Wakefest at Center Hill Lake
Wakefest 2026 returned to Center Hill Lake, bringing together professional wakeboarders, rising athletes, industry-leading brands, and thousands of spectators for two days of world-class competition on the water. What began as a grassroots tournament has grown into one of the nation’s premier wakeboarding events, proving that a small Tennessee lake can host competition on a world-class stage.
Athletes compete on the water and at night, winners are announced and celebrated at Pates Ford Marina. Presented by TNT Watersports, Wakefest showcased incredible talent across multiple divisions, from first-time competitors to elite professional riders. Throughout the weekend, spectators watched athletes launch gravity-defying tricks behind tournament towboats while enjoying live music, vendors, demos, and the unmistakable energy that has made Wakefest a summer tradition for more than two decades.
2026 Winners of Wakefest
50K Shootout Winner: Finn Bullock
Pro Men Division
- Nic Rapa
- Cory Teunissen
- Guenther Oka
Pro Women Division
- Meagan Ethel
- Nacha Holscher
- Charli Russell
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Nestled in the quiet hills of Middle Tennessee, Center Hill Lake is known for its waterfalls, calm coves, and relaxed pace of life. Yet each July, it becomes a gathering place for some of the sport’s best athletes, showcasing the lake all over the world.
The event is more than just a competition—it’s a celebration of the boating lifestyle that defines summers at Center Hill Lake. Local marinas, businesses, and residents welcome visitors while the surrounding coves fill with boats watching the action unfold from the water. As Wakefest continues to grow, it reinforces something locals have known for years: Center Hill Lake may be tucked away in rural Tennessee, but it has everything needed to host unforgettable events on a global level.
Whether you came to cheer on your favorite athlete, spent the weekend on the water, or discovered Center Hill Lake for the first time, Wakefest once again proved why it’s one of the biggest weekends of the summer—and one worth marking on the calendar every year.
