Cloud 9 Officially Joins the 2026 World Surf League Championship Tour
The World Surf League adds Cloud 9, Philippines, to the 2026 Championship Tour, creating a 12-event season with a historic new stop in Siargao.
The World Surf League (WSL) has officially expanded its 2026 Championship Tour schedule by adding the iconic Cloud 9 break in Siargao, Philippines, as a new elite-level stop. Scheduled to take place from October 31 to November 10, the event promises to bring the world's best surfers to one of the most celebrated barrels in the Pacific.
Key takeaways
- The Philippines Pro is confirmed for October 31 through November 10, 2026.
- This addition secures a 12-event minimum for the season, reinforcing the tour's competition format.
- The event provides a strategic contingency for the late-season calendar.
- Local surfers can earn wildcard entries through a dedicated Philippines Pro CT Trials event.
A historic debut for Philippine surfing
Cloud 9 is renowned globally for its intense, high-quality right-hand barrels, making it a natural choice for the Championship Tour. For years, the Philippines has demonstrated its capacity for hosting professional surfing through the long-running Siargao International Surfing Cup. Elevating this venue to a Championship Tour stop is seen as a transformational moment for the local surf community, with officials noting that it will inspire a new generation of Filipino athletes and prove the nation's status as a world-class surfing destination. Beyond the shortboard tour, the WSL has also signaled the sport's growth in the region by announcing a future World Longboard Tour event set for La Union in early 2027.
Ensuring tour integrity
The decision to add a new event serves a dual purpose. While highlighting the region's top-tier waves, it also acts as a vital buffer for the 2026 season. By ensuring a minimum of 12 events can be successfully delivered, the WSL maintains the consistency of its rankings and the integrity of the season's final stages. This adjustment creates a more robust calendar for the world's top surfers who are competing to secure their spots for the Pipe Masters finale.
The 2026 championship tour calendar
The remainder of the 2026 season features a high-stakes lineup designed to test athletes in varied conditions:
| Stop | Location | Date |
|---|---|---|
| 10 | Peniche, Portugal | Oct 16 - 25 |
| 11 | Cloud 9, Philippines | Oct 31 - Nov 10 |
| 12 | Surf Abu Dhabi, UAE | Nov 25 - 29 |
| 13 | Banzai Pipeline, Hawaii | Dec 8 - 20 |