WSL STORY

Tyler Wright and Barron Mamiya Win Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI

• Wright Earns Second Victory at Pipeline, Reclaims Yellow Leader’s Jersey
• Back-to-Back Victories Place Mamiya Amongst Hawaiian Royalty
• Simmers and Picklum Deliver Backdoor Shootout for the Ages
• Unbelievable Comeback Further Secures Fioravanti’s Status as Serious Pipe Contender

Clean four-to-six-foot swell was groomed by light offshore winds, favoring the longer barrels of Backdoor’s right, but opening up the occasional Pipeline bomb. Though more subdued than the previous day’s swell, the multiple heavy-hitting matches that played out across Finals Day were no less thrilling.

Featuring in her third Final at the North Shore of O`ahu’s most notorious wave, two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) claimed her 17th CT victory today. The Australian will now enter Stop No. 2 of the 2025 CT season wearing the Yellow Leader’s Jersey, as World No. 1. Previously winning at Pipeline over five-time World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Carissa Moore (HAW) after the event moved from Honolua Bay at the start of the 2021 season, Wright narrowly lost to Moore in the 2023 Final. But today, Wright defeated the reigning World Champion to stand atop the podium once again.

“This is such a special win,” Wright said. “I’m always a little bit scared to love surfing because I’ve been injured so many times. It’s just one of those ones where this has been really nice. Last year, I was injured a lot more than I feel like people thought I was. So to come back and have, like, a really nice off season with my wife. It’s just, it’s so special.”

Representing distinct generations, 30-year-old Wright and 19-year-old Simmers had previously shared a Final in the 2023 Rio Pro, where Simmers took the win. The roles were reversed today, but Simmers started with an early advantage after Wright aggressively paddled for a wave and handed the younger competitor priority. Both surfers missed out on high scores after taking big falls, and it was Wright who found the first score of note after the halfway mark of the heat. That barrel at Backdoor turned out to be the defining moment of the Final and earned Wright the win.

“I think I really tried to bring in a lot more joy, and that’s what I really felt here.” Wright said. “It was so cool to have a Final with [Caitlin] Simmers out there. She’s like the queen of Pipeline to me. And absolutely awesome seeing them have like a little Backdoor shootout in the semi between Molly [Picklum] and Simmers as well.”

Throughout the day, Wright’s speedy forehand barrel technique proved to be unbeatable. The Australian previously overcame 2018 World Title runner-up Lakey Peterson (USA) in the Semifinals, the 16th head-to-head match-up for the two Tour veterans. In a rematch of the same round in 2023, Wright found a deep forehand barrel to earn an 8.67 (out of a possible 10) and the win. Wright also took a decisive Quarterfinal victory over 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA). Similarly to the Final against Simmers, Marks and Wright started the match fighting hard for the first wave, with Marks gaining the advantage but unable to emerge from the fast-running Backdoor wall. Wright then stalled into a nice Backdoor section to take control of the heat, which she didn’t let up.

Simmers hands the Yellow Leader’s Jersey to Wright after holding onto it for many months. Her run on Finals Day included a Quarterfinal against her close friend and fellow Californian, Sawyer Lindblad (USA), and a rematch of the 2024 Final against Molly Picklum (AUS) that will be a guaranteed contender for heat of the year.

The Semifinal between Simmers and Picklum immediately turned into a classic Backdoor shootout. Picklum won an aggressive fight for the opening ride, but Simmers picked off the very next wave and earned an 8.17. Picklum soon fired back with a driving barrel of her own to collect an 8.33 and the lead. Simmers, the reigning World Champion and defending event champion, responded by pumping and weaving through a long barrel before leaning into a huge grab-rail carve. The 9.50 awarded to Simmers boosted her two-wave heat total to 17.67 (out of a possible 20), both numbers the highest of the event for the women. Multiple impressive attempts from Picklum added to her scoreline, but Simmers held on to extend her unblemished record against the Australian.

“I think watching this wave from inside and out, whether you’re in the barrel or just watching it from the beach is one of the most beautiful things ever,” Simmers said. “I kind of just wish the Final was a barrel shootout, but sometimes she sleeps and the ocean definitely slept during our heat. But Tyler [Wright] is a very smart competitor and she just got the waves. Congrats to her.”

