The 2025 Challenger Series is the ultimate battleground for surfers vying to qualify for the elite Championship Tour (CT) in 2026. The Challenger Series features 80 men and 48 women who will compete across five events in five countries. The season will launch at Newcastle’s Merewether Beach before heading to South Africa, California, Portugal, and Brazil.

• Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia: June 2 – 8
• Ballito, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa: June 30 – July 6
• Huntington Beach, California, USA: July 29 – August 3 (US Open festival window: July 26 – August 3)
• Ericeira, Portugal: September 29 – October 5
• Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: October 11 – 19

The Challenger Series features athletes from the seven WSL Regions, including Australia/Oceania, Asia, Africa, Europe, Hawaii/Tahiti Nui, North America, and South America. At the conclusion of the season the top 10 men and the top seven women will qualify for the 2026 Championship Tour.

“As we head into the 2025 Challenger Series season, the WSL is excited for new changes, including the increase in women’s qualifiers to the CT,” said Travis Logie, WSL Senior Tour Manager, Challenger Series. “We look forward to kicking the season off at the iconic Surfest Newcastle, and to see who will earn their spot in 2026.”

The 2025 WSL Longboard Tour will start at the Huntington Beach Longboard Classic, then head to Bells Beach, Australia, and Surf Abu Dhabi in the UAE. The World Longboard Champions will be decided in El Salvador.

“Following an incredible season, we’re thrilled to announce another four event schedule for the 2025 Longboard Tour,” said Will Hayden-Smith, WSL Senior Tour Manager, Longboard Tour. “We can’t wait to return to these great locations for even more unforgettable performances from our surfers.”

• Huntington Beach, California, USA: July 26 – 30 (US Open festival window: July 26 – August 3)
• Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia: September 17 – 21
• Surf Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE: October 21 – 26
• El Sunzal, El Salvador: November 5 – 9

During the first three events, competitors will aim to qualify for the fourth and final event, the one-day, winner-take-all Finals that will determine the World Longboard Champions. The Top 8 men and Top 8 women on the rankings after Stop No. 3 will earn a place in the Surf City El Salvador Longboard Championships. Similar to the WSL Championship Tour Finals format, competitors will be seeded into brackets determined by their rankings, and the winners will be crowned the 2025 WSL Longboard Titles.

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.