New Bedford Fishing Captain Named 2026 Scallop Shucking Champion at Scallopalooza

If you can shuck 50 scallops in a little more than two minutes, you deserve some serious bragging rights.

Captain Eddie Dellecese earned exactly that Thursday night when he was crowned the 2026 New Bedford Scallop Shucking Champion during Scallopalooza, hosted by the New Bedford Fishing Heritage Center. The annual celebration took over Bethel Street with live music, food, fishing demonstrations and, of course, the main event: finding New Bedford's best shucker.

We caught up with Dellecese Friday morning on The MGM Show, and considering he has more than 15 years of experience shucking scallops, maybe we shouldn't be surprised he made it look easy. Then again, the funny part is that he almost didn't compete at all.

Get our free mobile app

A Last-Minute Decision Pays Off

Dellecese had already signed up, but told me before the competition that he wasn't even sure if he was going to participate. "I waited about 20 minutes before and I decided I was going to go," he told us. Good thing he did.

READ MORE: Freetown Scallop Shucker Delivers Satisfying Video

Competitors were given 50 scallops and judged not only on speed, but on how well they cleaned them. Dellecese finished his first round in two minutes and 20 seconds before somehow getting even faster in the finals, finishing in just two minutes, 18 seconds.

Holy shuck.

Years of Experience on the Water

Dellecese said scallop shucking is really just "three motions," although I'm guessing 15-plus years of doing it certainly helps. The longtime fisherman captains the Buckeye, Saints and Angels and Hunter, and takes plenty of pride in being part of New Bedford's fishing industry.

"New Bedford is known to be the best and toughest port in the world, so that's pretty cool," he said of earning the title.

2026 Scallopalooza Champion New Bedford, MA

For the win, Dellecese took home a trophy, bragging rights and a $500 gift certificate to New Bedford Ship Supply. As for defending his title next year? "Hope to hang on to that trophy," he said. "My kids will probably make me keep on going."

Something tells me the reigning champ won't need much convincing.