Barron Mamiya (HAW) joined Pipeline royalty when he became the sixth man to win the event back-to-back. Not since Andy Irons (HAW) did it for the second time in 2005 and 2006 has anyone been able to achieve the feat. Mamiya joins Irons and Rory Russell (HAW) as the only Hawaiians to do so. The 22-year-old has now claimed three CT wins, all earned at home on the North Shore.

“I really can’t believe it happened again, I’m super grateful.” Mamiya said. “Winning it, you know, cool, right on, you did it, it’s a big deal. But trying to do back-to-back, I feel like that cements you as one of the best ever out here. That was my goal going to this comp and I did it.”

After narrowly avoiding a buzzer-beater from Jake Marshall (USA) in the Quarterfinals, a driven Mamiya put on a clinic in the Semifinals to leave 2019 World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) needing a massive combination of scores to beat his near-perfect 18.90 heat total. Throughout every heat today, Mamiya’s two-wave totals were made up of one wave from Backdoor and one wave from Pipeline, and he put that playbook to use immediately in the Final against Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA).

Opening with an 8.17 at Pipe, Mamiya quickly earned two more scores at Backdoor, including a 9.80, all within the first six minutes of the 35 minute Final. Meanwhile, Fioravanti struggled to find a score until nearly 20 minutes into the match. But after he did, the Italian turned things around quickly. An 8.83 broke the huge combination he was under, before he found an exceptionally elongated Backdoor barrel to rival Mamiya’s high number. Needing a 9.11, Fioravanti received a 9.10, leaving the two locked on equal heat totals of 17.97. Mamiya’s higher score was the tie-breaker that sealed victory.

“Leo [Fioravanti], that was an insane Final,” Mamiya said. “For you to come back like that was crazy. But, you know, just yesterday and the heat with John [Florence]. Everything was just pretty crazy.”

Once again proving himself as a serious Pipeline contender, Fioravanti placed runner-up for the second time after competing on his third Finals Day in a row at the venue. The 27-year-old posted six excellent scores over the course of the event, overcoming challenges from two determined Australian Rookies, George Pittar (AUS) and Joel Vaughan (AUS), along with his fellow 2017 Rookie, Ian Gouveia (BRA). Fioravanti’s comeback to equal Mamiya’s huge heat total was nothing short of heroic and the Italian leaves the North Shore of Hawai’i, where he lives part-time, holding his head high.

“I’m proud of myself and I’m stoked to be here,” Fioravanti said. “Barron [Mamiya] had me in combo, but I just thought, you know what, two Backdoor waves can do it. And needing a 9.11 and getting a 9.10, it’s tough. It’s tough, but I am very proud of myself for coming back and giving myself that chance. Congratulations to Barron. He is one of the greatest Pipe surfers of all time. I truly believe that.”

A battle of maneuvers turned into a Backdoor barrel-fest for Brazilian goofyfooters Italo Ferreira (BRA) and Miguel Pupo (BRA) in the first men’s Quarterfinal, a steady tit-for-tat that ended in victory for Ferreira. A final exchange saw Pupo extend his lead, leaving Ferreira in need of an 8.43. But Ferreira, the 2019 World Champion, took a more critical drop on a heavier wave to edge past his 8.43 requirement with an 8.50 and secure a Semifinal berth.

More than two decades ago, Fabio Gouveia (BRA) shared eight seasons on the CT with Kelly Slater (USA) and maintained a lead in heat wins over the 11-time World Champion. Today, Fabio’s son, Ian Gouveia (BRA), defeated Slater in their first head-to-head match-up to advance to his second Semifinal at Pipeline. It was only the second time that Slater has exited in the Quarterfinals at Pipeline out of 27 times making the round. The determining moment in the heat came when Slater was unable to emerge from an extremely long Backdoor barrel. Gouveia took the following wave and found the exit to collect an 8.00 and the jersey off Slater’s back as a gift.

“To be with Kelly [Slater] in a man-to-man heat in Pipeline, it’s the biggest thing that I can ask for,” Gouveia said. “It’s unbelievable to have this opportunity.”

