04.07.25 / LCC PRESS RELEASE
Inaugural Louisiana Champions Cup Trophy designed by iconic trophy maker Thomas Lyte; presented to Team Supreme
at the Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans
The inaugural Louisiana Champions Cup (LCC) trophy, designed by world-renowned trophy maker Thomas Lyte, was unveiled at the New Orleans Big Game Fishing Club annual awards banquet at the Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Saturday, April 5th, 2025, during the first-ever LCC Awards presentation.
Billy Nungesser, Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana; Rene Cross, Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic Tournament Director, credited for LCC concept; Robbie Carter, Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic and LCC Event Director; Charlie Caplinger, President of the New Orleans Big Game Fishing Club, and Casey Salbert, Sonar Huevon LCC award sponsor presented the overall 2024 Louisiana Champions Cup to Team Supreme, wrapping up the first season in Louisiana style.
(Pictured Left to Right: Rene Cross, Casey Salbert, Stephanie Mulle, Captain Chase Lake, Lisa Krake, Allen Krake, Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser, Robbie Carter, and Hunter Smith) Photo Credit: Fred Salinas
Regarded as the world’s leading trophy maker, Thomas Lyte – who serves as the goldsmith and silversmith to His Majesty The King – has been responsible for designing and crafting some of the most iconic trophies worldwide, including trophies for the Ryder Cup, SailGP, Kentucky Derby, FIBA Basketball World Cup and now the Louisiana Champions Cup. Thomas Lyte boasts unmatched credentials in the world of sports.
“Since the beginning, the brief was to create a trophy that aligned with the Louisiana Champions Cup tag “Sport Fishing Excellence, Louisiana Style,” with a feel you wanna steal,” said Gretchen David, LCC Brand/Communications Director. “A cup of grandeur that captured the spirit and true style of the LCC mindset, that of energy, passion, and exhilaration of the competing teams, events and spectators alike. The mission was to bring Rene’s vision to life and design a timeless, signature piece and create a legacy of sport fishing victory that elevates camaraderie and celebrates what it is to make history.”
The stunning result is a one-of-a-kind, bespoke trophy of sleek minimalism and grand stature that dances in union with the LCC mark. Standing 21.6 inches high, weighing 13 lbs., crafted in brass, and plated in sterling silver, the trophy enlivens the extreme passion, spirited heritage and timeless tales of sport fishing.
(Pictured: Robbie Carter, Rene Cross, Lisa Krake, Captain Chase Lake, Allen Krake, Stephanie Mulle, Gretchen David, and Hunter Smith.) Photo Credit: Fred Salinas
“LCC wanted to shine light on the competitive camaraderie of sport fishing with a design that encapsulated the extraordinary energy, performance excellence, and cultural tradition of community that will be legacy,” said LCC Event Director - Robbie Carter. “We wanted a design that gifted homage to the passion and loyalty of sport fishing. The team at Thomas Lyte exceeded our expectations and gave us a Louisiana Champions Cup to cherish.”
Thomas Lyte’s design team worked with Louisiana Champions Cup in the creation and design process to craft an unforgettable cup that would inspire sport fishing for many. After finalizing the design and meeting the brief, Thomas Lyte’s master craftsmen brought the vision to life, blending traditional techniques with modern methods. The entire consultation, design, and crafting process spanned over several months.
“At Thomas Lyte we design and handcraft silverware for moments of achievement at the highest level of sport. It has been a privilege to create a lasting symbol of excellence for the LCC and Louisiana’s vibrant sport fishing community.” - Andrew Jones, Business Development Director for Thomas Lyte.
The Louisiana Champions Cup is the most coveted sport fishing award in Louisiana. Anglers from across the United States compete with aspirations of being crowned with the Louisiana Champions Cup, a unique mix of six qualifying sport fishing events including the Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, The Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic, Faux Pas Lodge Invitational, International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, Empire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo, and the New Orleans Invitational Billfish Tournament.
List of 2024 LCC Winners:
Grand Champion - Team Supreme
Top Blue Marlin - Southern Charm ALL IN
Top Catch & Release - Team Supreme
Top Swordfish - The Outdoor Addicts
Top Wahoo - Frozen Assets
Top Tuna - The Outdoor Addicts
Top Dolphin - Foam-o
Top Jr. Angler - Brantley Adams, Briar Patch
Top Lady Angler - Jaselyn Berthelot, Rising Sons.
Thank you to all of our 2024 LCC Sponsors: Presenting Sponsor - Sonar Huevon; Division Award Sponsors - Layco Marine, Plaquemines Parish Tourism, Garmin & JL Audio, YAMAHA, Claremont Properties, TRAPP Cadillac, and B&T Marine.
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For further details on the Louisiana Champions Cup:
Contact Robbie Carter, LCC Event Director at +1 (337)849-8642
or email info@louisianachampionscup.com.
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