The opening three qualifiers of the 2026 Maver Match This campaign have now been completed, with three well-known names securing their places in September’s Grand Final.
With tickets always in high demand and qualification spots limited, the early rounds have already produced strong weights across a mix of venues, setting the tone for another competitive series ahead of the final at Dynamite Hayfield Lakes on Friday, 5th September 2026.
Steve Openshaw Wins Qualifier One at Partridge Lakes
The campaign began on Saturday, 14th March at Partridge Lakes, where experienced campaigner Steve Openshaw took the first qualifying spot of the year.
Drawn on Covey 6 peg 133, Openshaw produced a composed display to finish with 133lb 15oz, a weight that proved enough to see off the field and secure his return to the Grand Final. Known for its prolific carp stocks and consistent match weights, Partridge Lakes often rewards anglers who can build steadily throughout the day, and Openshaw’s performance followed that pattern.
His victory ensured that one of the sport’s most recognisable names would once again feature on the big stage later this year.
Joe Stevenson Dominates Tunnel Barn Farm
Qualifier two took place on Sunday, 22nd March at Tunnel Barn Farm, where Joe Stevenson delivered one of the standout weights of the series so far.
Fishing Jenny’s peg 16, Stevenson put together an impressive 213lb 3oz to comfortably top the field and claim the second ticket to the final. Tunnel Barn Farm is widely regarded as one of the country’s most consistent commercial venues, regularly producing big nets of carp, and Stevenson made the most of favourable conditions to build a dominant winning margin.
That weight sets an early benchmark for the rest of the qualifiers, underlining the level required to progress this year.
Ross Harold Tops Blustery Rookery Waters Match
The third qualifier was held on Saturday, 28th March at Rookery Waters, where difficult weather conditions played a key role throughout the match.
Despite a blustery day, Ross Harold produced a strong and controlled performance from Crow peg 22, finishing with 160lb 15oz to secure qualification.
Rookery Waters can often prove challenging when the wind gets up, particularly on more open areas of the venue, but Harold adapted well to the conditions and did enough to come out on top. His win completes the trio of early qualifiers heading through to the final.
Three Anglers Through as Series Builds Momentum
Following the opening three rounds, Steve Openshaw, Joe Stevenson and Ross Harold are the first names confirmed for the 2026 Grand Final line-up.
With a variety of venues already producing winning weights well over the century mark, the early signs suggest another high-scoring campaign, particularly as the series moves into the warmer months when many fisheries begin to show their full potential.
The next opportunity to qualify comes on Monday, 6th April at Dynamite Hayfield Lakes, which will also host the Grand Final later in the year. As always, demand for places remains high, and anglers looking to secure a spot in the final will need both a good draw and a strong performance to progress.
You can buy tickets for all remaining Maver Match This qualifier matches from mavermatch.co.uk/buy-maver-match-this-tickets. Tickets are available for £54.99.