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI Women’s Semifinal Results: 
HEAT 1: Tyler Wright (AUS) 15.17 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 9.83
HEAT 2: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 17.67 DEF. Molly Picklum (AUS) 16.13

Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI Men’s Semifinal Results: 
HEAT 1: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 18.90 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 10.33
HEAT 2: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 16.57 DEF. Ian Gouveia (BRA) 9.34

Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Lakey Peterson (USA) 6.50 DEF. Isabella Nichols (AUS) 1.50
HEAT 2: Tyler Wright (AUS) 11.84 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 3.50
HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 14.50 DEF. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 1.43
HEAT 4: Molly Picklum (AUS) 8.10 DEF. Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 1.03

Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI Men’s Quarterfinal Results: 
HEAT 1: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 15.17 DEF. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 15.10
HEAT 2: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 14.50 DEF. Jake Marshall (USA) 14.00
HEAT 3: Ian Gouveia (BRA) 15.17 DEF. Kelly Slater (USA) 9.26
HEAT 4: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 15.67 DEF. George Pittar (AUS) 8.00

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…

INSANE DAY OF COMPETITION AS PIPE STOLE THE SHOW, TOO. BIG AT 6-10′ occ 12′ (occ. 2nd, 3rd Reef). A1 LITE TRADES. NICE WEATHER. ONCE IT ORGANIZED: ALL TIME. SNN

Iconic Clashes Determine Men’s Quarterfinalists on Day of Excellence at Lexus Pipe Pro 

• • Slater Earns 100th CT Heat Win at Pipeline, Advances to 27th Pipe Finals Day
  • Mamiya Defeats Florence with Perfect 10 in Repeat of 2024 Final
  • Buzzer Beater From Pittar Sets the Australian atop Rookie Pack

A mammoth day of action saw a vast array of tight match-ups that were punctuated by 12 scores in the excellent range (8.00-10.00), including Perfect 10-point rides from defending event winner Barron Mamiya (HAW) and 2023 victor Jack Robinson (AUS). World Champions, Tour veterans, and Rookies alike joined in pushing the boundaries of barrel-riding on an iconic day at one of the world’s heaviest waves. A full quarter of the day’s excellent scores were delivered by reigning World Champion John John Florence (HAW), who was eventually eliminated by Mamiya in a rematch of the 2024 Final.

Mamiya joins two other former men’s winners in progressing to the Quarterfinals, World Champions Kelly Slater (USA) and Italo Ferreira (BRA). A huge Finals Day awaits tomorrow when the men’s and women’s 2025 Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI winners will be decided.

Three World Champions, Caity Simmers (USA), Caroline Marks (USA), and Tyler Wright (AUS), waited patiently today but will rejoin the action tomorrow. So will 2024 runner-up and event standout Molly Picklum (AUS).

Today, 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) earned his 100th CT heat win at Pipeline. Slater’s incredible statistics at the location include appearances in 33 events dating back to 1991. The 52-year-old now enters his 27th Pipe Finals Day, having previously reached the Semifinals 25 times and the Final 13 times and claimed a record eight wins at this esteemed venue.

Slater appears in this year’s event as a wildcard after stepping away from full-time competition in 2024. His unprecedented heat win came in the Round of 32 over Rio Waida (INA) in their first head-to-head match-up, a childhood dream of 24-year-old Waida. The Indonesian led for much of the heat before Slater found his rhythm at Backdoor, but it was a classic Pipe barrel that earned Slater an 8.00 (out of a possible 10) and the win. The score was Slater’s first in the excellent range since the Final of his last victory at Pipe in 2022.

Gaining momentum through the day, Slater went on to deliver an iconic performance in the Round of 16. Slater convincingly defeated Australia’s World Title hopeful, 26-year-old Ethan Ewing (AUS), leaving the 2024 World No. 5 needing a combination of two waves to defeat him. After earning a 7.83 for a barrel at Pipeline, Slater exhibited shades of his 2022 victory when he soul-arched out of a deep Backdoor barrel to post a 9.33 and move into the Quarterfinals at Pipeline for the 27th time.

“This is what we live for at a Pipe event,” Slater said. “It just sends it to another realm. It’s actually hard to calm down for a heat. I don’t know if I was nervous or anxious or what, but I couldn’t calm my heartbeat down out there because I was just so excited. That made me tired. I was thinking, ‘How much mental focus does that take for 30 years?’ I just wanted to try to maximize the quality of waves. That’s the real star on a day like this, you’ve just got to kind of get in the wave in the right way.”

