When the World Carp Classic was launched in 1998 at Lac de Madine, Meuse, it was a 48-hour, individual event, and although it was a completely new competition, 142 competitors from five countries took part. The 2,700 acres of water produced 37 fish on that occasion, and after taking six of those fish for a total of 118lbs, the overall winner, Paul Rayment drove away the first prize of a Rover car worth £14,000.

Madine also hosted the event the following year, in 1999, where there was a 30 per cent increase in the number of participants as the competition switched to pairs. A year later, in 2000, the format of the event was amended again to really test the anglers' endurance, as it became a 72-hour competition.

The outstanding success of the competition in those formative years was certainly in no small measure down to the choice of venue, and Lac de Madine is rightfully heralded by many as being the spiritual home of the World Carp Classic.

Following the success in 2008 (for its 10th anniversary) & in 2009 we are happy to return once more to Lac de Madine for WCC10. Let's hope the grand old lady, Lac de Madine, will carry on being very generous to the participants of the World Carp Classic. With more new bank space being opened up for the event, it is reasonable to expect that she will once more give forth some of her most prized jewels.

The scene is set, and the challenge awaits!