Harrison and Dantas Soar to Victory at Portugal’s Xacobeo Norte Surf Fest

Ellie Harrison and Weslley Dantas won the women’s and men’s QS 6,000 titles at Portugal’s 2026 Xacobeo Norte Surf Fest in dramatic fashion.

Harrison and Dantas Soar to Victory at Portugal’s Xacobeo Norte Surf Fest

Matosinhos delivered a dramatic conclusion to the 2026 Xacobeo Norte Surf Fest on Sunday, September 6, as Ellie Harrison and Weslley Dantas captured the women’s and men’s World Surf League Qualifying Series 6,000 International titles. In three-to-four-foot surf, both champions overcame strong fields and tense finals to secure major career milestones.

Key takeaways

  • Ellie Harrison defeated Portugal’s Maria Salgado for her biggest career victory.
  • Weslley Dantas posted a perfect 10 and a 19.23 heat total.
  • Salgado and Justin Becret finished runner-up after standout campaigns.
  • Dantas moved to the top of the rankings ahead of the next Brazilian event.

The Matosinhos stop produced high-level performances across both divisions, with local support, international rivalries and shifting conditions shaping the final day. It was the second QS 6,000 International stop of the season and an important opportunity for surfers pursuing Challenger Series qualification and, ultimately, a place on the Championship Tour.

Harrison completes a breakthrough run

Australia’s Ellie Harrison steadily improved throughout the week before reaching her first QS final since 2024. Against hometown favorite Maria Salgado, she made an immediate impression with a critical vertical turn worth 8.17 points. Salgado answered with a 7.50 for two technical backside turns, setting up a closely contested finish.

Harrison eventually found the larger scoring opportunity she needed, landing a powerful snap and preserving her lead. The victory marked the biggest result of her career and followed a solid performance at the opening QS 6,000 International in Pantin, Spain.

“I’m really happy, and feeling it all right now,” Harrison said after the final, praising her family, sponsors and Salgado. “It’s insane.”

Salgado strengthens her position

Salgado’s runner-up finish was a landmark result in front of family and friends in Portugal. She reached consecutive finals in the first two QS 6,000 International events, showing composure under pressure and moving to No. 1 in the European QS rankings.

The Portuguese surfer also entered the top 10 of the Challenger Series rankings. Her run included a semifinal victory over Aelan Vaast, while Japan’s Kana Nakashio also impressed before Harrison ended her campaign in the other semifinal.

Dantas delivers a spectacular final

Brazil’s Weslley Dantas produced the event’s defining performance, combining explosive aerial surfing with precise timing to defeat France’s Justin Becret. After Becret established an early lead through powerful rail turns, Dantas found a left-hand double-up and launched a full rotation for a 9.07.

He followed with an even larger maneuver worth 9.23 before completing the performance with the day’s biggest air, earning a perfect 10. His 19.23 total gave him a career-defining victory and the men’s rankings lead.

The 28-year-old from Ubatuba had previously battled significant financial difficulties while returning to the professional circuit. A runner-up finish at the Ballito Pro Challenger Series, followed by this win, has placed him firmly in contention for his Championship Tour dream.

What comes next

Becret’s second-place finish was the best of his career and lifted his European QS standing as he pursues Challenger Series qualification. Dantas’s next opportunity will come at the REMA Saquarema Surf Festival in Brazil, scheduled for September 14–20. The result in Matosinhos gives him momentum—and valuable ranking points—heading into the next stage of the season.

Sources