Billionaire Michael Jordan Set to Compete for $7.5 Million Prize Money as He Plans To Overcome 300 Competitors in North Carolina’s Event

Michael Jordan once had aquaphobia, the fear of water, when he was just 7 years old. It was because one of his friends drowned in the ocean, while MJ was trying to hold on to him. Years later, he has taken a liking to water bodies thanks to encouragement from his wife Yvette Prieto. To keep the competitive side alive, he is participating in a $7.5 Million prize money competition.

It’s not the first time he entered the competition. Back in 2020, Jordan and his crew caught a £442 Blue Marlin at the Big Rock Tournament in North Carolina. And now Michael Jordan is back at that same tournament this week. But this time it’s a different boat for His Airness. Michael Jordan’s old boat was an 80 ft Viking, which he bought for $8 million.

He had it wrapped in elephant print, and Catch 23 was the name of the boat. The new asset is an 80 ft Bayless called Catch 23. It probably cost around $15 million and was also wrapped on the sides with an elephant print. As per Joe Pompliano, “Michael Jordan is in North Carolina this week with his new 82-foot Bayliss fishing boat. MJ will compete against 300 other boats for a $7.5 million purse at the Big Rock Blue Marlin fishing tournament. Pretty cool.”

Pompliano also described the inside of the nearly $15 million asset. Since no official images of the Catch23 are available, he used a similar boat to describe the facilities provided. It is equipped with a kitchen, a dining table, a living room, and a TV. With a few different bedrooms with regular beds for him and bunk beds for the crew. Michael Jordan now finds some joy around water bodies. 

Michael Jordan loves to sail

MJ’s Air Jordan 3 sneakers have been inspired by the Viking design of his Catch 23. Last year was Michael Jordan’s fourth appearance, but he couldn’t win the cash prize of $10 million. MJ’s team caught a 75-pound behemoth but failed to win this tournament as they finished third netting a $462,318 prize.

Apart from the sportfishing yacht, Jordan does spend most of his time on Joy. A superyacht ‘Joy’, which is estimated to be worth $80 million, is owned by Indian businessman Sameer Gehlaut. Though Jordan doesn’t own it, he spends $780,000 a week to charter the yacht. Not a surprising decision since Jordan spent more than the prize money of the tournament to have a good time. Most of his life is private, yet he has been pictured with his wife during a few family vacations. And you can guess the common factor below!

In 2021 Croatia and 2023 trips to Italy, Michael Jordan stayed on a superyacht. The Yacht consisted of 2 VIP suites and 14 state-of-the-art rooms as per Nicki Swift YouTube channel. Prieto also Jordan hooked on sailing, which he hated previously. During their first visit, he went “stir-crazy on the boat.” But he enjoyed it during his latest trip. The trip was so beautiful that Jordan didn’t watch any basketball.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the Reese-Clark rivalry and more, watch this video.