Thomas Lyte have designed and handcrafted the Louisiana Champions Cup Trophy, a fully bespoke award created for sport fishing. Through a partnership with the Louisiana Champions Cup (LCC), the trophy was unveiled at the New Orleans Big Game Fishing Club annual awards banquet at the Southern Yacht Club in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Saturday, 5 April 2025.
As Royal Warrant Holders as Goldsmiths and Silversmiths to His Majesty King Charles III, we have been responsible for designing and crafting some of the most iconic trophies worldwide. These include the Ryder Cup, SailGP, Kentucky Derby, FIBA Basketball World Cup, and now the Louisiana Champions Cup.
“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 want to steal,” said Gretchen David, LCC Brand and 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 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 result is a bespoke trophy of sleek minimalism and grand stature, perfectly in harmony with the LCC mark. It stands at 55cm tall, weighing 5.9kg, and is plated in sterling silver. The prestigious trophy reflects both the passion and spirited heritage of sport fishing.
Our in-house design team worked closely with the LCC to craft an unforgettable trophy that would inspire anglers for generations. After finalising the design and meeting the brief, our master craftsmen brought the vision to life. They blended traditional techniques with modern innovation to achieve a result that feels both contemporary and timeless. The consultation, design, and crafting process spanned several months, reflecting our commitment to excellence at every stage.
“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.”
Today, the Louisiana Champions Cup stands as the most coveted sport fishing award in the state. Anglers from across the United States compete with the dream of becoming champions. The competition concludes a unique series of six qualifying events. Beginning at the Louisiana Gulf Coast Billfish Classic, Cajun Canyons Billfish Classic, and moving to the Faux Pas Lodge Invitational. Subsequently, the International Grand Isle Tarpon Rodeo, Empire South Pass Tarpon Rodeo, and the New Orleans Invitational Billfish Tournament.