An intense battle of Pipeline heavyweights played out in the Round of 16, when defending event winner Barron Mamiya (HAW) took on 2021 event winner and reigning World Champion John John Florence (HAW) in a rematch of the 2024 Pipe Final. Setting the tone from the opening moments, Florence pulled into a big barrel at Pipe that ultimately closed out. Mamiya, on the other hand, paddled into a perfectly tee-peeing wave, which the 24-year-old North Shore local converted into a Perfect 10-point ride.

Mamiya’s late, critical slide into the barrel at Pipeline was picture-perfect and was rewarded accordingly. It was a repeat of his performance in the 2024 Final when he also defeated Florence with a Perfect 10 for a Pipeline barrel.

“Surfing against John [Florence] anywhere, it kind of simplifies everything,” Mamiya said. “You already know it’s going to be big scores. I knew he really wanted to beat me from last year. And yeah, it was a wild heat. John’s Backdoor wave that he got, I honestly think when it came in, it was one of the best Backdoor waves I’ve ever seen. I was just super stoked to be out there and surfing with him in good waves.”

Florence’s first wave of note didn’t come until the 26-minute mark of the 40-minute overlapping heat. But the 32-year-old’s patience paid off as he collected a 7.43, which he immediately improved upon. A hefty, elongated Backdoor barrel earned Florence a 9.63, putting him in close striking distance to Mamiya, where he remained when the buzzer sounded. After deciding to take the 2025 season off, Florence entered the event as a wildcard and will next return as the WSL Season Wildcard for the 2026 CT season.

Fellow former event winner, Italo Ferreira (BRA), pushed through to his fourth Finals Day at Pipeline, his first since 2021, after defeating 2022 runner-up Seth Moniz (HAW) in the Round of 16. Ferreira, who claimed the event win and World Title in 2019 at Pipeline, will face compatriot Miguel Pupo (BRA) in the Quarterfinals. Pupo’s two heat wins today came after priority interferences in both match-ups, the first from Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) and second from João Chianca (BRA).

Rookie George Pittar (AUS) found a buzzer-beater to defeat 2016 event runner-up Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) in the Round of 16 and advance into the Quarterfinals. 22-year-old Pittar remains the last Rookie standing and will be the only one of the nine surfers debuting this season to appear on Finals Day. Having grown up mostly on the Pacific Island of Vanuatu but also on the Northern Beaches of Sydney, Australia, Pittar seemingly burst out of nowhere on his road to the CT but is already entering his second Finals Day of the three CT events he’s entered.

“I can’t even believe I’m standing here right now to be honest,” Pittar said. “It was like 30 seconds to go, and I just saw this Backdoor one looming, and I was like, ‘Oh, I’m swinging on it no matter what it looks like.’ I’m just so lucky that it gave me a bit of an exit and ended up being an okay wave. The fact that I’m standing here right now, going into tomorrow, is ridiculous. It’s just so special sitting out there and looking into the beach. Definitely a few pinch myself moments today, but I’m frothing.”

Earlier in the day, Pittar advanced over 2024 World No. 3 Griffin Colapinto (USA) in a rematch from the 2024 Margaret River Pro Quarterfinals, which Pittar also won. Fellow Australian Rookie Joel Vaughan (AUS) also claimed a Round of 32 victory over a seasoned competitor when he defeated the CT’s longest-standing member, Jordy Smith (RSA). Vaughan collected an 8.83 on a heavy barrel at Pipe to take the win but was defeated in the last heat of the day by 2023 event runner-up Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA), who advanced to his third straight Pipe Finals Day.

Not to be outdone, Robinson responded with the first Perfect 10 of the season. The 27-year-old Australian took a late drop on one of the biggest waves of the event, directly into a lengthy Backdoor section, and emerged from a huge barrel after the spit. The heat went down to the wire with both surfers holding onto low back-up scores. In the end, Cleland took the victory, leaving Robinson to be the first man to lose with a 10-point ride in his scoreline since John John Florence (HAW) at J-Bay in 2017.

“We knew this day was going to be special,” Cleland said. “Once the heat draw came up after the Elimination Round, I knew I had one of the toughest heats ever in my life. That 9.50 came in and I actually was really doubting it, thinking about it. But Jack was right there pushing me, so I was like, you know what, I’m just going to roll the dice. I ended up rolling and going and the drop was pretty sick. I thought I was going to fall, my feet kind of got out of place. I ended up pulling in, pumping and then saw the next section and I almost was like, oh no, I’m going to straighten out for the score. And then I was like, you know what, I’m Mexican, I go all that all the time. I’m never going to go halfway.”

