largest fundraising year in WHOW history, the support surrounding this event has never been stronger. It is a powerful reminder that our veterans’ service and sacrifice will never be forgotten, and that an entire community stands beside them.”
This year’s WHOW fleet includes more than 60 of Southern California’s finest sportfishing yachts, generously donated and crewed by their owners, captains and crews. Together, they will provide participating veterans, many of whom are highly decorated, with a meaningful experience and the opportunity to forge lasting bonds with brothers and sisters in arms.
Events begin Saturday, September 26, with the first-ever WHOW Cars & Coffee fundraiser in Irvine, where the Southern California car community will rally around our nation’s veterans. Taking place from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. PT, the event will feature an incredible lineup of cars valued at more than $100 million, including 20 hypercars and dozens of supercars. A $25 donation provides admission, giving attendees the opportunity to view the cars up close and take photos while raising important funds to support veterans and their families. Learn more and register for WHOW Cars & Coffee.
Later that day, the tournament officially kicks off at 5:00 p.m., when the WHOW fleet assembles for opening ceremonies in Newport Basin. The fleet will line up in formation for a patriotic boat parade through Newport Harbor before heading out to sea for the fishing competition. For the first time, country artist Clay Hollis will open the parade with a performance of the National Anthem alongside the Orange County Sheriff’s Office Honor Guard. 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. View the Newport Harbor boat parade route.
“WHOW is powered by the extraordinary generosity and commitment of our yacht owners, captains, crews and volunteers, as well as the passion of the local community,” said WHOW Tournament Director Rod Halperin. “So many members of the WHOW family return year after year. Together, they create a life-changing experience for our veterans and demonstrate what a community can achieve when united by a purpose greater than itself.”
Once the fleet heads to sea, each crew will coach its veterans and work to get them on fish as they compete for a place on the podium. But the heart of WHOW is the time shared away from shore, where the ocean creates space for veterans to connect with peers who understand their experiences and build relationships that continue well beyond the final weigh-in.
The fishing concludes on Monday, September 28, 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. Watch the War Heroes on Water closing celebration livestream.
The tournament formally concludes with a private and emotional awards ceremony on Tuesday, September 29, where veterans reunite with their captains and crews to celebrate their accomplishments alongside yacht owners and fellow participants.
“WHOW gives our veterans a rare opportunity to step away from everyday pressures and reconnect with others who share a common bond,” said Freedom Alliance President Tom Kilgannon. “Our nation’s heroes are remarkable men and women who have sacrificed so much in service to our country, and it is our responsibility to stand beside them when they return home. The care shown by the WHOW family extends far beyond the tournament, helping Freedom Alliance provide healing experiences and vital assistance to combat-wounded veterans and military families throughout the year.”
A silent auction featuring a wide array of items, from rare collectibles and premier sporting events to luxury getaways, handcrafted gear and exciting adventures, is now live and closes Saturday, September 26, at 6:00 p.m. PT. View the silent auction catalog and place a bid.
Behind the scenes, dozens of volunteers work tirelessly to create the thoughtful details and special moments that have become such a meaningful part of the tournament. The generous support of the WHOW family, including fleet members, corporate sponsors, individual donors and volunteers, has helped WHOW grow into the world’s largest nonprofit sportfishing tournament for veterans. Together, they have enabled WHOW to directly serve 675 veterans on the water and raise more than $8 million to support thousands more through Freedom Alliance’s year-round programs addressing the rehabilitation needs of wounded service members, combat veterans and military families. With support continuing to build across the WHOW community, this year’s tournament is on track to become the largest fundraising year in WHOW history.
About War Heroes on Water
War Heroes on Water (WHOW) is the nation’s largest nonprofit sportfishing tournament for veterans, bringing together combat-wounded veterans and the Southern California sportfishing community to support healing, connection and year-round 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 nonprofit sportfishing tournament for veterans in the world.
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 that provides help and support to wounded troops and military families. Freedom Alliance has awarded more than $33 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, payment-free vehicles, all-terrain wheelchairs and much more. To learn more, visit www.FreedomAlliance.org or Facebook.com/FreedomAlliance.
About loanDepot
Since its launch in 2010, loanDepot (NYSE: LDI) has revolutionized the mortgage industry with digital innovations that make transacting easier, faster, and less stressful for customers and originators alike. The company, which is licensed in all 50 states, helps its customers achieve the American dream of homeownership through a broad suite of lending and real estate services that simplify one of life’s most complex transactions. loanDepot is also committed to serving the communities in which its team lives and works through a variety of local and national philanthropic efforts.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20260925714904/en/
Media Contact:
Jonathan Fine
781.248.3963
[email protected]
KEYWORDS: United States North America California
INDUSTRY KEYWORDS: Sports Banking People with Disabilities Professional Services Philanthropy Fishing Other Philanthropy Veterans Fund Raising Defense Consumer
MEDIA:
| Logo |
 |