• Pivotal Qualification Scenarios Await Tomorrow’s Finals Day
• SoCal Contenders Surge Into Finals Day
• Sally Fitzgibbons’ Magic Week in Huntington Continues to Finals Day
• Miguel Pupo and Alan Cleland Provide Electric Performances
• Heritage Heat Takes Over US Open of Surfing Lineup

Alyssa Spencer (USA) picked up the pace to add another Southern Californian to Finals Day after overtaking current Challenger Series No. 1 Isabella Nichols (AUS). Spencer’s signature backhand power and forehand flair earned a decisive win near home waters. Now, the 21-year-old has a massive Quarterfinal heat with fellow Southern California competitor Bella Kenworthy (USA) to see who can further their opportunity toward Huntington Beach legend.

“It was definitely a grindy heat out there, and I was just trying to stay active at the start of the heat,” said Spencer. “I just wanted to roll the dice on any wave that looked like a score. I just stuck to our plan that we had and closed out the rest of the heat with priority. That was a really big heat for me. This was the first time I’ve made a heat at the US Open in three years and my first Finals Day, but I don’t want to stop here.”

Despite the draw losing Californians Lakey Peterson (USA) and Kirra Pinkerton (USA), Kenworthy rose to the occasion against qualification threat Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) in decisive fashion.

“I think this is my first Finals Day since Portugal in 2021, but who’s counting (laughs),” said Andino. “I’m just super stoked. I’ve made four heats and I’ve had trouble just making any heats the last two years and just feel very lucky. I’m excited to be rocking up to Finals Day and give it a shot tomorrow.”

Unfortunately for Southern California fans on the beach, in a World Junior Championships rematch reigning WSL World Junior Champion Jett Schilling (USA) couldn’t find his form to overtake Jackson Bunch (HAW).

“I’m still getting psyched watching [Lakey Peterson], you can’t put the fire out especially in two-foot Huntington for some reason just gets me so psyched,” said Fitzgibbons. “I loved my process today and the build-up to it and I think that’s where the Tour served me well is getting ready for those big matchups. At this point in my career I think you stop trying to connect the dots, and just enjoy those singular moments. I hope I can bring some stuff to the table and why not me, I want to go all the way.”

“I feel like I had a bunch of opportunities on the rights and especially the first one which was a really good wave,” said Pupo. “It’s hard because the current is going against you, and the wave is bending away from you so it’s a lot of calculation. I was happy to get the air and then I got a really good set so I was trying to time that well knowing it would be a good score. [Ian Gouveia] and I shared some tears and something happened that I’ve never seen before where the whole athlete zone was clapping for him so that was special.”

“I was out there with guys like Tom Curren. I grew up surfing just around the pier in 1985 or ’86 and we wanted to surf like Tom and Occy,” said Huntington Beach’s own Deffenbaugh. “Plus guys like Shane Beschen I competed against and Matt [Archbold] and Mike [Parsons]. I was always chasing them so it’s an honor.”

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow, Sunday, August 11, at 7:00 a.m PDT to determine the competition order for the day, with a likely start at 7:35 a.m. PDT.

• Competition Intensifies as Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico Enters Final Weekend
• Kolohe Andino Salvages SoCal Run, Jarvis Earle Keeps Surging
• Ian Gouveia Officially Requalifies for the Championship Tour
• Bella Kenworthy Returns to Home Waters in Dynamic Form
• Ellie Harrison Plays Ultimate Spoiler, Eliminates Defending Event Victor

Former CT veteran and San Clemente, California’s own, Kolohe Andino (USA) continues to look for his first US Open of Surfing title. Andino salvaged his 2024 campaign in the dying moments against a stacked Round of 32 heat. Andino’s prowess in the jersey and passion was on full display, taking to the air for a 6.67 (out of a possible 10) and a crucial heat win over former CT competitors Alejo Muniz (BRA), Dimitri Poulos (USA), and 2023 World Junior runner-up Jackson Bunch (HAW).

