Against the dramatic backdrop of Fiji’s iconic Cloudbreak, surfing history was etched as Brazil’s Yago Dora and Australia’s Molly Picklum claimed their first-ever World Surf League (WSL) world titles after thrilling performances in challenging conditions.
Key Takeaways
- Yago Dora (BRA) and Molly Picklum (AUS) crowned 2025 WSL World Champions.
- Intense finals day held at Cloudbreak, Fiji, after a change from the traditional Lower Trestles venue.
- Both champions were seeded No. 1 entering the event.
- Griffin Colapinto (USA) and Caroline Marks (USA) finished as runners-up.
Finals Day Delivers Drama
Despite days of anticipation and only moderate swells arriving in the morning, Cloudbreak eventually delivered wave faces that challenged the world’s best surfers. The energy on the water matched the stakes as fans, family, and countrymen watched from boats and the nearby resort, creating a stadium-like atmosphere.
Yago Dora entered the men’s finals as the top seed and had to face a surging Griffin Colapinto, who battled through the bracket by defeating former champions and top surfers. In a tactical and high-performance heat, Dora showcased razor-sharp carves and stylish maneuvers, ultimately securing the title with a 15.66 to 12.33 victory. The win marks the continuation of Brazil’s dominance in men’s surfing, extending their impressive championship run over the past decade.
On the women’s side, Molly Picklum started the final as favorite but faced formidable competition from Caroline Marks, who had already won three consecutive heats earlier in the day. After dropping the first heat, Picklum staged a stunning comeback, posting the event’s two highest scores in successive heats (15.83 and 16.93) to clinch her maiden world title. Her powerful backhand surfing was a perfect match for Cloudbreak’s famous lefts, joining legends like Stephanie Gilmore and Layne Beachley in the Australian surfing pantheon.
Changing Of The Guard
This year’s finals were significant for more than just the winners. It was the first time the decisive event was held at Cloudbreak, moving away from Lower Trestles in California, a shift many fans and athletes have eagerly awaited. The venue offered gravitas, testing skill, endurance, and adaptability in unpredictable South Pacific waves. Both Dora and Picklum rose to the occasion, validating their season-long consistency with world-class performances when it mattered most.
For the runners-up, the event was bittersweet. Griffin Colapinto’s dynamic run was halted one heat short, while Caroline Marks left as a back-to-back finalist, underlining her status as one of the sport’s fiercest competitors.
Looking Ahead
With new champions at the helm, the surfing world anticipates what comes next for Dora, Picklum, and the global tour. Cloudbreak’s successful hosting may set a new standard for future WSL finals, placing more emphasis on powerful surf conditions to crown the world’s best.
The achievements of Yago Dora and Molly Picklum will be celebrated across Brazil and Australia—and serve as inspiration for the next generation chasing their dreams on the world stage.
Further Reading
- Yago Dora new world surf champ as “monster” swell fails to materialise at Fiji’s Cloudbreak, BeachGrit.com.
- Molly Picklum, Yago Dora Win WSL Finals, Claim World Titles, SURFER Magazine.
- CONGRATS TWO BRAND NEW WORLD CHAMPIONS! YAGO DORA & MOLLY PICKLUM: Lexus WSL Finals Fiji presented by
Corona Cero, Surf News Network. - Molly Picklum wins first world surfing title with dominant display at WSL Finals | Surfing, The Guardian.
- Behind the Scenes at Cloudbreak for the Last WSL Finals, SURFER Magazine.