For highlights from today’s Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI, 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.

Big Day of Competition Called ON at Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI 

• Event Started at 8:03 AM HST at Banzai Pipeline
• Remaining Heats of Women’s Opening Round done
• Men’s and Women’s Elimination Rounds, and Women’s Round of 16 To Run Today
• Women’s Round of 16 To Utilize Overlapping Format

• Watch LIVE at HERE

Erin Brooks (CAN) will make her full-time rookie debut in Heat 6 when she faces 2022 Rookie of the Year Gabriela Bryan (HAW) and 2024 Rookie of the Year Sawyer Lindblad (USA). After winning her first CT event as a wildcard last season, Brooks is ready to continue that success in a World Title campaign and to potentially join Bryan and Lindblad with Rookie of the Year honors by the season’s end.

Griffin Colapinto (USA) currently sits at World No. 2 (with John John Florence’s season withdrawal) but finds himself in Heat 1 of the Elimination Round against Deivid Silva (BRA) and event wildcard Eli Hanneman (HAW). Since his first Pipe CT event in 2018, Colapinto has never been relegated to the Elimination Round and will need to battle out of unfamiliar territory in his matchup today.

Rookies Jackson Bunch (HAW) and Joel Vaughan (AUS) have been awaiting today’s call to run their second heats of the season. Bunch, in Heat 2, will be against Yago Dora (BRA) and CT returner Alejo Muniz (BRA). After a long absence from the Tour for Muniz, he will also look to make a statement and survive early elimination today. Vaughan, in Heat 3, will be against fellow Australian Ryan Callinan and 2024 Challenger Series winner Samuel Pupo (BRA). This event is not only Vaughan’s first competition at Pipeline but his first-ever CT event, so the 21-year-old will battle to stay in contention for a strong start to his rookie campaign.

Watch the Lexus Pipe Pro LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

WSL CT Fantasy Surfing is now live for the 2025 season. Fans can create their leagues, invite friends, and build teams. WSL Fantasy for the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI will lock at the start of women’s Round of 16 and men’s Round of 32.

Learn more at CTFantasy.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.

• World Champions Wright, Simmers, and Marks Sweep Opening Round Heats at Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI
• France’s Marco Mignot Leads Rookie Pack, Tops Opening Round Performances in Full-Time CT Debut
• Robinson and Slater Lead Men’s Progression of Former Event Winners
• No Competition on Thursday or Friday Due to Major Storm System, Next Update Friday Afternoon

With a solid day of competition in the books, attention now turns to the forecast. A major storm system is expected to impact the North Shore, prompting the Commissioner’s Office to call the competition OFF for Thursday, January 30, and Friday, January 31. With improved conditions anticipated after the weather system passes, the next official call will be made Friday afternoon to provide an update on the weekend’s competition schedule.

Reigning World Champion Caity Simmers (USA), 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA), and two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) claimed Opening Round heat wins at the Lexus Pipe Pro today, starting their World Title campaigns with momentum and bypassing the Elimination Round with a jump straight into the Round of 16. They were also joined by recently crowned 2024 World Junior Champion Luana Silva (BRA), who won her first heat.

Wright opened her 13th season on the CT with the highest single wave score of the four heats that were surfed in the women’s Opening Round, a 7.33 (out of a possible 10). The 2016 and 2017 World Champion drove through a long Backdoor barrel to collect her opening score before backing it up with aggressive turns on subsequent waves. Wright earned the first women’s CT win at Pipeline at the opening of the 2021 season when the competition was moved mid-event from Honolua Bay to Pipeline and also placed runner-up in 2023. The 30-year-old Australian was challenged by two former Semifinalists, Lakey Peterson (USA) and Brisa Hennessy (CRC), in one of the toughest heats of the round, but took the win with the highest heat total of the day, 13.83 (out of a possible 20).

“Honestly, it’s just nice to catch some waves,” Wright said. “I probably think a lot less [now] and enjoy a lot more. I’ve been doing this, what, 14 years now and you’re always critical of yourself. I feel like this year, I’m trying to find that balance of actually enjoying what I’m doing. Last year was rough, I was injured a lot and actually, it sucked. I feel good, and I’m healthy and I’m just enjoying surfing.”