“I just knew it was such a stacked heat with Alejo [Muniz], Jackson [Bunch], and Dimitri [Poulos] surfing so good, so I was just really excited for that opportunity,” said Andino. “It was pretty difficult out there just being later in the day, and I saw Alejo just bolting for me to sit on me with two minutes left. I saw that right, and especially down wind you don’t know if you’re going to stick it, but I just sent it. I had so many emotions just because it’s been a weird four years for me, so to come back and make that heat was huge.”

Fellow San Clemente standout, reigning WSL Junior Champion Jett Schilling (USA) also claimed a massive win to close out men’s Round of 32 action, eliminating the defending event winner, Eli Hanneman (HAW), in Heat 8.

2022 WSL World Junior Champion Jarvis Earle (AUS) continues to find success in his return to Southern California after claiming his Title in Cardiff. Earle’s competition in his Round of 32 heat included 2023 World Title contender Joao Chianca (BRA), former CT competitor Miguel Pupo (BRA), and Brazil’s newest qualification threat Edgard Groggia (BRA). Earle maintained the pace of the heat before soaring a massive air and earning a 7.67 to retake the lead from Pupo for another pivotal heat win.

“I knew it was going to be a tough heat with some really good Brazilian surfers in there,” said Earle. “I was stoked when I came down and saw conditions with these running lefts and I’m really stoked to come away with a win in that one. Huntington is really unique with so many people coming to the beach, and when I landed that air I heard the whole pier screaming so that was really special.”

A momentous day for former CT competitor Ian Gouveia (BRA) officially qualified to rejoin the world’s best after advancing into the Round of 16 behind Riaru Ito (JPN). Gouveia’s terrific start to the year and win in Ballito helped set the 31-year-old up for success in Surf City USA. He will be back on the CT after six years trying to requalify.

“My voice is gone already, I just really have to thank my family and sponsors that kept believing in my surfing and my career,” said Gouveia. “That was a long six years and at the beginning of this year, this was going to be my do or die year. I was just thinking maybe it’s time to do another thing, but I had my spot in the Challenger Series so I had to take this shot. I’m just super stoked I can provide this to my family, my sponsors and my team.”

Fellow Brazilian, and former CT competitor, Caio Ibelli (BRA), joins Gouveia into the Round of 16 after a decisive heat win alongside fellow Round of 32 heat victors Alan Cleland (MEX), Dakoda Walters (AUS), and former CTer Ian Gentil (HAW).

Today, Southern California duo Alyssa Spencer (USA) and Bella Kenworthy (USA) took over home waters. Kenworthy notched an important Round of 32 win, and Spencer posted an excellent 8.17 to earn an advancing position. Kenworthy returned to San Clemente victorious from the Ballito Pro, which catapulted her to No. 5 on the rankings, and in a CT qualification spot. Now, the 17-year-old looks to continue her momentum toward her first US Open of Surfing win and inch closer to the 2025 CT roster.

“I’m not feeling too nervous right now, and I just want to do the best I can in each heat and see where it goes,” said Kenworthy. “I have my new favorite board, and it just goes well in every condition. I love competing here, and I kind of knew what to expect with conditions here, and I’m definitely looking forward to seeing what comes.”

CT veteran and former event winner Lakey Peterson (USA) added her name to the list of Round of 32 heat winners as she looks for more Huntington Beach glory.

Australia’s emerging qualification threat, Ellie Harrison (AUS), put on a stunning showing in her Lexus US Open of Surfing debut. Harrison faced San Clemente native and defending event winner Sawyer Lindblad (USA), along with Kirra Pinkerton (USA), and Anon Matsuoka (JPN). Harrison took control of the heat after finding a morning gem to unleash her backhand attack and posted a 7.50. Pinkerton held firm in the advancing position after leading most of the heat and kept her hopes of bringing the US Open of Surfing title back to Southern California.

“I had a feeling we were going to have to do a run around, so I just tried not to go as fast as normal and just catch my breath,” said Harrison. “My coach told me that the first turn was pretty solid, and I just needed another one of those or a two-turn combo and it would be heat over. So that’s what I did, and I just tried to shut the heat down pretty early. I haven’t started the year off that well, but I got a fifth in Ballito, so I’m just trying to get more confidence in my heats again.”

