Caity Simmers and Italo Ferreira Win Inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi Pro

    • Simmers Back to World No. 1 with Victory in Abu Dhabi
    • Runner-up Finish for Australia’s Picklum After Defeating Fierro and Brooks
    • Ferreira Claims 10th CT Win, Boosts to No. 1 Ahead of Portugal
    • Waida Returns to Podium, Inches Towards Top 5
    • More Available at WorldSurfLeague.com
    Pictured: World Champions Caity Simmers (USA) and Italo Ferreira (BRA) claim the inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi Pro event wins. Credit: © WSL / Thiago Diz
    HUDAYRIYAT ISLAND, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Sunday, February 16, 2025) —  Today, Caitlin Simmers (USA) and Italo Ferreira (BRA) won the inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, Stop No. 2 on the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). The reigning World Champion, Simmers, defeated Molly Picklum (AUS), while 2019 World Champion Ferreira claimed victory over Rio Waida (INA). With their wins, Simmers and Ferreira both leave the UAE placed No. 1 in the world.

    Enabled by the machinations of the Kelly Slater Wave Company (KWSC) technology, clean three-foot lines of swell reeled through the Surf Abu Dhabi arena. Though small elements of wind came into effect at different points of the day, the mostly neutral canvas provided near equal opportunity for the remaining eight men and eight women to push through the pressure in hopes of claiming the historic wins.

    Simmers Back to World No. 1 with Victory in Abu Dhabi

    Still only at the start of her third season on Tour, Caity Simmers (USA) appeared in her ninth Final and earned her seventh CT victory. Barely a week ago, the defending World Champion placed runner-up at Stop No. 1 of the 2025 CT season, the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI, and already sits with a strong lead in the rankings.

    The style and commitment of the 19-year-old’s surfing within the pressured environment of the pool was a sight to behold, reaching a pinnacle in her Semifinal match against Gabriela Bryan (HAW). The contrasting styles of the raw aggression of Bryan and the smooth flow of Simmers pushed the boundaries of performance in the Surf Abu Dhabi basin in completely different ways. Simmers earned the highest single-wave score of the event, a 9.57, after opening the wave with a winding roundhouse cutback that set a completely unique line. But the Final against Molly Picklum (AUS) was where the most tense drama played out.

    “I feel like when me and Molly are out there we just laugh at each other. It’s pretty fun,” Simmers said. “The most pressure you’re going to feel is when you’re in a wave pool waiting for your wave, and you know exactly what you need, and you know you’re going to get the opportunity to get it, but you don’t know if you’re actually going to like, it’s pretty much you got to just use skill. It’s not luck, like it usually is where you’re like, ‘Well the ocean could send me this wave.’ It’s like the pool is going to send you this wave and you gotta get the score. And so I think that’s what makes it very special for me.”

    In a repeat of their most recent match-up in the Semifinals of the opening event of the season, Simmers and Picklum raised the performance levels. The Australian had a decent opening but left plenty of opportunity after going incomplete on her second wave. As with the rest of her match-ups on Finals Day, Simmers started exceptionally strong and set a high bar. Picklum improved on both of her second waves putting the requirement back on Simmers to do the same. Going for broke, the Californian ripped through a phenomenal right but fell early, leaving it to the very last wave. A completed backhand blitz from Simmers left the two standing in the shallows, waiting for the score that ultimately landed in Simmers’ favor.

    “All I can think of is really just how thankful I am, honestly,” Simmers said. “I’m thankful for surfing, for just being able to ride waves. It’s like the funnest thing ever, I really enjoy it. And I’m thankful for Molly because she makes me surf my best, and I feel like we both do that to each other, so that’s always fun. And yeah, I’m thankful for my friends and my family and all the love I got around me.”

    Runner-up Finish for Australia’s Picklum After Defeating Fierro and Brooks

    Picklum moved through the event with a renewed sense of joy that saw her perform rock solid in every heat, taking strong wins over rookie challengers Erin Brooks (CAN) and Vahine Fierro (FRA) in the Quarterfinals and Semifinals, respectively. Having won Stop No. 2 for the past two seasons, the 22-year-old is familiar with having a strong start to her campaign and will head to Portugal as World No. 2.

    “Watching everyone rip this way fully to pieces was really special,” Picklum said. “It’s so different to anything I’ve ever seen in my life. I was so happy to have my boyfriend here and just share that moment and really enjoy the food, the karaoke, the people, the vibes.”

