The World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) recently concluded the Caraïbos Lacanau Pro in France, crowning Anat Lelior and Sam Piter as champions. Meanwhile, the Caparica Surf Fest in Portugal is gearing up to determine the overall 2024/2025 WSL Europe QS season winners and Challenger Series qualifiers.
Lacanau Pro Champions Crowned
- Anat Lelior and Sam Piter secured victories at the Caraïbos Lacanau Pro, marking the first event of the 2025/2026 WSL European QS season.
In challenging, small surf conditions at Grande Plage, Lacanau, Anat Lelior claimed her first QS victory in six years, defeating Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri in the women’s final. "It’s definitely a boost of confidence to take out the first event," Lelior stated, expressing her satisfaction with the win and the confidence gained from competing on the Challenger Series.
On the men’s side, Sam Piter achieved his first-ever QS title, overcoming fellow Frenchman Tiago Carrique in an all-French final. Piter, a local favorite, expressed his elation, "It feels amazing. It’s really special to win here in Lacanau, with my dad on the beach, some friends and the French crowd."
The Caraïbos Lacanau Pro QS 2,000, held from July 8-13, 2025, served as the opening event for the new season, with both Lelior and Piter taking the early lead in the regional QS rankings.
Caparica Surf Fest: The European QS Season Finale
The focus now shifts to the Caparica Surf Fest 2025 in Portugal, the fifth and final stop of the 2024/2025 European QS season. The event, running from April 15 to April 19, 2025, at Praia do Paraiso, will crown the WSL Europe QS champions and decide qualification spots for the 2025 Challenger Series.
With a QS 3,000 for men and a QS 1,000 for women, significant points are on the line. Top surfers like Jorgann Couzinet (FRA) and Keoni Lasa (EUK) are leading the men’s rankings, while Francisca Veselko (POR) and Anat Lelior (ISR) are strong contenders in the women’s standings. The competition has already seen intense battles, with upsets like the early elimination of Afonso Antunes (POR) and Maxime Huscenot (FRA) impacting Challenger Series qualification hopes.
Competitors are navigating tricky conditions, with surfers like Charly Quivront (FRA) and Thomas Debierre (FRA) showcasing strong performances. The women’s competition also commenced, with surfers like Maelys Jouault and Camila Cardoso advancing through their heats.
The Caparica Surf Fest is a crucial event for surfers aiming to secure their spots on the 2025 Challenger Series, where they will compete for a chance to qualify for the elite Championship Tour.
Sources
- Anat Lelior and Sam Piter Win Lacanau Pro, World Surf League.
- Caparica Surf Fest To Determine 2024/2025 WSL Europe QS Winners, World Surf League.
- Competition Gets Underway at Caparica Surf Fest 2025, World Surf League.
- Competition Intensifies on Day 2 at Caparica Surf Fest 2025, World Surf League.
- Competition Resumes at Caraïbos Lacanau Pro, Finals Day Tomorrow, World Surf League.
