MTD Announces New Invitational Challenge Events

Captain Kenny Brown, Founder of the Maritime Throwdown, announces today four exciting invitational throwdown events across the Inland Waterways.  "Hey, deckhands-tankermen-wheelhouse get your game on" Kenny explained as he shared the locations of the start to the 2026 Road to IMX'26's National Championship Challenge!  We are pressing the "go" to open the start of the "Wheelmen's" competition category.  "As we turn the corner on our tenth anniversary, Capt. Kenny explains, we have former competitors whose careers have expanded responsibilities and we are excited to be able to include them by establishing a category where they compete with their peers."  "Our industry has exceptional people who are passionate about safety-first and sharpen their line handling skills in a competitive and controlled environment. This ensures readiness and efficiency in real-world maritime operations." Kenny continued.

First stop in the 2026 season - Bar-B-Que on the River in Beautiful Paducah Kentucky (https://bbqpaducah.com) September 25-27 - with the Paducah Invitational Challenge showcasing on Saturday 9/27 at about 1400hrs (2:00pm).  "The deckhands-tankermen-first-mates division winner will go straight to the 2026 National Championship!" explained Capt. Brown.  Paducah is at the heart of where the Tennessee River, Illinois River, Ohio River converge into the Mississippi.  For centuries and well beyond these inland waters have brought maritime fronters people to the region.  "Our MTD team knows there is top talent who will proudly demonstrate the professional athletic skills that keep American goods and services moving" Capt. Kenny exclaimed. 

America's River Roots Festival (https://www.americasriverroots.com) in Cincinnati Ohio - October 8-12 - will feature a Maritime experiential learning display section.  The MTD River Roots Invitational Challenge event will be Saturday October 11th - times finalized in September.  "I am so excited to work with Erin Howard, who is leading the Maritime Experiential learning displays as well as Dave Westrich and the Carlisle & Bray Marine team.", Kenny Brown shared.  "Our competition emphasizes the importance of teamwork and collaboration, crucial elements in the maritime industry." states Capt. Kenny Brown.   By working together, participants enhance their ability to communicate and cooperate effectively, leading to safer and more efficient operations.

Attracting new talent and workers into the Maritime Industry and the Inland Waterways is the passion and purpose of Keegan Waldrop, Education Director for the Maritime Museum of Louisiana and the Wooden Boat Festival October 18 & 19, 2025.  The MTD team and Keegan are working on something special for this year.  Wouldn't it be cool to have a secondary education maritime challenge division?  We agree and are looking for sponsors so we can help make this happen!  The winner of the Madisonville Challenge (Deckhand, Wheelhouse and Secondary) will go directly to the Nationals in May 2026 at IMX!

Get registered now for the International Work Boat in NOLA December 3-5 and check out the Maritime Throwdown Challenge while you are there.  Calling all deckhands, tankermen, and first mates to enter this classic MTD event.  The winner goes directly to the 2026 finals in May.