2018 brought a big wave of announcements from the World Surf League (WSL). The Pipeline Masters on O’ahu, Hawaii, will be the grand finale of the surfing world tour in 2026. This decision is a momentous change to the championship format. After spending a few years as the opening stop on the tour, the iconic event is headed back home. Commercial surfing is approaching its 50th birthday. This adjustment is intended to increase the thrill and grandeur of the sport’s biggest conclave.
The Pipeline Masters in Hawaii is as much a proving ground for elite surfers as it is a backdrop deeply intertwined with surf culture. After four years, we’re switching it up! We previously produced a one-day, winner-takes-all showdown across Southern California that showcased only the top five surfers and unfolded in much more forgiving conditions. WSL CEO Ryan Crosby expressed his opposition to limiting participation down to just ten surfers. He emphasized that establishing inclusivity is important to the success of the championship.
Changes to Championship Format
Crosby highlighted that moving the Pipeline Masters to the finale will prompt other changes, including a return to a points-based system that accumulates throughout the season. This change is a big step toward re-establishing the competitive integrity of the tour. It also increases engagement for fans and surfers alike!
“The belief is focusing on that really engaged audience is the organic growth mechanism to a broader audience,” Crosby stated. To woo back casual fans, WSL is bringing back cumulative points. This amendment strikes that loophole so that each event can have a significant and real impact on a surfer’s final placings.
The new format includes 36 men and women racing for nine regular-season stops. These spectacular events will be held at some of the most stunning locations around the world, including Snapper Rocks on Queensland, Australia and Teahupo’o in Tahiti. The 12th and final event at Pipeline will see the top performers return. This epic showdown will lead to an exciting season finale!
High Stakes and Historic Significance
Each of these world champions is achieving a unique dream that Crosby said—winning a world title at Pipeline—is one of the most coveted titles in all of surfing. “Pipeline has always held a special place in surfing history, and our fans have made it clear they want to see our sport’s most critical moments unfold there,” he said.
Pipeline’s return as the season finale reaffirms the WSL’s dedication and commitment to respecting, honoring and celebrating the tradition and heritage of surfing. The flipside is that it skews to a much broader audience. The WSL aims to broaden its reach beyond just dedicated surfers, ensuring that the sport remains relevant and exciting for future generations.
In addition to Hawaii, the announcement of the 2025 Finals being hosted in Fiji by Crosby adds a rich diversity for key championship events. The international series finale – post-season will be held in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and Peniche, Portugal – further emphasizes surfing’s worldwide reach.
Looking Ahead
With professional surfing approaching its 50th anniversary in 2026, these changes are a huge turning point for the sport. The new format is sure to deepen the level of competition and fan involvement more than ever before.
Surfing champions such as Olympic gold medalist Italo Ferreira have expressed their excitement for this new historic venue. “I’ve never felt anything like the moment I won at Pipeline,” Ferreira said, underscoring the event’s emotional significance for competitors.
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