    Ferreira Claims 10th CT Win, Boosts to No. 1 Ahead of Portugal 

    Since turning around his 2024 season with a victory at the Tahiti Pro, Italo Ferreira (BRA) has remained a force to be reckoned with. After being in danger of the Mid-season Cut, the 30-year-old placed runner-up to the World Title for the second time by season’s end and is carrying that energy straight into 2025. A Semifinal finish at Pipeline and the victory today see the 2019 World Champion reunited with the Yellow Leaders Jersey after a long absence. Having placed runner-up in the 2023 Surf Ranch Pro, today’s victory in the same KSWC technology felt like a big personal victory for the Brazilian.

    “Wow, I was super excited,” Ferreira said. “I woke up today and I was like watching, moving, like, preparing my mind for those runs. In a wave pool it’s always super exciting when I have a wave or have a chance to perform. You’re always going harder and bigger and that’s what I did, you know. I was so glad to have those moments and have all my team behind.”

    Ferreira’s 10th CT win seemed inevitable throughout Finals Day. In a repeat of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games Gold Medal Match, Ferreira, the Gold Medalist, took a dominant Quarterfinal win over Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), the Silver Medalist. Jack Robinson (AUS) brought a stronger challenge in the Semifinals, but Ferreira seemed unflappable, powering through every run with higher and higher scores, building to a 17.37. His speed and attack through the lip earned high numbers on nearly every wave, and it only took his first two waves of four to leave Rio Waida (INA) in an impossible situation in the Final.

    Waida Returns to Podium, Inches Towards Top 5

    Proclaiming from early in the event that he would appear in the Final, an extremely confident Waida never felt like that statement would be challenged, even when coming up against event standouts, Jackson Bunch (HAW) and Ethan Ewing (AUS). After appearing in his first Final in the last regular-season event of 2024, where he also defeated Ewing in the Semifinals, the 25-year-old Indonesian has now made two Finals out of his three most recent events and is hungrier than ever to claim the first CT victory for his nation. Waida’s result sees him sitting at World No. 6, as he continues to increase his standing on the CT.

    “I feel like happy and sad, you know,” Waida said. “Of course I was stoked that I made the Final but at the same time I was like, ‘Damn it, I lost.’ I’m happy the fire is there. I wasn’t satisfied, so I feel like I will go back home and train harder for Portugal. I’m excited and I’m happy to be here. Abu Dhabi is so beautiful and everyone’s welcoming and stuff, so I’m just blessed.”

    Fierro and Robinson Shine at Surf Abu Dhabi, Fall Short in Semifinals

    Vahine Fierro (FRA) was the first woman to post an excellent score in the event, earning an 8.00 in the Quarterfinals to defeat Caroline Marks (USA). After two match-ups on the CT, the 2017 World Junior Champion, remains undefeated against Marks, the 2023 World Champion. Fierro’s stylish backhand bottom turn into the barrel provided a critical point of difference and allowed for extra depth and time behind the curtain. Combined with a sharp attack to the lip, Fierro, who is primarily known for her forehand barrel expertise in waves of consequence, was able to showcase her broad versatility and was rewarded accordingly.

    Over the course of the competition, Jack Robinson (AUS) continued to put past experiences at CT wave pool events in the rearview. The 27-year-old’s last-place finishes in his two Surf Ranch Pro appearances faded further after his Quarterfinal defeat of event standout Yago Dora (BRA). It was the sixth time Dora and Robinson had met head-to-head in the past two years, many of those critical heats for one or the other. The Australian furthered his lead in a rivalry heightened by the fact that Dora’s father, Leandro, is Robinson’s coach.

    For highlights from Finals Day at the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

    Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Women’s Final Results: 
    1 – Caitlin Simmers (USA) 16.10
    2 – Molly Picklum (AUS) 15.70Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Men’s Final Results: 
    1 – Italo Ferreira (BRA) 17.27
    2 – Rio Waida (INA) 14.50Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Women’s Semifinal Results: 
    HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) 13.77 DEF. Vahine Fierro (FRA) 10.53
    HEAT 2: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 15.14 DEF. Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 14.53Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Men’s Semifinal Results: 
    HEAT 1: Rio Waida (INA) 15.93 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 15.70
    HEAT 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 17.37 DEF. Jack Robinson (AUS) 15.03Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Women’s Quarterfinal Results: 
    HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) 14.50 DEF. Erin Brooks (CAN) 13.03
    HEAT 2: Vahine Fierro (FRA) 14.27 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 10.73
    HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 14.73 DEF. Bella Kenworthy (USA) 11.73
    HEAT 4: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 12.34 DEF. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 11.54

    Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
    HEAT 1: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 14.50 DEF. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 12.20
    HEAT 2: Rio Waida (INA) 14.90 DEF. Jackson Bunch (HAW) 11.67
    HEAT 3: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 16.80 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 13.30
    HEAT 4: Jack Robinson (AUS) 13.83 DEF. Yago Dora (BRA) 13.20

