SPRINGFIELD, MO (Nov. 11, 2026) – A new era is here for the Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s National Walleye Tour presented by Progressive, and with it comes two new staff members who will help drive the excitement both on and off the water.
As the Tour looks ahead to an incredible 2027 season, we are thrilled to announce Robert Cardenas as the new Master of Ceremonies and Eric Naig as the National Walleye Tour Tournament Director. Bringing a shared passion for walleye fishing and a commitment to the sport, both will play important roles in delivering an unforgettable experience in this inaugural season of the new NWT.
meet your new mc: robert cardenas
From the excitement of tournament morning to the weigh-in stage, the Master of Ceremonies is responsible for bringing the National Walleye Tour experience to life.
Taking on a new role within the NWT, Robert Cardenas brings years of experience fishing the Tour, along with a background in videography and serving as the official photographer at past tournaments. With a deep passion for the Tour and the people who make it special, he’s excited to connect with anglers, families, and fans on an even greater level.
“I’m super excited for [this opportunity], and very, very humbled that I was asked to do it. I’m excited to bring more energy to [the Tour]. I want to get the crowd excited for the anglers and the anglers motivated to come up on stage, talk to the crowd, and tell their stories. I want to bring them further [into the experience] than they have been before.” – Robert Cardenas
As a former NWT angler himself, Cardenas brings a unique perspective to the evolution of the Tour, saying:
“There’s change, and as an angler, that’s what I always wanted. Now we’re getting it. I think people are seeing that now. We’re giving back…anything that I can do to help the Tour grow, that’s what I want to do.”
Whether building anticipation before takeoff, celebrating big catches at weigh-in, or connecting with fans throughout tournament week, Cardenas is ready to bring the energy to every stop on the 2027 schedule.
meet your new tournament director: eric naig
Behind every successful tournament is a dedicated team working to deliver a competitive, organized, and memorable experience. Leading those efforts for the National Walleye Tour is newly appointed Tournament Director, Eric Naig.
Through his roles as President of the National Professional Anglers Association and founder of Bigeee Fishing LLC, Naig brings valuable leadership experience and an angler-first perspective. With more than 30 years in the fishing industry, he offers a wealth of knowledge to the National Walleye Tour.
As the Tour continues to evolve, Naig is focused on building upon its strong foundation, creating new opportunities for anglers and elevating the overall tournament experience.
“There’s a lot of excitement around the changes coming to the NWT in 2027. I want to keep listening to the anglers, keep improving the experience and give these guys a bigger stage to showcase just how good professional walleye anglers are.” – Eric Naig
With Naig helping lead the way, the National Walleye Tour is looking forward to a future built on continued growth.
looking ahead to 2027
With new leadership and an exhilarating season on the horizon, the National Walleye Tour is ready to make its next chapter one to remember.
With Cardenas bringing the excitement to the stage and Naig helping lead tournament operations, anglers and fans can look forward to a season filled with incredible competition, memorable moments, and a continued commitment to growing professional walleye fishing.
Get ready for 2027. Let’s go!
