Hamilton Dad Reels in Big Bass on Amazon Xtreme

Hamilton, New Zealand – For 45-year-old Mark Thompson, fishing has always been more than a hobby—it’s a way of life. A sales rep by trade, Mark spends most of his weekends by the Waikato River or driving out to Raglan, chasing the peace that only a fishing rod and open water can bring.

But last Saturday, his biggest catch didn’t come from a river or a beach. It came from his phone.

“I’ve always joked with my mates that one day I’d land ‘the big one.’ Turns out, I didn’t need a boat. I needed Big Bass Amazon Xtreme.”

The Winning Spin

It all started innocently. Mark had just finished mowing the lawn, cracked open a cold beer, and sat on the deck scrolling his phone. Curious, he decided to try Big Bass Amazon Xtreme, a game themed around fishing adventures deep in the Amazon.

Suddenly, he wasn’t just spinning—he was “fishing” for big wins.

Every time a fisherman symbol landed, it collected the values of fish symbols on the screen.

By the end of the bonus round, Mark’s total balance showed NZ$78,300.

“I just laughed. My wife thought I’d lost it. I handed her the phone and said, ‘Check the catch of the day.’”

How the Catch Changed His Life

Mark’s win wasn’t enough to retire on—but it was more than enough to make a difference for his family:

• He cleared the remaining balance on his car loan
• Booked a family holiday to Fiji, promising his kids real fishing on coral reefs
• Upgraded his fishing gear, finally buying the high-end rods he’d admired for years
• Set aside savings to help with his eldest son’s first year at university next year

“It’s not millions, but it’s freedom. It’s a weight off my shoulders. And I got it from one spin.”