    Up Next: MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented by Corona Cero 
    The next stop on the 2025 WSL Championship Tour will be the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented by Corona Cero. The event will hold a competition window from March 15 – 15, 2025, and will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL AppCheck out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
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    • PRIOR UPDATES BELOW
    • Watch Finals Day LIVE at Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Sunday
    • Live Coverage from Surf Abu Dhabi Starts at 10 AM GMT+4 (14 hours ahead of Hawaiii)
    • Today’s Schedule: Women’s Quarterfinals at 10:22 AM, Men’s Quarterfinals at 12:22 PM, Women’s Semifinals at 3:03 PM, Men’s Semifinals at 4:03 PM, and Finals at 5:45 PM
    Pictured: Reigning World Champion Caitlin Simmers (USA) will take on Rookie Bella Kenworthy in the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Quarterfinals at 11:22 p.m. GMT+4. Credit: © WSL / Thiago Diz
    HUDAYRIYAT ISLAND, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Sunday, February 16, 2025) —  Finals Day at the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, Stop No. 2 on the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), is ON. Today will determine the winners of the inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi Pro. Competition will begin at 10:00 a.m. GMT+4, with the women’s Quarterfinal followed by the men’s Quarterfinal.
    Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Competition Schedule (All GMT+4) and Heat Draws

    Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
    10:22 AM | HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)
    10:52 AM | HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA)
    11:22 AM | HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA)
    11:52 AM | HEAT 4: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Gabriela Bryan (HAW)

    Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
    12:22 PM | HEAT 1: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)
    12:52 PM | HEAT 2: Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Rio Waida (INA)
    2:03 PM | HEAT 3: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN)
    2:33 PM | HEAT 4: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Yago Dora (BRA)

    Women’s and Men’s Semifinal Matchups
    3:03 PM – 5:00 PM

    Women’s and Men’s Final Matchups
    5:45 PM – 6:41 PM

    The women’s Quarterfinals will feature the next generation of surfing, including the most recent World Champions and all three 2025 CT Rookies. Erin Brooks (CAN) and Molly Picklum (AUS) will kick off Finals Day. In an event filled with firsts for Brooks, she will have to face Pipeline Semifinalist Picklum. Brooks won her first heat of the season in the Qualifying Round and will compete in her first Finals Day as a full-time CT surfer.

    2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) will battle Vahine Fierro (FRA), the 2024 Tahiti Pro winner and a 2025 CT Rookie, for a Semifinal spot in Quarterfinal 2. Reigning World Champion Caitlin Simmers (USA) has her eyes set on another Semifinal berth but first has to take on 18-year-old Rookie Bella Kenworthy (USA).

    Former Rookies of the Year Sawyer Lindblad (USA) and Gabriela Bryan (HAW) will round out the women’s Quarterfinals. Lindblad survived at the top of the night session alongside Vahine Fierro (FRA), while Bryan secured her Quarterfinal position with one of the highest scores in the Qualifying Round.

    Following the completion of the women’s Quarterfinal, the men’s Quarterfinal will start off with Ethan Ewing (AUS) and Miguel Pupo (BRA). Ewing and Pupo both have had strong performances throughout the competition and hope to carry the momentum through Finals Day.

    The sole Rookie left in the Quarterfinals, Jackson Bunch (HAW), will take on Rio Waida (INA). Bunch had the highest single wave score of the men’s Round of 16 and will serve as a serious threat to Waida’s hopes to move onto the Semifinals.

    2019 World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) will face Kanoa Igarashi (JPN). Igarashi took out Ferreira’s compatriot and two-time World Champion Filipe Toledo (BRA) in the Round of 16.

    Closing out the men’s Quarterfinal are Jack Robinson (AUS) and Yago Dora (BRA). Both Robinson and Dora have had dynamic and high performances throughout the competition, and look to bounce back from uncharacteristic early eliminations at the Lexus Pipe Pro last week.

    Watch the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

    Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups: 
    HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)
    HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA)
    HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA)
    HEAT 4: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Gabriela Bryan (HAW)Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
    HEAT 1: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)
    HEAT 2: Jackson Bunch (HAW) vs. Rio Waida (INA)
    HEAT 3: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN)
    HEAT 4: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Yago Dora (BRA)
    Watch LIVE
    The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro will run on February 14, 15, and 16, 2025. The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, and the free WSL AppCheck out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro is proudly supported by Corona Cero, Modon, Surf Abu Dhabi, YETI, Red Bull, Body Glove, Apple Watch, Surfline, True Surf, Flexfit, Vissla, and GWM.For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

    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.

