The 2025 Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro, held at Burleigh Heads, showcased thrilling performances from top surfers, culminating in victories for Filipe Toledo and Bettylou Sakura Johnson. Both athletes delivered exceptional heats, with Toledo marking his return to the Championship Tour and Johnson claiming her first CT win.
Key Takeaways
- Filipe Toledo won his 16th Championship Tour event, defeating Julian Wilson in the men’s final.
- Bettylou Sakura Johnson secured her first CT victory against Sally Fitzgibbons in the women’s final.
- The event featured a strong crowd and excellent surf conditions, enhancing the competitive atmosphere.
Filipe Toledo’s Historic Win
Filipe Toledo, a two-time WSL Champion, made a remarkable comeback after a year-long break from competition. He faced Julian Wilson in a rematch of their 2015 Gold Coast Pro final, where Toledo first made his mark on the Championship Tour.
Toledo’s performance was electrifying, starting with a massive no-hands reverse that scored an 8.33. He followed up with a long barrel and a powerful hack, earning an 8.53 and a 9.07, respectively. His final score of 17.60 narrowly edged out Wilson’s 17.20, securing Toledo’s place in surfing history.
Bettylou Sakura Johnson’s Maiden Victory
In the women’s final, Bettylou Sakura Johnson, only 20 years old, faced veteran Sally Fitzgibbons. Johnson dominated the heat, posting an impressive 15.33 against Fitzgibbons’ 7.83. Her strong frontside rail work and commitment to each wave showcased her potential as a rising star in the surfing world.
Johnson expressed her joy, stating, "This is the best feeling in the world. I’m over the moon to have my first win here on the Gold Coast. It’s taken a lot of hard work and perseverance to put everything together."
Event Highlights
- Men’s Final Results
- Women’s Final Results
The Road Ahead
Both Toledo and Johnson’s victories propel them into the top ranks of the WSL standings, with Toledo moving to No. 6 and Johnson climbing to No. 6 in the women’s rankings. The next stop on the Championship Tour is the Margaret River Pro, where competitors will look to build on their performances from the Gold Coast.
The Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro not only highlighted the talent of established surfers but also showcased the emergence of new stars, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead in competitive surfing.
Sources
- Veteran Surfer Stephanie Gilmore Defeats Caitlin Simmers at WSL Gold Coast Pro, Sports Illustrated.
- Filipe Toledo, Bettylou Sakura Johnson Win 2025 Gold Coast Pro, SURFER Magazine.
- City Life Org – Filipe Toledo and Bettylou Sakura Johnson Win Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM, City Life Org.
- Young Surfer Takes Out Legend Stephanie Gilmore at Gold Coast Pro, Sports Illustrated.
- Filipe Toledo and Bettylou Sakura Johnson Win Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM, Surf News Network.