It didn’t take long for the first excellent score of the morning to drop, and it was current No. 6 Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) who provided during the Round of 32, Heat 2. The 24-year-old, Erostarbe, unleashed her powerful backhand attack to post an 8.17 and 15.34 heat total.

Also, current Challenger Series No. 1 Isabella Nichols (AUS) and No. 2 Erin Brooks (CAN) kicked off their respective US Open of Surfing runs into the Round of 16 alongside Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) following brilliant showings to take Round of 32 victories.

Fellow European standout Tessa Thyssen (FRA) came out in winning form to best former CT elite and event winner Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) following Fitzgibbons’ induction into the Huntington Beach Walk of Fame yesterday. Fitzgibbons earned second in the heat and will face Brooks in the Round of 16.

Event organizers will reconvene tomorrow, Saturday, August 9, at 7:00 a.m PDT to determine the competition order for the day, with a likely start at 7:35 a.m. PDT.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Thursday: Round of 64 Called ON at 2024 Lexus US Open of Surfing

• Men’s Round of 64 Started at 7:35 a.m. PDT (435am HI Time)
• Top Seeds and Championship Tour Elite Debut
• Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com 

Two-time US Open of Surfing winner Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) headlines world-class talent including 2023 event runner-up Crosby Colapinto (USA), CT standouts Cole Houshmand (USA) and Joao Chianca (BRA), defending event victor Eli Hanneman (HAW), former CT competitors Miguel Pupo (BRA), Jadson Andre (BRA), Kade Matson (USA), Ian Gentil (HAW), Lucca Mesinas (PER), and many more making their debuts.

Lexus US Open of Surfing Men’s Round of 64 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Ian Gouveia (BRA) vs. Keijiro Nishi (JPN) vs. Nat Young (USA) vs. Jarvis Earle (AUS)
HEAT 2: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Josh Burke (BRB) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Michael Dunphy (USA)
HEAT 3: Edgard Groggia (BRA) vs. Levi Slawson (USA) vs. Rafael Teixeira (BRA) vs. Owen Moss (USA)
HEAT 4: Samuel Pupo (BRA) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA) vs. Maxime Huscenot (FRA) vs. Riaru Ito (JPN)
HEAT 5: Mikey McDonagh (AUS) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS) vs. Oscar Berry (AUS) vs. Kyuss King (AUS)
HEAT 6: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) vs. Justin Becret (FRA) vs. Mateus Herdy (BRA) vs. Kai Martin (HAW)
HEAT 7: Jacob Willcox (AUS) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA) vs. Alan Cleland (MEX) vs. Cauã Costa (BRA)
HEAT 8: Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Ian Gentil (HAW) vs. Reef Heazlewood (AUS) vs. John Mel (USA)
HEAT 9: Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Kade Matson (USA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA) vs. Dylan Moffat (AUS)
HEAT 10: Alister Reginato (AUS) vs. Winter Vincent (AUS) vs. Lucca Mesinas (PER) vs. Kian Martin (SWE)
HEAT 11: George Pittar (AUS) vs. Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs. Kai Odriozola (ESP) vs. Daniel Emslie (RSA)
HEAT 12: Nolan Rapoza (USA) vs. Dakoda Walters (AUS) vs. Luke Slijpen (RSA) vs. Luel Felipe (BRA)
HEAT 13: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Eli Hanneman (HAW) vs. Lucas Silveira (BRA) vs. Luke Thompson (RSA)
HEAT 14: Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) vs. Dimitri Poulos (USA) vs. Shion Crawford (HAW) vs. Taro Watanabe (USA)
HEAT 15: Gatien Delahaye (FRA) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Jett Schilling (USA) vs. Heitor Mueller (BRA)
HEAT 16: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Morgan Cibilic (AUS) vs. Charly Quivront (FRA) vs. Kolohe Andino (USA)

About IMG
IMG is a global sports, events and representation company. It is a leader in rights management, multi-channel content production and distribution, consultancy and fan engagement; owns, produces and commercially represents hundreds of live events and experiences; and manages licensing programs for the world’s best-known brands and trademarks. IMG is a subsidiary of Endeavor, a global sports and entertainment company.