  • PRIOR UPDATES
  • Day Two of Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Is ON with Women’s Qualifying Round, Men’s Round of 16, and Women’s Elimination Round
  • Competition Began at 7am Saturday GMT+4 with Women’s Qualifying Round
  • 14 hours ahead of Hawaii (5pm Friday)
  • Men’s Round of 16 Will Follow at 1:00 PM and Women’s Elimination Round at 6:52 PM
  • Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com
Pictured: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) will kick off the women’s Qualifying Round of the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro against Lakey Peterson (USA) and Bella Kenworthy (USA). Credit: © WSL / Max Physick
HUDAYRIYAT ISLAND, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Saturday, February 15, 2025) —  The second day of the inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, Stop No. 2 on the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), continues with idyllic three-foot waves in Abu Dhabi. Live coverage will begin at 7:00 a.m. GMT+4 with the women’s Qualifying Round, followed by the men’s Round of 16 at 1:00 p.m. and the women’s Elimination Round at 6:52 p.m.
Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Competition Schedule (All GMT+4) and Heat Draws

Women’s Qualifying Round Matchups:
7:07 AM | HEAT 1: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA)
7:52 AM | HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Luana Silva (BRA)
8:37 AM | HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Macy Callaghan (AUS)
9:22 AM | HEAT 4: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA)
10:48 AM | HEAT 5: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) vs. Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
11:33 AM | HEAT 6: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)

Men’s Round of 16 Matchups:
1:00 PM | HEAT 1: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA)
1:30 PM | HEAT 2: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)
2:00 PM | HEAT 3: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW)
2:30 PM | HEAT 4: Rio Waida (INA) vs. Connor O’Leary (JPN)
3:00 PM | HEAT 5: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Mateus Herdy (BRA)
3:30 PM | HEAT 6: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN)
4:41 PM | HEAT 7: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Liam O’Brien (AUS)
5:11 PM | HEAT 8: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS)

Women’s Elimination Round Matchups
6:52 PM – 8:22 PM

To kick off the Qualifying Rounds for the women, Lexus Pipe Pro Semifinalists Brisa Hennessy (CRC) and Lakey Peterson (USA) will look to find similar success in the perfect waves designed by Kelly Slater Wave Company technology. First, they’ll have to face not only each other but also rookie Bella Kenworthy (USA).

Former World Champions hope to deliver performances in the Qualifying Round to avoid the Elimination Round, and secure a spot in the Quarterfinals tomorrow. 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) celebrated her birthday in Abu Dhabi this week, and the now 23-year-old will get her fourth chance to compete in wave basin technology on the CT. Marks will take on currently ranked World No. 6 Isabella Nichols (AUS), 2024 World Junior Champion Luana Silva (BRA) in Heat 2.

Reigning World Champion Caitlin Simmers (USA) started the 2025 season with a runner-up finish at Pipeline. In 2023 at the Surf Ranch Pro, Simmers found herself in the Quarterfinals. In Heat 3, Simmers is up against 19-year-old Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW), and event wildcard Macy Callaghan (AUS).

To round out the Qualifying Round, two-time World Champion and 2025 Lexus Pipe Pro winner, Tyler Wright (AUS), will have to face 2024 Rookie of the Year Sawyer Lindblad (USA), and rookie Erin Brooks (CAN) in Heat 6.

Following the completion of the women’s Qualifying Round, the men’s Round of 16 and women’s Elimination Round will run. Deivid Silva (BRA) was one of four surfers who escaped the Elimination Round yesterday, and will kick off the Round of 16 in Heat 1 against 2024 ranked World No. 5 Ethan Ewing (AUS).

With high-performance heat wins in the men’s Qualifying Rounds, Filipe Toledo (BRA) and Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) will face each other in Heat 6 of the Round of 16 to determine who will secure a Quarterfinal spot.

Rookies remaining in the hunt for a Finals Day in Abu Dhabi include, Jackson Bunch (HAW) who will face 2023 Surf Ranch Pro event winner Griffin Colapinto (USA). Bunch secured a heat win in the Qualifying Round against Lexus Pipe Pro back-to-back winner Barron Mamiya (HAW), and Miguel Pupo (BRA). In the Elimination Round, Pupo scored the highest single wave score to advance to the Round of 16.

Rookie Joel Vaughan (AUS) found himself in the Round of 16 after securing within the top four of last night’s Elimination Round. Vaughan will conclude the Round in his heat against Yago Dora (BRA), who has been looking exceptionally sharp in the practice days.

The women’s Qualifying Round will consist of six three-surfer heats. The heat winners will advance to the Quarterfinals. Second and third place will compete in tonight’s Elimination Round. Only two surfers from the Elimination Round will earn a spot in the Quarterfinals.

For the women’s Qualifying Round and men’s Round of 16, each surfer will have four attempts, two rights, and two lefts. The top left, and top right wave scores will make up the heat total and determine the heat winner.

