Feature Sponsor Yale Cordage ULTREX® 3/4" (above) delivering exceptional strength-to-weight performance in the hands of the competitors at the Maritime Throwdown.
The Breakbulk Americas Arena was blazing with excitement as Kamron Istre went head-to-head with first-time MTD competitor Dylan Dartez in a showdown that came down to the wire.
12 points. 12 points. A dead heat.
Both competitors finished with 12 points, sending MTD Officials back to the clock to review the time metric. When the final numbers were confirmed, Kamron edged Dylan by just minutes—earning his berth in the MTD Finals at IMX ’27.
But this one had everything.
Dylan was on track for a 10-point performance when he was required to repeat the Vertical Kevel obstacle. The redo changed the scoring picture, with Dylan earning four points against Kamron’s two.
Then came the moment that captured what the Maritime Throwdown is all about.
Sportsmanship. Integrity. Skill.
The energy was high at Paducah Main Street’s BBQ on the River as the Maritime Throwdown brought its competition to the waterfront—and a new group of Industrial Maritime Athletes stepped up to the challenge.
Making their MTD debut, Tucker Story of Hines Furlong Line and Landon Evans of Crounse Corporation entered the arena ready to test their skills against returning competitor Michael Kirk of Ingram Barge.
And they did not disappoint.
Every line thrown, every move made and every point earned brought the crowd deeper into the action. Michael made a strong run, while Tucker and Landon battled through their first MTD competition.
Then came the moment everyone was waiting for.
On Saturday, MTD Founder Captain Kenny Brown announced Tucker Story of Hines Furlong Line as the Paducah Main Street MTD Qualifier winner, scoring an impressive 13 points and punching his ticket to the MTD Finals at IMX ’27.
For Tucker, it was a first-time appearance that ended with a championship opportunity.
For Hines Furlong Line, it was a deckhand stepping forward to represent his company on the national stage.
Congratulations to Tucker Story—and to Michael Kirk, Aiden Riley and Landon Evans for stepping into the arena and putting their skills to the test!