The Maver Match This 2025 Grand Final once again brought high drama to Hayfield Lakes, with 25 of the country’s finest anglers competing for one of match fishing’s most prestigious titles. After an intense five-hour battle across Big Adams and Little Adams, Guru-backed angler James Howarth emerged victorious, lifting the trophy and claiming the £45,000 first prize.
Speaking to Catch More Media after his triumph, James explained how the match unfolded. He began short on pellets but with little response. A switch to casters shallow transformed his day, producing two and a half hours of solid action with a mix of skimmers and carp between 6lb and 8lb.
In the final stages, he turned to his edge line, landing nine carp in the last 90 minutes, including a crucial 9lb fish in the dying moments that ultimately secured his win.
The whole venue fished impressively, with heavy weights recorded across both lakes and a tense finale that kept the result in doubt until the last weigh-in.
Maver Match This 2025 Grand Final Draw
The draw for this year’s Maver Match This Grand Final took place at 9 am on the morning of the final. The final was fished on Big Adams and Little Adams. You can find details of the draw below.
Maver Match This 2024 Grand Final – Final Standings
James Howarth finished with 187lb 7oz from peg 11 on Big Adams to take the title. Just behind, last year’s champion Jamie Hughes produced another strong showing, weighing 184lb 1oz from peg 20. Tom Edwards, runner-up in 2024, completed the top three with 173lb 13oz from peg 25.
| Position | Angler’s Name | Total Weight (lbs-oz) | Peg No. |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | James Howarth | 187lb 7oz | 11 (BA 35) |
| 2 | Jamie Hughes | 184lb 1oz | 20 (BA 66) |
| 3 | Tom Edwards | 173lb 13oz | 25 (BA 81) |
| 4 | Rob Swan | 173lb 1oz | 8 (LA 29) |
| 5 | Jimmy Brooks | 161lb 12oz | 22 (BA 70) |
| 6 | Ryan Lidgard | 155lb 5oz | 13 (BA 39) |
| 7 | Taylor Weir | 137lb 7oz | 21 (BA 68) |
| 8 | Les Marshall | 121lb 5oz | 7 (LA 25) |
| 9 | Ryan Bennett | 109lb 8oz | 2 (LA 9) |
| 10 | Sam Slocket | 106lb 10oz | 23 (BA 74) |
| 11 | James Woodrow | 105lb 14oz | 24 (BA 79) |
| 12 | Andy Power | 105lb 10oz | 12 (BA 37) |
| 13 | Andy Bailey | 104lb 1oz | 15 (BA 47) |
| 14 | Mike McMillan | 102lb 12oz | 16 (BA 49) |
| 15 | Sam Brown | 98lb 3oz | 14 (BA 45) |
| 16 | Luke Bamford | 94lb 10oz | 6 (LA 23) |
| 17 | Jack Damant | 91lb 5oz | 19 (BA 55) |
| 18 | Kerry Kirkwood | 73lb 15oz | 10 (LA 33) |
| 19 | Mark Griffiths | 63lb 15oz | 5 (LA 18) |
| 20 | Dale Shepherd | 59lb 3oz | 9 (LA 31) |
| 21 | Vic Molyneux | 50lb 1oz | 1 (LA 7) |
| 22 | Mitch Ross | 31lb 6oz | 3 (LA 14) |
| 23 | Andy Harrison | 29lb 9oz | 17 (BA 51) |
| 24 | Jack Williams | 28lb 8oz | 4 (LA 16) |
| 25 | Lee Thornton | DNW (0lb) | 18 (BA 53) |
Maver Match This 2025 Grand Final Prize Money
The prize money for this year’s Maver Match This Grand Final was split as follows:
- 🏆 Winner James Howarth – £45,000
- 🥈 Runner-up: Jamie Hughes – £4,000
- 🥉 Third: Tom Edwards – £1,500
- 🎯 Section Winners: Rob Swan, Jimmy Brooks, Ryan Lidgard, Ryan Bennett and Mike McMillan – £500
Looking Ahead to Maver Match This 2026
As the curtain falls on this year’s event, organisers confirmed that the 2026 Maver Match This competition will feature an exciting new difference set to be revealed in the coming months. Full details are expected later this year.