About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfing. The WSL oversees surfing’s global competitive landscape and sets the standard for elite performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports. With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the protection of the ocean, equality, and the sport’s rich heritage, while championing progression and innovation.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

• Challenger Series Contenders Take Over Lexus US Open of Surfing presented by Pacifico
• Zoe Benedetto Saves the Best for Last in Dominant Debut
• Sierra Kerr Returns to Southern California in Winning Form
• Owen Moss Finds Early Success Near Home, Prepares for Top Seeds
• Brazil’s Upcoming Talent Cauã Costa Provides Opening Upset

A tough day of conditions were no trouble for Florida’s own Zoe Benedetto (USA), who posted the day’s best performance with a 15.33 (out of a possible 20) heat total in the final heat of the day – the women’s Round of 48, Heat 8. The reigning North America Qualifying Series (QS) Regional victor, Benedetto, looked right at home against recent Tahiti competitors Taina Hinckel (BRA) and Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (CAN) alongside Rosie Smart (AUS). Now, Benedetto looks for more to ignite her push toward CT qualification.

“I was really nervous the whole time, and I think my first heat is always the hardest heat for me just paddling out all jittery,” said Benedetto. “The East Coast this time of year is great practice for this, and I know in the afternoon it’s either going to be windy or a bit smaller. It feels good and I haven’t really gotten going yet, it’s been a slow start to my year. I started off good in January [at the World Junior Championships], but the Challenger has just been slow so far.”

Reigning WSL World Junior Champion Sierra Kerr (AUS) is back in her part-time home of Southern California, and lit up the tough conditions on her dynamic forehand. Kerr’s signature progressive style led her to garner an impressive 7.50 (out of a possible 10) and an early heat win. The rising star’s win eliminated former CT competitor Paige Hareb (NZL), and Peru’s emerging talent Daniela Rosas (PER). Heat runner-up Anon Matsuoka (JPN) also advances on.

“When I was sitting out there it felt a lot worse than what I thought it was going to be unfortunately,” said Kerr. “I ended up on a set for that 7.50 and didn’t feel like I surfed it that great, but it was a bigger wave so that helps. I’m so excited [to be a wildcard for Fiji]. We just got back from a fun few days there and it’s going to be good fun, hopefully it’s pumping. It’ll be fun watching dad caddy, and I’m in the jersey.”

One of North America’s rising talents, Owen Moss (USA), elevated the scale early with his 14.20 debut on his powerful forehand attack. Earlier this year, Moss’s impressive run in the North America Pro Junior earned him a place into the World Junior Championships. Now, North Carolina’s own, Moss, looks to show he’s a rising force among the world’s top contenders.

“[My experience at home] definitely helped me out and here you can see the waves coming from a little bit farther out than the East Coast,” said Moss. “In North Carolina they can kind of just pop up so here it’s easier to recognize those peaks coming in. It’s as simple as focusing on one wave at a time, one heat at a time. It’s kind of what everyone says but it’s true.”

Upsets disrupted the opening rounds with Cauã Costa (BRA) and wildcard John Mel (USA) taking out current No. 6 Jordy Lawler (AUS) and former CTer Carlos Munoz (CRC) in Heat 4. Costa’s form was intact from the start, posting a 7.00 early on and putting pressure on his opponents before finding a backup score, and holding firm until the end of the heat with Santa Cruz native, Mel, advancing as heat runner-up.

“I’m very happy to make my heat, and to prepare for this event I just surfed every day to get used to conditions,” said Costa. “I’m feeling good to be here. I just waited for the best wave, and I waited about 20 minutes for that 7.00. Before that wave I was just praying for an opportunity and thank God it came.”

Additionally, Costa’s fellow Brazilian Heitor Mueller (BRA) bested an in-form Kolohe Andino (USA), who also advanced, to join 2023 WSL World Junior Champion Jarvis Earle (AUS), into the Round of 64 alongside Kyuss King (AUS), Dylan Moffat (AUS), Daniel Emslie (RSA), and Luke Thompson (RSA).