In the women’s Elimination Round, each surfer will only have two attempts, one right and one left, with only their best single-wave score counting. These scores will be ranked in a leaderboard, and only the top two placing surfers will move on to tomorrow’s Finals Day.

Watch the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Women’s Qualifying Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA)
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Luana Silva (BRA)
HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Macy Callaghan (AUS)
HEAT 4: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA)
HEAT 5: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) vs. Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
HEAT 6: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Men’s Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA)
HEAT 2: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)
HEAT 3: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW)
HEAT 4: Rio Waida (INA) vs. Connor O’Leary (JPN)
HEAT 5: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Mateus Herdy (BRA)
HEAT 6: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN)
HEAT 7: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Liam O’Brien (AUS)
HEAT 8: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS)
Watch LIVE
The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro will run on February 14, 15, and 16, 2025. The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, and the free WSL AppCheck out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro is proudly supported by Corona Cero, Modon, Surf Abu Dhabi, YETI, Red Bull, Body Glove, Apple Watch, Surfline, True Surf, Flexfit, Vissla, and GWM.For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

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.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW…

DAY ONE: op Seeds and Clutch Comebacks Set the Bar on Opening Day of Surf Abu Dhabi Pro 

  • Rookie Jackson Bunch Punctures Dominance of Top Seeds
  • Past Success Leads to Early Advantage for Surf Ranch Standouts
  • Waida and Igarashi Grow Confident Under Pressure
  • Four Surfers Survive Night Session Eliminations
  • 14 hours ahead of Hawaii…
Pictured: 2025 CT Rookie Jackson Bunch (HAW) is through to tomorrow’s Round of 16 at the inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi Pro. Credit: © WSL / Manel Geada
HUDAYRIYAT ISLAND, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Friday, February 14, 2025) — A massive first day at Stop No. 2 of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, saw 384 waves ridden, 16 surfers advance to the next round, and 20 eliminations in three-foot waves at the Surf Abu Dhabi facility on Hudayriyat Island in Abu Dhabi. The inaugural competition ran the men’s Qualifying Round and the men’s Elimination Round. Throughout the morning, the prevailing north-westerly wind was among the strongest it has been during the operation of Surf Abu Dhabi. Its presence brought significant changes to the waves, challenging many of the competitors but providing points of difference for others.
Rookie Jackson Bunch Punctures Dominance of Top Seeds

Nearly all Qualifying Round heats were won by top-seeded surfers, most of whom have had multiple opportunities to compete in the environment of man-made waves on the CT. However, 2025 Rookie Jackson Bunch (HAW) was able to pierce that dominance and claim his first heat win as a member of the Tour over current World No. 1 Barron Mamiya (HAW) and CT veteran Miguel Pupo (BRA). Mamiya landed the first air of the day, an alley-oop, but the back-to-back Lexus Pipe Pro winner was topped on the very next wave by the same maneuver from Bunch. A lofty, clean execution from Bunch on his fourth and final run sent the 21-year-old from Maui into his first Round of 16 at the CT level.

“I’ve been going left this whole time and kind of doing somewhat of an exact run I just did,” Bunch said. “I had the confidence that I was putting in the work already. And yeah, I mean obviously the wave came together but it’s just getting that timing right and hitting the section at the right time.”

Past Success Leads to Early Advantage for Surf Ranch Standouts

Experience paid off for 2023 Surf Ranch Pro winner Griffin Colapinto (USA), who posted the highest heat total of the Qualifying Round. Colapinto’s fluid point-break surfing, which has also led him to victory in El Salvador, was again on full display as he brought finesse, along with a healthy dose of variety, to pick up solid scores in both directions. The 26-year-old’s 14.57 two-wave heat total included a 7.40 from his first right and 7.17 from his last left.

“I feel like it just gives us all equal opportunity and you got to perform on the right and the left,” Colapinto said. “Ever since I was little, I always put a lot of emphasis on being as well-rounded as possible. So being able to get scored on every aspect of your surfing, that’s why I love it so much, and yeah, I think it helps me. You don’t really want to show your very best stuff at the start, you know, hopefully save it for the Final. That was kind of my strategy.”

Colapinto sent Imaikalani deVault (HAW) and Kauli Vaast (FRA), the wildcard and Paris 2024 Olympic Gold Medalist, into the Night Session right before Tokyo 2020 Olympic Gold Medalist and 2023 Surf Ranch Pro runner-up Italo Ferreira (BRA) did the same to Rookie Joel Vaughan (AUS) and wildcard Bronson Meydi (INA). Meydi, the 2024 World Junior Champion, brought a strong challenge to Ferreira, the 2019 World Champion, after posting a 7.17 on the right for his first wave ever surfed on the CT. Meydi and Ferreira both struggled to finish waves on their backhands, but a 7.40 earned by the Brazilian held as the highest number of the round from the left, and carried him through to the Round of 16.

