In an exhilarating showdown at Punta Roca, Gabriela Bryan from Hawaii and South Africa’s Jordy Smith claimed victory at the 2025 Surf City El Salvador Pro, marking the fourth stop of the World Surf League Championship Tour. Both surfers demonstrated exceptional skill and determination, navigating challenging four-to-six-foot waves to secure their wins.
Key Takeaways
- Gabriela Bryan secured her second career CT title, defeating Isabella Nichols in the women’s final.
- Jordy Smith achieved his seventh CT victory, triumphing over Matthew McGillivray in the men’s final.
- Bryan’s win elevates her to World No. 2 in the rankings, while Smith moves to No. 5.
Gabriela Bryan’s Impressive Victory
Gabriela Bryan showcased her prowess in the women’s final, overcoming a dramatic moment when her board buckled mid-heat. Despite this setback, she managed to score a 7.83 on a subsequent wave, sealing her victory with a total of 14.33 points against Nichols’ 11.74.
Bryan expressed her excitement post-victory, stating, "That was such an insane rollercoaster Final. I made some mistakes, but I was just thinking, ‘Please give me one more wave, and I won’t mess it up.’" This win not only marks her second title but also solidifies her position as a top contender for the WSL Final 5.
Path to the Final
- Semifinal Matchup: Bryan faced reigning World Champion Caity Simmers, winning 10.16 to 9.67.
- Final Score: Bryan 14.33 – Nichols 11.74.
Jordy Smith’s Dominance in Men’s Final
In the men’s final, Jordy Smith delivered a vintage performance, defeating fellow South African Matthew McGillivray with a score of 14.26 to 9.33. Smith’s experience shone through as he opened with a strong 7.33, quickly establishing a lead that McGillivray could not overcome.
After his victory, Smith dedicated his win to his family, saying, "If I could dedicate this to two people: my wife, and all the wives and husbands who let us do this, it means the world to me."
Final Highlights
- Final Score: Smith 14.26 – McGillivray 9.33.
- Smith’s win marks his seventh career CT victory, reinforcing his status as a formidable competitor in the surf world.
Rankings Update
Following the event, the rankings saw significant changes:
| Position | Surfer | Country | Points |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Italo Ferreira | BRA | 30 |
| 2 | Gabriela Bryan | HAW | 28 |
| 3 | Ethan Ewing | AUS | 25 |
| 4 | Yago Dora | BRA | 22 |
| 5 | Jordy Smith | RSA | 20 |
Bryan’s rise to World No. 2 and Smith’s ascent to No. 5 set the stage for an exciting continuation of the Championship Tour, with the next event, the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, scheduled to begin on April 18, 2025. Both surfers will be looking to maintain their momentum as they vie for the coveted World Title.
Sources
- Gabriela Bryan and Jordy Smith Win 2025 El Salvador Pro, Gold Coast Magazine.
- Gabriela Bryan and Jordy Smith Win 2025 Surf City El Salvador Pro, CardBiz.ca.
- Gabriela Bryan and Jordy Smith Win 2025 Surf City El Salvador Pro, Surf News Network.
- Kauai’s Gabriela Bryan wins Surf City El Salvador Pro, Spectrum News.
