The MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal concluded on March 23, 2025, with Caroline Marks and Yago Dora emerging victorious in the women’s and men’s finals, respectively. Held at the renowned Supertubos beach in Peniche, the event showcased thrilling performances amid challenging surf conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Caroline Marks secured her second title in Portugal, defeating Gabriela Bryan with a score of 7.90 to 6.97.
- Yago Dora claimed his second career CT win, overcoming World No. 1 Italo Ferreira with a score of 13.37 to 12.43.
- Both winners demonstrated exceptional skill and resilience in difficult conditions, setting the stage for their 2025 World Title campaigns.
Caroline Marks’ Victory
Caroline Marks, the 23-year-old WSL Champion from the United States, showcased her prowess in the women’s final against Hawaii’s Gabriela Bryan. Despite the challenging conditions, Marks managed to secure her seventh CT victory with scores of 4.90 and 3.00, just enough to edge out Bryan.
Marks expressed her excitement, stating, "It wasn’t the prettiest Final, but we’ll take it. Winning feels so good, I’m so pumped." This victory marks her second win in Portugal, adding to her impressive resume that includes an Olympic Gold medal and a runner-up finish in the previous season.
In the semifinals, Marks faced off against Molly Picklum, where she demonstrated her ability to adapt to the conditions, ultimately winning with a score of 8.53 to 7.50.
Yago Dora’s Triumph
On the men’s side, Yago Dora of Brazil achieved a significant milestone by winning his second career CT title. In a thrilling final against fellow Brazilian Italo Ferreira, Dora’s score of 13.37 narrowly surpassed Ferreira’s 12.43.
Dora’s journey to victory included defeating Ethan Ewing in the semifinals and Jack Robinson in the quarterfinals. Reflecting on his win, Dora said, "I wasn’t going to let this one get away; I wanted to win this one so bad."
The final was a showcase of aerial maneuvers, with both surfers pushing each other to deliver their best performances. Dora’s creativity and execution ultimately secured him the win, propelling him to World No. 4 in the rankings.
Looking Ahead
With the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal now concluded, both Marks and Dora are set to carry their momentum into the next event, the Surf City El Salvador Pro, scheduled for April 2-12, 2025. Marks will be looking to defend her title, while Dora aims to continue his ascent in the rankings.
The event was a testament to the skill and determination of the world’s best surfers, and fans can look forward to more thrilling competitions as the season progresses. For highlights and more information, fans can visit the World Surf League’s official website.
Sources
- City Life Org – Caroline Marks and Yago Dora Win MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented by Corona Cero, City Life Org.
- Caroline Marks holds off Gabriela Bryan to win MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal, Florida Today.
- Congratulations, Caroline Marks & Yago Dora!, Surf News Network.
