Entry fees for the Apex Predator Summer Showdown range from $30 to $90, depending on registration timing and category selection. The event takes place on August 29, 2026, in Deerfield Beach, Florida, at 455 S Federal Highway. Racing begins at 7:00 AM. This summer competition offers opportunities for endurance athletes of varying experience levels. Deerfield Beach's oceanfront location provides a coastal setting for participants. Early registration typically secures lower entry fees, so planning ahead can help manage race costs. The morning start time is ideal for avoiding peak heat during Florida's summer season.
From the Race Organizer
Apex Predator Summer Showdown 2026 The Hunt Expands. The Mission Continues. The Apex Predator Summer Showdown returns August 29-30, 2026, with an expanded format designed to welcome more divers, more boats, and more opportunities to remove invasive lionfish from Florida's waters. Whether you're diving from your personal boat, hunting with your favorite dive outfitter, or joining us aboard the DX Divers charter for the Mini Showdown, you'll be competing in one of South Florida's premier conservation-focused lionfish tournaments. Together, we'll work to protect Florida's reefs while competing for cash prizes, bragging rights, and the title of Apex Predator. Event Schedule Summer Showdown (Main Derby) Saturday, August 29, 2026: Tournament Begins: 7:00 AM Sunday, August 30, 2026 Fish Turn-In & Measuring: By 4:00 PM Awards Ceremony: 5:00 PM Mini Showdown Presented by DX Divers Saturday, August 29, 2026 Boat Departure: 8:00 AM Return to Dock: Approximately 1:00 PM Awards Ceremony: Approximately 1:30 PM Tournament Format: Summer Showdown (Main Derby) The Summer Showdown is a two-day lionfish tournament open to all participants. Divers may compete: From personal boats Through participating dive outfitters As part of the DX Divers Mini Showdown Participants will compete in teams of two to harvest as many lionfish as possible between the start of the tournament on Saturday morning and the official close on Sunday at 4:00 PM. Hunters may dive anywhere in Florida during the tournament period; however, all fish must be presented during the official fish count and measurement on Sunday in Deerfield Beach to qualify for awards. Each participant will receive: Official Apex Predator Challenge Coin Car Seat Cover Mini Showdown Host at DX Divers The Mini Showdown automatically registers you for the full derby and the mini. The mini is a single morning two tank competition held aboard a chartered DX Divers (Lady Go) on Saturday. Participants will compete in teams of two during a two-tank dive to harvest as many lionfish as possible. This mini derby is only for those on the chartered boat and helps keep the competition fair and equitable, making it a unique competition where the best hunters will come out on top! Each participant will receive: Official Apex Predator Challenge Coin Apex Predator Car Seat Cover Important: The Mini Derby Registration includes your seat on the DX Divers charter. Divers must provide their own equipment. Tank rentals and gear rentals are available through DX Divers. Contact DX Divers directly for rental information: 954-420-0009 The Best Part Every lionfish harvested during the Mini Showdown will also count toward the Summer Showdown Main Derby. This means participants aboard the DX Divers boat have the opportunity to compete for awards in both tournaments! Packet Pickup & Check-In Participants may pick up event items: Before the Mini Showdown on Saturday After the Mini Showdown on Saturday During fish turn-in on Sunday Additional details will be provided prior to the event. Awards & Prizes Summer Showdown Awards Presented Sunday, August 30 at 5:00 PM. Categories 🥇 Most Lionfish Caught — $150 Cash Prize 🐟 Largest Lionfish — $100 Cash Prize 🐟 Smallest Lionfish — $50 Cash Prize Mini Showdown Awards Presented Saturday, August 29 at approximately 1:30 PM. Categories 🥇 Most Lionfish Caught — $150 Cash Prize 🐟 Largest Lionfish — $100 Cash Prize 🐟 Smallest Lionfish — $50 Cash Prize Join us August 29-30, 2026, as we continue the fight against invasive lionfish and help protect Florida's reefs one dive at a time.
Hotels Near This Race
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Apex Predator Summer Showdown 2026 — Deerfield Beach, FL
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for August 29.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Deerfield Beach, FL.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is Apex Predator Summer Showdown 2026 — Deerfield Beach, FL?
Apex Predator Summer Showdown 2026 — Deerfield Beach, FL takes place on August 29, 2026. The race is held in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
Where is Apex Predator Summer Showdown 2026 — Deerfield Beach, FL held?
Apex Predator Summer Showdown 2026 — Deerfield Beach, FL is held at 455 S Federal Hwy in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
Where can I find hotels near Apex Predator Summer Showdown 2026 — Deerfield Beach, FL?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Deerfield Beach. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