Two more top-seeded Brazilians with strong past results in the KSWC technology, Yago Dora (BRA) and Filipe Toledo (BRA), were able to advance directly into the Round of 16. A 7.00 for Dora’s opening left gave him the advantage in an extremely tight heat. Just 0.26 separated the two-wave totals of all three surfers, Dora, Samuel Pupo (BRA), and Cole Houshmand (USA).

Toledo opened with the highest single wave score of the day, a 7.83. The speed and variety of the two-time World Champion’s maneuvers set him apart from the rest of the field regardless of the fact that he chose to stick to the face of the wave instead of utilizing his strong aerial arsenal.

Waida and Igarashi Grow Confident Under Pressure

Two-time Olympian Rio Waida (INA) closed out his second season on Tour in 2024 by making his first CT Final and finishing within the top 10 at World No. 9. As the 25-year-old’s confidence grows, so do his results. That confidence led to success today, as Waida’s searing rail and proficiency maintaining its speed on both his forehand and backhand earned him some of the day’s best scores.

“I love moments like this,” Waida said. “Everybody’s got the same opportunity and it’s almost equal. In the ocean, it’s hard because I need experience in the ocean and the guys been on the Tour for 10 years, they have a lot more experience, so they almost, they can beat by experience. But this format, I feel like I can just focus on myself and do my best. I love it, I’m enjoying it, and the strategy, just surf, you know, just focus on myself and do what I do.”

Waida cruised to victory over Ryan Callinan (AUS) and Alejo Muniz (BRA) in the Qualifying Round. Japan’s Connor O’Leary (JPN) and Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) had a tougher route than the Indonesian, but both were also able to avoid the Night Session.

Trailing behind current World No. 2 Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA), who convincingly led throughout the match-up that also included Alan Cleland Jr (MEX), Igarashi needed at least a 6.81 from his final wave. The Olympic Silver Medalist rose to the occasion, drilling down the line to post the highest number of the heat, a 7.57, and leave Fioravanti needing a 6.95 from his last wave. The Italian’s score came close, but Igarashi claimed the win by just 0.21.

“It was pretty nerve-wracking,” Igarashi said. “I was looking at Leo [Fioravanti] and we were looking at each other and we we both knew that it was a really important score. It was just one of those things where it was so tight it could have gone either way. It was so tricky, honestly. I knew what I wanted to do and I had my line but it went completely out the window after my second turn, so I just started kind of freestyling it. Sometimes that goes your way and sometimes it can go completely wrong, so it’s a hard one.”

Australians Robinson, Ewing, and O’Brien Through to Tomorrow’s Round of 16 

Australian Tour frontrunners Jack Robinson (AUS) and Ethan Ewing (AUS) advanced directly into the Round of 16 after claiming wins in consecutive heats. Locking straight into the beautiful rail work that saw him place in the Semifinals at the 2023 Surf Ranch Pro, Ewing opened with a 7.50, one of the highest scores of the morning. Backing it up with a 6.23 on his first left, Ewing’s 13.73 heat total sent Matthew McGillivray (RSA) and wildcard Mateus Herdy (BRA) into the Night Session.

“I guess it just takes the pressure off of like, in the ocean you’re wondering about positioning and if you’re gonna get a lot of opportunities,” Ewing said. “It’s a good thing about this event, you just know you’re gonna get the wave, but the pressure is definitely there to perform.”

The elation and devastation of losing early at Stop No. 1 despite posting his first-ever Perfect 10-point ride on the CT was washed away for Robinson after the Olympic Silver Medalist started strong at Surf Abu Dhabi. The 2024 World No. 4 earned two advancing scores from his first two waves, both well-executed with no errors, to move directly into the Round of 16. The single heat win today is already a massive improvement on the 27-year-old’s two previous appearances in KSWC technology, where he placed dead last both times.

“I’ve had a fair bit of practice, I feel like, in the pool,” Robinson said. “I’ve come over a couple of times. So it’s good just getting the confidence, and feel good here. Just good to get it done, you know, get a couple keepers, and move through. Because you don’t know, the conditions can change here with the wind. They say it’s a wave pool and it’s the same, but it’s not always the same. It’s a bit windy sometimes.”

Liam O’Brien (AUS) joined the Australian contingent in the last heat of the day, overtaking Joao Chianca (BRA) and Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) in Heat 12. O’Brien’s final two scores, a 7.00 on the right and a 5.70 on the left to beat out his competition and avoid the night session eliminations.

