The World Surf League (WSL) Finals Day has concluded in Fiji, crowning Molly Picklum and Yago Dora as the 2025 World Champions. The highly anticipated event, held at the iconic Cloudbreak, saw surfers battle challenging conditions and a new, high-stakes format to determine the ultimate victors of the season.
A Swell of Epic Proportions
The waiting period for the 2025 WSL Finals Day officially opened on August 27th, with a potential "swell of the year" anticipated towards the end of the window. While initially eyeing Cloudbreak, the WSL deputy commissioner Renato Hickel noted that Restaurants was also a viable option, perfectly suited for the incoming swell. The competition was ultimately called for September 2nd, with "maxing out Cloudbreak conditions" delivering a dramatic conclusion.
Key Takeaways
- Molly Picklum (Australia) and Yago Dora (Brazil) claimed their maiden world titles.
- The event marked the final iteration of the "Final Five" format.
- Cloudbreak provided challenging, double-overhead conditions for the finals.
- The WSL Finals were held in Fiji for the first time.
Championship Battles
In the women’s Championship Match, Molly Picklum faced Caroline Marks. After a hard-fought battle, Picklum secured her first world title, demonstrating powerful backhand surfing. On the men’s side, Yago Dora, the number one seed, faced Griffin Colapinto. Dora’s strategic approach and consistent scoring in the challenging waves earned him the world championship, continuing Brazil’s dominance in recent years.
Fiji: A Paradise for Surfing
Fiji, with its legendary waves like Cloudbreak and Restaurants off Tavarua Island, provided a stunning backdrop for the WSL Finals. The pristine waters and powerful surf offered a true test for the world’s best surfers. Beyond the competition, Fiji offers a rich travel experience, with options ranging from family-friendly resorts like the Sheraton Fiji Golf & Beach Resort to more secluded surf camps like Waidroka Bay Resort.
A New Era Concludes
The 2025 WSL Finals in Fiji represented the end of an era for the "Final Five" format, which aimed to crown a champion in a single, winner-take-all day. While the format itself has been a subject of discussion, the move to Fiji delivered a spectacular and memorable conclusion to the season, with new world champions emerging from the powerful Pacific swells.
### Key Takeaways
- ‘Swell of the Year’ Headed to Fiji for WSL Finals Day (Video), SURFER Magazine.
- Bula and Barrels: A Bucket List Surf Trip to Fiji, SURFER Magazine.
- Molly Picklum, Yago Dora Win WSL Finals, Claim World Titles, SURFER Magazine.
- World Title glory awaits in paradise, proper swell inbound for Lexus WSL Finals Fiji | Corona Cero Dawn
Patrol, World Surf League. - Why a Surf Contest in Paradise Might Not Be Such a Good Idea, The Inertia.
