Caroline Marks showcased her exceptional surfing skills at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal, clinching her second title at this prestigious event. Competing in challenging conditions at Supertubos, Marks defeated Gabriela Bryan in a tightly contested final, further solidifying her position in the World Surf League rankings.
Key Takeaways
- Caroline Marks won the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal, marking her seventh Championship Tour victory.
- Marks scored 7.90 points, narrowly defeating Gabriela Bryan, who scored 6.97.
- This victory propels Marks to third place in the WSL rankings, accumulating 19,490 points.
- Yago Dora also claimed victory in the men’s division, defeating Italo Ferreira.
- The next stop on the WSL Championship Tour is the Surf City El Salvador Pro, scheduled for April 2-12, 2025.
Caroline Marks’ Journey to Victory
Caroline Marks, a 23-year-old surfer from Florida, faced tough competition at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal held on March 23, 2025. The event took place in solid four-to-six-foot surf, where strong winds and a challenging rip current tested the skills of all competitors.
Marks advanced through the rounds with impressive performances, defeating notable surfers including Molly Picklum in the semifinals. In the final, she and Bryan both struggled with wave selection, but Marks managed to secure the win with her early scores of 4.90 and 3.00.
"It wasn’t the prettiest final, but we’ll take it," Marks said after her victory. "Winning feels so good, I’m so pumped. This has just been a great environment. It feels special to share this with my dad; he doesn’t come to many events."
Impact on WSL Rankings
With this victory, Marks has climbed to third place in the WSL Championship Tour rankings, just behind Molly Picklum and Caitlin Simmers, who currently holds the top spot. Marks’ consistent performances this season have set a strong foundation for her title campaign.
| Rank | Surfer | Points |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Caitlin Simmers | 20,000 |
| 2 | Molly Picklum | 19,800 |
| 3 | Caroline Marks | 19,490 |
| 4 | Yago Dora | 18,000 |
Yago Dora’s Victory in Men’s Division
In the men’s final, Brazilian surfer Yago Dora triumphed over current world champion Italo Ferreira, scoring 13.37 to Ferreira’s 12.43. This win marks Dora’s second career title and elevates him to fourth place in the rankings, a significant leap of 11 spots.
Dora expressed his excitement, stating, "I wasn’t going to let this one get away; I wanted to win this one so bad." His victory adds to the competitive spirit of the Championship Tour as the season progresses.
Looking Ahead
The next event on the WSL Championship Tour is the Surf City El Salvador Pro, set to take place from April 2 to April 12, 2025. Marks will be looking to defend her title there, while Dora aims to continue his winning streak. As the competition heats up, fans can expect thrilling performances from the world’s best surfers in the upcoming events.
Sources
- City Life Org – Caroline Marks and Yago Dora Win MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal Presented by Corona Cero, City Life Org.
- Legendary Surfer Caroline Marks Climbs WSL Championship Tour Rankings, Yardbarker.
- Caroline Marks holds off Gabriela Bryan to win MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal, Florida Today.
- Congratulations, Caroline Marks & Yago Dora!, Surf News Network.
- MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal: American Surfer Caroline Marks Clinches Second Title, Outlook India.