Four Surfers Survive Night Session Eliminations

Miguel Pupo (BRA), rookie Joel Vaughan (AUS), Deivid Silva (BRA), and event wildcard Mateus Herdy (BRA) also advanced to the men’s Round of 16 after the night’s dreaded Elimination Round dispatched 20 competitors from the draw. The round allowed the 24 men to surf one right and one left, and only counting one single wave score counted in the round’s leaderboard.

The leader of the Elimination Round with a single wave score of 7.77 was Miguel Pupo (BRA). After falling to CT Rookie Jackson Bunch (HAW) in the Qualifying Round, Pupo found himself facing elimination with one final wave to deliver a high enough single score to remain on the leaderboard. Pupo left it all on the line with a grab rail air-reverse, and it earned him the best score of the night session. He’ll move onto the Round of 16 where he’ll face Jordy Smith (RSA).

For highlights from today’s Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Men’s Qualifying Round Results:
HEAT 1: Connor O’Leary (JPN) 10.87 DEF. Jake Marshall (USA) 9.83, Edgard Groggia (BRA) 4.96
HEAT 2: Jackson Bunch (HAW) 13.10 DEF. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 11.30, Barron Mamiya (HAW) 11.06
HEAT 3: Jack Robinson (AUS) 12.96 DEF. George Pittar (AUS) 10.73, Ian Gentil (HAW) 8.17
HEAT 4: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 13.73 DEF. Mateus Herdy (BRA) 12.17, Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 11.10
HEAT 5: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 14.57 DEF. Imaikalani deVault (HAW) 10.27, Kauli Vaast (FRA) 9.03
HEAT 6: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 12.90 DEF. Bronson Meydi (INA) 11.30, Joel Vaughan (AUS) 10.50
HEAT 7: Yago Dora (BRA) 12.20 DEF. Samuel Pupo (BRA) 12.00, Cole Houshmand (USA) 11.94
HEAT 8: Jordy Smith (RSA) 11.77 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 8.97, Deivid Silva (BRA) 8.57
HEAT 9: Rio Waida (INA) 14.34 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 10.63, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.94
HEAT 10: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.50 DEF. Ian Gouveia (BRA) 10.03, Marco Mignot (FRA) 8.77
HEAT 11: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 13.87 DEF. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 13.66, Alan Cleland (MEX) 6.20
HEAT 12: Liam O’Brien (AUS) 12.70 DEF. Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) 11.87, Joao Chianca (BRA) 10.83Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Men’s Elimination Round Results:
1 – Miguel Pupo (BRA) 7.77
2 – Joel Vaughan (AUS) 7.60
3 – Deivid Silva (BRA) 7.40
4 – Mateus Herdy (BRA) 7.37
—————-
5 – Samuel Pupo (BRA) 7.07
6 – Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 6.87
7- George Pittar (AUS) 6.80
8 – Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 6.50
9 – Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) 6.37
10 – Jake Marshall (USA) 6.33
11 – Ryan Callinan (AUS) 6.17
12 – Kauli Vaast (FRA) 5.77
13 – Cole Houshmand (USA) 5.57
14 – Ian Gentil (HAW) 5.40
15 – Ian Gouveia (BRA) 5.33
16 – Alejo Muniz (BRA) 5.23
17 – Joao Chianca (BRA) 5.03
18 – Edgard Groggia (BRA) 5.00
19 – Barron Mamiya (HAW) 4.93
20 – Bronson Meydi (INA) 4.87
21 – Alan Cleland (MEX) 4.83
22 – Seth Moniz (HAW) 4.70
23 – Imaikalani deVault (HAW) 4.60
24 – Marco Mignot (FRA) 4.43Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Men’s Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA)
HEAT 2: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)
HEAT 3: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW)
HEAT 4: Rio Waida (INA) vs. Connor O’Leary (JPN)
HEAT 5: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Mateus Herdy (BRA)
HEAT 6: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN)
HEAT 7: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Liam O’Brien (AUS)Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Women’s Qualifying Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA)
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Luana Silva (BRA)
HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Macy Callaghan (AUS)
HEAT 4: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA)
HEAT 5: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) vs. Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
HEAT 6: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)
Watch LIVE
The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro will run on February 14, 15, and 16, 2025. The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, and the free WSL AppCheck out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro is proudly supported by Corona Cero, Modon, Surf Abu Dhabi, YETI, Red Bull, Body Glove, Apple Watch, Surfline, True Surf, Flexfit, Vissla, and GWM.For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

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.