Event organizers will reconvene at 7:00 a.m. PDT to determine a possible 7:35 a.m. PDT start to competition.

Lexus US Open of Surfing Women’s Round of 48 Results:
HEAT 1: Kirra Pinkerton (USA) 9.96 DEF. Philippa Anderson (AUS) 9.63, Ella McCaffray (USA) 8.57, Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) 6.47
HEAT 2: Sierra Kerr (AUS) 10.83 DEF. Anon Matsuoka (JPN) 10.27, Daniella Rosas (PER) 10.17, Paige Hareb (NZL) 9.77
HEAT 3: Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) 13.00 DEF. Francisca Veselko (POR) 10.34, Ariane Ochoa (EUK) 9.74, Mafalda Lopes (POR) 9.40
HEAT 4: Sara Wakita (JPN) 13.07 DEF. Sarah Baum (RSA) 13.00, Sol Aguirre (PER) 8.84, Zoe McDougall (HAW) 8.17
HEAT 5: Teresa Bonvalot (POR) 10.97 DEF. Laura Raupp (BRA) 10.26, Sara Freyre (USA) 9.76, Minami Nonaka (JPN) 8.43
HEAT 6: Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) 11.50 DEF. Nora Liotta (HAW) 10.67, Leilani McGonagle (CRC) 9.83, Talia Swindal (USA) 8.50
HEAT 7: Louise Lepront (RSA) 11.56 DEF. Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) 10.80, Eweleiula Wong (HAW) 10.30, Jessie Van Niekerk (RSA) 8.34
HEAT 8: Zoe Benedetto (USA) 15.33 DEF. Rosie Smart (AUS) 12.00, Taina Hinckel (BRA) 11.73, Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (CAN) 7.70

Lexus US Open of Surfing Men’s Round of 80 Results:
HEAT 1: Jarvis Earle (AUS) 13.00 DEF. Michael Dunphy (USA) 12.83, Jackson Baker (AUS) 9.90, Kai Paula (HAW) 4.57
HEAT 2: Owen Moss (USA) 14.20 DEF. Riaru Ito (JPN) 10.27, Tully Wylie (AUS) 10.00, Guilherme Ribeiro (POR) 9.23
HEAT 3: Kyuss King (AUS) 10.60 DEF. Kai Martin (HAW) 10.33, Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) 8.93, Frederico Morais (POR) 8.63
HEAT 4: Cauã Costa (BRA) 12.87 DEF. John Mel (USA) 12.66, Carlos Munoz (CRC) 10.77, Jordan Lawler (AUS) 10.47
HEAT 5: Dylan Moffat (AUS) 13.76 DEF. Kian Martin (SWE) 10.93, Robert Grilho (HAW) 8.90, Eithan Osborne (USA) 5.33
HEAT 6: Daniel Emslie (RSA) 12.54 DEF. Luel Felipe (BRA) 11.73, Mihimana Braye (PYF) 10.93, Joh Azuchi (JPN) 10.57
HEAT 7: Luke Thompson (RSA) 12.30 DEF. Taro Watanabe (USA) 12.24, Rinta Oooto (JPN) 9.37, Paul Sampson (RSA) 9.13
HEAT 8: Heitor Mueller (BRA) 13.46 DEF. Kolohe Andino (USA) 13.00, Tide-Lee Ireland (RSA) 10.90, Ryan Huckabee (USA) 9.17

Lexus US Open of Surfing Women’s Round of 32 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Ellie Harrison (AUS) vs. Kirra Pinkerton (USA) vs. Anon Matsuoka (JPN)
HEAT 2: Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) vs. Luana Silva (BRA) vs. Sierra Kerr (AUS) vs. Philippa Anderson (AUS)
HEAT 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Tessa Thyssen (FRA) vs. Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Sarah Baum (RSA)
HEAT 4: Erin Brooks (CAN) vs. Sophia Medina (BRA) vs. Sara Wakita (JPN) vs. Francisca Veselko (POR)
HEAT 5: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Yolanda Hopkins (POR) vs. Teresa Bonvalot (POR) vs. Nora Liotta (HAW)
HEAT 6: Vahine Fierro (FRA) vs. Bronte Macaulay (AUS) vs. Keala Tomoda-Bannert (HAW) vs. Laura Raupp (BRA)
HEAT 7: Bella Kenworthy (USA) vs. Alyssa Spencer (USA) vs. Louise Lepront (RSA) vs. Rosie Smart (AUS)
HEAT 8: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Macy Callaghan (AUS) vs. Zoe Benedetto (USA) vs. Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN)