Marks’ heat win came over two surfers who were appearing in their first-ever CT event, Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) and Bella Kenworthy (USA). Erostarbe’s critical backhand snaps kept her slightly ahead of Kenworthy’s forehand attack, seeing her through to the Round of 32, with Kenworthy landing in the Elimination Round. Erostarbe is competing as the WSL Replacement for the season, replacing Johanne Defay (FRA) for the Pipe Pro, while Kenworthy was the sole women’s rookie to compete today.

“I was feeling good going into it,” Simmers said. “It just kind of got really beautiful before my heat. The wind died down, and I just had a really nice moment before my heat. I was feeling good, and then I got a good little barrel. I was not expecting a barrel, but then it kind of just happened for me and I’m thankful.”

Bursting straight out of the gates, Marco Mignot (FRA) posted the highest heat total of the men’s Opening Round within the first seven minutes of his first CT event as a full-time member of the Tour. Mignot, who has previously appeared in two CT events as a wildcard, started aggressively, catching four waves in the opening moments, including a 7.33 and 6.00 that secured his round-topping 13.33 heat total. A highly critical air landed directly in the flats, earned Mignot the 7.33, and propelled the 24-year-old to his inaugural CT heat win over João Chianca (BRA) and Ryan Callinan (AUS).

“In my mind, I was like, ‘Okay, well, this is the first heat, first event of the year,'” Mignot said. “I was just like, ‘Let’s go.’ This is my moment. I’ve dreamed about this moment. I’ve manifested this moment. It’s time to live this dream. I’m not gonna fall back and not do it one hundred percent. I said to myself, ‘It’s kill or get killed.'”

Fellow rookies Edgard Groggia (BRA) and Alan Cleland Jr. (MEX) progressed through their first-ever heats on the CT in second place and into the Round of 32, though it was narrow margins for both. Groggia slipped ahead of his seasoned compatriot Yago Dora (BRA) by just 0.20, while Cleland found a buzzer-beater to send Liam O’Brien (AUS) to join Dora in the Elimination Round. Needing a 4.35, Cleland snuck a wave at the 35-second mark. The 22-year-old picked up a short barrel-to-turn combo to clear the mark with a 4.60 and advance 0.26 points ahead of O’Brien. Cleland’s full-time appearance on Tour in 2025 is a first for Mexico, a milestone he takes pride in representing.

“I’m coming here with an open mind, and relaxed, and just trying to get a couple waves,” Cleland said. “And [more] than anything, represent my flag, and my family, and where I’m from, and just Pascuales and everything, and kind of show everybody from Mexico, you can make it. You can come from the smallest town in the world, and you can just put the hard work in, and make it happen. Stoked to just be a part of this and hopefully get some more waves.”

Australian rookies George Pittar (AUS) and Joel Vaughan (AUS) had mixed fortunes, with Pittar finding a Backdoor nugget to move through to the Round of 32 behind Jordy Smith (RSA) and Vaughan taking the unfortunate honor of earning the lowest heat total of the day in his CT debut. Meanwhile, Jackson Bunch (HAW) was unable to replicate his buzzer-beating wildcard performance from the 2024 Lexus Pipe Pro Opening Round and now finds himself in the Elimination Round, along with Vaughan.

Though all five of the former men’s event winners in the draw advanced straight into the Round of 32, just two were able to claim Opening Round heat wins, Jack Robinson (AUS) and Kelly Slater (USA). 2019 winner Italo Ferreira (BRA), 2021 winner John John Florence (HAW), and 2024 winner Barron Mamiya (HAW) each placed in the advancing second place of the three-person heats.

Robinson, the 2023 event winner, opened his 2025 campaign with the first excellent score of the season. Ducking straight into a driving barrel at Backdoor, Robinson picked up an 8.00, collecting the highest single-wave score of the day on his very first wave. The 27-year-old Australian surfed a smart heat, cruising to victory over Liam O’Brien (AUS) and rookie Al Cleland Jr. (MEX).

“Jack’s back,” Robinson said. “It’s been a long time that I’ve been coming here, like 16, 17 years now, and every time you go out there you still just respect it, but that was a beautiful way to start.”