14 hours ahead of Hawaii…

Men’s Qualifying and Elimination Rounds Are Finished at Surf Abu Dhabi Pro

  • Competition Began at 7:00 a.m. Friday GMT+4
  • Watch the Men’s Qualifying Round and Elimination Round Today
  • Women’s Qualifying Round, Men’s Round of 16, and Women’s Elimination Round Scheduled for Tomorrow
  • Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com
Pictured: The inaugural Surf Abu Dhabi Pro will kick off today with the men’s Qualifying Round and Elimination Round to follow. In Heat 12, Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) will face Joao Chianca (BRA) and Liam O’Brien (AUS). Credit: © WSL / Manel Geada
HUDAYRIYAT ISLAND, Abu Dhabi, UAE (Friday, February 14, 2025) —  The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, Stop No. 2 on the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), is ON. Starting today through February 16, the world’s best surfers will make history by competing in the first CT event to take place in the Middle East. The competition will kick off at 7:00 a.m. GMT+4, with the men’s Qualifying Round and men’s Elimination Round to follow. The competition’s unique format and advanced wave technology will come to life to test the best and see who will claim victory at the first Surf Abu Dhabi Pro.
Following stellar performances at Pipeline, the world’s best will look to continue their successes in Abu Dhabi. The first heat of the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro will see 2025 CT Rookie Edgard Groggia (BRA) take on Lexus Pipe Pro Quarterfinalist Jake Marshall (USA) and CT veteran Connor O’Leary (JPN). In 2018, 2021, and 2023, O’Leary competed in the Surf Ranch Pro CT events and will look to use the experience in Abu Dhabi

The event wildcards will pose a threat, including Olympic Gold Medalist Kauli Vaast (FRA) and reigning World Junior Champion Bronson Meydi (INA). Both will compete for the first time in Kelly Slater Wave Co technology. In heat 5, Vaast will face 2023 Surf Ranch Pro Winner Griffin Colapinto (USA) and Imaikalani deVault (HAW). This will be 20-year-old Meydi’s first CT event, and he will have to challenge 2024 ranked World No. 2 and 2019 World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) and CT Rookie Joel Vaughan (AUS) in Heat 6.

Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) will round out the Qualifying Round in Heat 12 against Joao Chianca (BRA) and Liam O’Brien (AUS). Boukhiam was one of the first surfers to experience Surf Abu Dhabi but has yet to compete in the technology. Both Chianca and O’Brien have previously competed at the Surf Ranch, and Chianca made it to the Quarterfinals in 2023.

Watch the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Format Explained

Day 1 of competition will see the men’s Qualifying Round and Elimination Round. Day 2 will feature the women’s Qualifying Round, men’s Round of 16, and women’s Elimination Round. The winners of the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro will be determined on Day 3, Finals Day, with the Quarterfinals, Semifinals, and Finals.

The men’s Qualifying Round will consist of 12 three-surfer heats, determined by seeding. The heat winners will move on to the Round of 16. Those who placed second and third will compete in the Elimination Round. Only four surfers from the Elimination Round will advance through to the Round of 16, where they will be re-seeded based on their seed from the beginning of the event.

The women’s Qualifying Round will consist of six three-surfer heats, and the heat winners will move through to the Quarterfinals. Meanwhile, second and third place will have to compete in the Elimination Round, where only two surfers will earn a spot in the Quarterfinals.

In the men’s Qualifying Round each surfer will have four attempts, including two right waves and two left waves. The top left and top right wave scores make up the heat total and determine the winner. The format and scoring for the rounds following, including the women’s Qualifying round, men’s and women’s Elimination Round, and men’s Round of 16, will give each surfer two attempts, one right and one left, and the single highest wave score determines the score. For Finals Day, each surfer will get two lefts and two rights. The highest totals from the best-scoring right and left wave combined will advance. In the Final, the surfer with the highest total score will be crowned the 2025 Surf Abu Dhabi Pro winner.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Men’s Qualifying Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Connor O’Leary (JPN) vs. Edgard Groggia (BRA)
HEAT 2: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW)
HEAT 3: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. George Pittar (AUS) vs. Ian Gentil (HAW)
HEAT 4: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Matthew McGillivray (RSA) vs. Mateus Herdy (BRA)
HEAT 5: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Imaikalani deVault (HAW) vs. Kauli Vaast (FRA)
HEAT 6: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS) vs. Bronson Meydi (INA)
HEAT 7: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA)
HEAT 8: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA)
HEAT 9: Rio Waida (INA) vs. Ryan Callinan (AUS) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
HEAT 10: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Ian Gouveia (BRA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA)
HEAT 11: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Alan Cleland (MEX)
HEAT 12: Joao Chianca (BRA) vs. Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) vs. Liam O’Brien (AUS)Surf Abu Dhabi Pro Women’s Qualifying Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA)
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Luana Silva (BRA)
HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Macy Callaghan (AUS)
HEAT 4: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA)
HEAT 5: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) vs. Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
HEAT 6: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)
Watch LIVE
The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro will run on February 14, 15, and 16, 2025. The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, and the free WSL AppCheck out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

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