The 2025 Margaret River Pro has delivered a thrilling spectacle as the World Surf League’s mid-season cut claimed its final victims. With massive swells and fierce competition, several top surfers faced elimination, leading to unexpected upsets and emotional farewells.
Key Takeaways
- The mid-season cut eliminated ten surfers from the Championship Tour, including notable names like Italo Ferreira and Jack Robinson.
- Local surfer Jacob Willcox achieved a stunning victory over world number one Italo Ferreira.
- Emotional moments unfolded as friends and rivals faced off in high-stakes heats, with careers on the line.
The Mid-Season Cut’s Impact
The mid-season cut, introduced in 2022, has been a controversial feature of the WSL, designed to narrow the field from 34 to 22 men and 18 to 10 women. This year, the stakes were particularly high at Margaret River, where the powerful waves tested the mettle of even the most seasoned competitors.
On May 20, the second day of the event, the surf conditions were described as chaotic, with waves reaching heights of 15 feet. Surfers struggled against the tumultuous waters, leading to broken boards and intense competition. The day saw five of the top ten male surfers eliminated, including defending champion Jack Robinson, who fell to Hawaii’s Imaikalani deVault.
Notable Upsets
- Jacob Willcox vs. Italo Ferreira: In a stunning upset, local hero Jacob Willcox defeated the reigning world champion, Italo Ferreira, with a combined score of 15.00 to Ferreira’s 12.87. Willcox’s victory was a significant moment, showcasing his local knowledge and skill.
- Connor O’Leary vs. Liam O’Brien: In a heart-wrenching matchup, friends Connor O’Leary and Liam O’Brien faced off, with O’Leary narrowly winning and securing his spot on the Championship Tour while O’Brien was eliminated.
Emotional Farewells
The emotional weight of the cut was palpable as surfers faced the reality of their careers hanging in the balance. Sally Fitzgibbons, another veteran, fought hard to avoid elimination, expressing the emotional rollercoaster of competing under such pressure.
Willow Hardy, a rising star, also faced elimination but earned respect for her performance despite finishing with a low score. Her determination and skill were evident as she tackled some of the biggest waves of the day.
Looking Ahead
As the competition progresses, the remaining surfers will continue to battle it out in the challenging conditions of Margaret River. The next heats promise to be just as intense, with the potential for more upsets and dramatic moments as the surfers vie for their place on the Championship Tour.
The WSL’s decision to implement the mid-season cut has sparked discussions about its fairness and impact on the sport, but it undeniably adds an element of excitement and unpredictability to the competition. With the 2026 season on the horizon, changes are expected, including a potential end to the cut, which could reshape the future of professional surfing.
Sources
- Massive Main Break Sends 8 Surfers Off Championship Tour, SURFER Magazine.
- ‘It sucks, man’: World Surf League’s dreaded cut claims its final unlucky victims | Surfing, The Guardian.
- Day of upsets as Margaret River Pro sees Jack Robinson out, Jacob Willcox outlast world number one, Australian Broadcasting Corporation.
- Surf Icon Italo Ferreira Upset at Western Australia Margaret River Pro, Sports Illustrated.
