The unmistakable roar of custom-built machines echoed through the Tampa Bay area as the 3rd Annual Orange County Choppers Bike
Builder Invitational stormed into the OCC Road House & Museum from May 16–18. Drawing elite builders and motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country, this year’s invitational not only shattered attendance records—it elevated the bar for what a builder-focused event should be.
Held in conjunction with Bert’s Barracuda Harley-Davidson and Sponsored by The Fran Haasch Law Group and Visit St. Pete/Clearwater (VSPC), the event offered a weekend packed with head-turning builds, free concerts, ride-ins, and a deep sense of community for the custom bike world. Invited builders displayed their masterpieces in premium indoor spaces while the public rolled in with their own rides for a massive Ride-In Bike Show.
Dozens of top-tier invited builders from across the U.S., showcased café racers, baggers, bobbers, choppers, vintage restorations, and more.
The public Ride-In Bike Show, free to enter, saw almost a hundred motorcycles judged across multiple divisions.
There was live music throughout the weekend, including performances from Stormbringer, Ten Ton Mojo, SoulFish, and The Mordigans.
The iconic Sunshine Skyway Ride on Sunday was led by none other than Paul Teutul Sr., founder of Orange County Choppers.
The competition culminated in an impressive awards ceremony celebrating the best in class, including: 1st and 2nd place Peoples Choice winners in each category, with custom trophies and photos alongside Paul Sr.
Paul Sr.’s Choice Award, personally selected by the man himself.
And the most coveted recognition of all—Builder’s Choice Awards, handpicked by fellow builders in each class and accompanied by a $1,000 cash prize. These peer-selected honors are widely regarded as the top accolade of the weekend. Of course to top it all off was the Best of Show award.
“This is more than a show—it’s a family reunion for the custom culture,” said Paul Sr. “The craftsmanship, the passion, and the community here—it reminds you why we fell in love with bikes in the first place.”
With builder hospitality perks, collectible OCC Challenge Coins, and a signed commemorative coin display for first-time attendees, the OCC Invitational continues to
grow as one of the most builder-forward events on the national calendar.
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