“It’s, to some degree, like riding a bike, but each day is different, conditions are a little different,” Slater said. “You’ve got to remember, not every wave at Pipe and Backdoor is in the same spot. Depending on the swell direction and the size, it moves around a lot. Like, there was a left that came and Italo took it. It was my priority, but I let Italo go. I knew from there they don’t barrel, and I’m out there looking for barrels, but he does the big air on the wave, so you’re looking for different things.”

Also entering the event as a wildcard, after deciding to take the 2025 season off, 2021 event winner and reigning World Champion John John Florence (HAW) looked extremely comfortable as he made easy work of the peak that sits just steps from the house he grew up in. However, a long Backdoor barrel opened into one of the throatiest sections of the morning for Ian Gouveia (BRA), earning the Brazilian the highest score of the heat, a 7.67, and his first CT heat win since last appearing on Tour in 2018. Gouveia’s best CT result came when he made the Semifinals at Pipe as a rookie in 2017, and emotions were high for the 32-year-old as he advanced into the Round of 32 ahead of Florence, the pair sending wildcard Eli Hanneman (HAW) into the Elimination Round.

“It feels amazing, I’ve been emotional because it was hard,” Gouveia said through tears. “I had a really hard time during my pre-season. I was in Sao Paulo City for five months without surfing, without being in the water. I really didn’t know how it was gonna work out for me because I came here, I wasn’t feeling one hundred percent yet in my body, and one week ago, I had a cut on my knee. When it first happened, I thought I was going to miss the first two events of the year, and here I am. I was able to put the jersey on, which I was like, ‘No one’s going to get my jersey, man.’ I worked out so much to have this jersey on. No matter what happened, I was going to put this jersey on. I didn’t believe that wave came in the end, and I was able to make it and beat John in the first round of my return to the Tour.”

Gouveia and Filipe Toledo (BRA) were the sole men’s Brazilians to earn heat wins in the men’s Opening Round. Toledo, the two-time World Champion, casually landed one of the biggest airs of the day to progress ahead of Mamiya in his return to competition after a season away.

“It feels great to be at home, and I’m really happy to be back,” Moniz said. “It’s a long off-season, so just kind of get the gas started, you know, first heat of the morning. Now I get all day to rest and just relax.”

The first surfer to miss the Mid-season Cut in 2024, Ian Gentil (HAW), returned to competition in the first event of 2025 as the WSL Replacement surfer. Gentil will take the place of three-time World Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) for at least the first three events of the season while Medina recovers from injury, providing a massive opportunity for the 2023 Rookie of the Year to reclaim his place on Tour. Gentil took command in a tight heat that featured 2023 Pipe Pro runner-up Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) and 2024 World No. 3 Griffin Colapinto (USA), as he looks to back-up his Semifinal finish here in 2024.

Out of four surfers from the Hawaiian island of Maui in the draw, Gentil was the sole competitor to make it through to the Round of 32, with rookie Jackson Bunch (HAW), wildcard Eli Hanneman (HAW), and Imaikalani deVault (HAW) all relegated to the Elimination Round.

Hawaii’s Bettylou Sakura Johnson and Gabriela Bryan will be up in the remaining two women’s heats of the Opening Round when the competition resumes. Heat 5 will see Sakura Johnson in a matchup of heavy-water chargers with Molly Picklum (AUS) and Vahine Fierro (BRA), while Bryan is against 2024 Rookie of the Year Sawyer Lindblad (USA) and rookie threat Erin Brooks (CAN) in Heat 6.

For highlights from today’s competition at the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

• No Competition Today or Tomorrow at Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI, First Stop on 2025 WSL Championship Tour Poor Conditions Prompt OFF Days Today and Tomorrow
• Next Call: Wednesday, January 29, at 7:45 AM HST for Possible 8AM Start
• Caity Simmers and Barron Mamiya Set to Defend 2024 Pipe Pro Victories
• High-Powered Rookie Class Ready to up the Ante in 2025
• Proven Pipe Performers Look to Further Legacy at Famed Wave

“It’s great to be back here at Pipeline for the Lexus Pipe Pro,” said Jessi Miley-Dyer, WSL Commissioner. “We are going to be off for today, and we’re also going to be off for tomorrow. Not the nicest day, and we know we are going to get some better conditions in the window. Our first day that we’re really looking at is going to be Wednesday. The forecast is changing a lot, and it’s challenging because you know that this wave is so good. We’re going to come back Wednesday and hopefully will have a start to the competition.”