Lexus US Open of Surfing Men’s Round of 64 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Ian Gouveia (BRA) vs. Keijiro Nishi (JPN) vs. Nat Young (USA) vs. Jarvis Earle (AUS)
HEAT 2: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Josh Burke (BRB) vs. Jadson Andre (BRA) vs. Michael Dunphy (USA)
HEAT 3: Edgard Groggia (BRA) vs. Levi Slawson (USA) vs. Rafael Teixeira (BRA) vs. Owen Moss (USA)
HEAT 4: Samuel Pupo (BRA) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA) vs. Maxime Huscenot (FRA) vs. Riaru Ito (JPN)
HEAT 5: Mikey McDonagh (AUS) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS) vs. Oscar Berry (AUS) vs. Kyuss King (AUS)
HEAT 6: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) vs. Justin Becret (FRA) vs. Mateus Herdy (BRA) vs. Kai Martin (HAW)
HEAT 7: Jacob Willcox (AUS) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA) vs. Alan Cleland (MEX) vs. Cauã Costa (BRA)
HEAT 8: Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Ian Gentil (HAW) vs. Reef Heazlewood (AUS) vs. John Mel (USA)
HEAT 9: Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Kade Matson (USA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA) vs. Dylan Moffat (AUS)
HEAT 10: Alister Reginato (AUS) vs. Winter Vincent (AUS) vs. Lucca Mesinas (PER) vs. Kian Martin (SWE)
HEAT 11: George Pittar (AUS) vs. Caio Ibelli (BRA) vs. Kai Odriozola (ESP) vs. Daniel Emslie (RSA)
HEAT 12: Nolan Rapoza (USA) vs. Dakoda Walters (AUS) vs. Luke Slijpen (RSA) vs. Luel Felipe (BRA)
HEAT 13: Alejo Muniz (BRA) vs. Eli Hanneman (HAW) vs. Lucas Silveira (BRA) vs. Luke Thompson (RSA)
HEAT 14: Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) vs. Dimitri Poulos (USA) vs. Shion Crawford (HAW) vs. Taro Watanabe (USA)
HEAT 15: Gatien Delahaye (FRA) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Jett Schilling (USA) vs. Heitor Mueller (BRA)
HEAT 16: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Morgan Cibilic (AUS) vs. Charly Quivront (FRA) vs. Kolohe Andino (USA)

• Day 5 Called ON at 2024 Lexus US Open of Surfing presented by Pacifico
• Men’s Round of 80 Started at 7:35 a.m. PDT (435am HI time)
• Women’s Round of 48 Will Immediately Follow
• Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Former CT elite Kolohe Andino (USA), Frederico Morais (PRT), and Carlos Munoz (CRC) join 2024 Challenger Series standouts Jordy Lawler (AUS), Mihimana Braye (PYF), Shion Crawford (HAW), and wildcard threat Eithan Osborne (USA) alongside many more ready for their debuts.

Former WSL World Junior Champion Kirra Pinkerton (USA) kicks off women’s competition alongside fellow Southern Californian Ella McCaffray (USA), Australian veteran Philippa Anderson (USA), and recent Olympic competitor Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) in Round of 48, Heat 1.

Straight off their chase for Olympic glory, Teresa Bonvalot (PRT), Taina Hinckel (BRA), Sarah Baum (RSA), Sol Aguirre (PER), and Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (CAN) rejoin Challenger Series threats including Leilani McGonagle (CRC), Zoe Benedetto (USA), Ariane Ochoa (EUK), Eweleiula Wong (HAW), former CT competitor Paige Hareb (NZL) and more.