Global/WSL: Early 2026 Championship Tour Opens with Dominant Brazilian Performances

The 2026 World Surf League Championship Tour launched its landmark 50th anniversary season with the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach (April 1–11) in Victoria, Australia. Brazilian surfers stole the show as Miguel Pupo claimed his first-ever Bells Beach title, defeating fellow countryman Yago Dora in a historic all-Brazilian men’s final. Gabriel Medina also turned heads with strong performances, including an intense semifinal clash against reigning world champion Yago Dora.

The Brazilian contingent dominated early heats and finals contention, with Pupo taking the overall event win and jumping to the top of the 2026 rankings, while Dora finished runner-up.

Team success story:

The competitive fireworks and Brazilian depth highlighted the incredible talent coming out of Brazil and built massive excitement for professional surfing’s golden anniversary year. With three Brazilians occupying the top three spots in the early men’s rankings, the season kicked off with high energy and set an thrilling tone for the rest of the global tour.