When competition gets underway, the Lexus Pipe Pro will host an incredible lineup of the world’s best surfers as they begin their charge toward the 2025 World Title. With one of the most exciting schedules in the Tour’s history ready to unravel, every result matters and it all starts at Pipe.

Reigning World Champion Caity Simmers (USA) began her World Title run with a historic win here at Pipe in 2024, and now looks to repeat her performance as she dons the Yellow Leader jersey to start the 2025 season. Last year’s runner-up Molly Picklum (AUS), who scored a 10-point ride, will look to continue a run of iconic performances in Hawaii when the competition commences.

Fellow defending event victor Barron Mamiya (HAW) earned a 10-point ride in the Final against eventual 2024 World Champion and 2025 Local Event Wildcard John John Florence (HAW). Following wins from Jack Robinson (AUS) in 2023 and 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) in 2022, one of North Shore’s own, Mamiya, brought the men’s Pipe Pro title back to Oʻahu. Now, Mamiya will have to fend off the likes of Florence, Robinson, Slater, and more of the world’s best to become the first back-to-back CT Pipe victor since the late Andy Irons (HAW) (2005, 2006).

A new season brings new faces and this season includes one of the most highly-anticipated women’s rookie classes in recent memory. Teenage phenom Erin Brooks (CAN), the 2024 Fiji Pro winner, joins 2024 Tahiti Pro winner Vahine Fierro (FRA) and the progressive style of Southern California’s Bella Kenworthy (USA) to battle for the 2025 Rookie of the Year honors. The 17-year-old is no stranger to waves of consequence, and already has WSL wins at three of the stops on the 2025 schedule, Cloudbreak, Saquarema, and Snapper Rocks.

On the men’s side, Brazil’s Edgard Groggia (BRA) joins a hefty list of compatriots returning to the Tour and looks to vie for the Rookie of the Year honor against Australia’s Joel Vaughan (AUS) and George Pittar (AUS), as well as electric competitors Marco Mignot (FRA), Jackson Bunch (HAW), and Alan Cleland Jr. (MEX).

Pittar made his presence known to the world when he surged to a Semifinal at last year’s Western Australia Margaret River Pro, while Bunch’s breakthrough to 2023 WSL World Junior Championships runner-up showed there’s more in his arsenal than just heavy-water charging. Plus, the combination of aerial antics and hard-charging that define the approach of Cleland, Vaughan and Mignot will no doubt come to light as they look to prove they belong among the world’s best.

An illustrious list of former Pipe Pro winners and CT veterans are hoping to retain the upper hand over the exciting rookies. 2019 WSL Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) and perennial World Title threat Jack Robinson (AUS) all have their names etched into Pipe history and now look to join rarified air as two-time winners. Wildcard and eight-time Pipe Pro winner Kelly Slater (USA) looks to shake up the world’s best after stepping away from full-time competition in 2024. Slater and Ferreira will face each other at the very beginning of their campaigns when they meet in Opening Round Heat 5, along with 2024 Challenger Series Winner Samuel Pupo (BRA). Meanwhile, former runners-up Seth Moniz (HAW), Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA), and Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) are eager to go one better and attain a maiden Pipe Pro trophy.

2022 victor Moana Jones Wong (HAW) returns as the Wildcard to continue pushing the world’s best at her favorite wave in the world. It won’t be an easy road for Jones Wong, as she takes on defending event winner Caitlin Simmers (USA), and Isabella Nichols (AUS) in the Opening Round. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) and Gabriela Bryan (HAW) helm a further field of Hawaiian Island contenders who are keen to bring the title back to home waters. Two-time World Champion and two-time Pipe Pro finalist Tyler Wright (AUS) faces an early challenge in the Opening Round, where she’ll go up against former Semifinalists Brisa Hennessy (CRC) and Lakey Peterson (USA), who are both aiming for strong starts to their season.

WSL Fantasy Surfing is now live for the 2025 season. Fans can create their leagues, invite friends, and build teams. WSL Fantasy for the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI will lock at the start of the men’s Round of 32 and women’s Round of 16.

Learn more at CTFantasy.WorldSurfLeague.com.