Nazaré’s Big-Wave Showdown Returns for 2026–27

The WSL’s 2026–27 Nazaré Big Wave Challenge runs November 1 through March 31, with the contest called only when swell and safety conditions allow.

Nazaré’s Big-Wave Showdown Returns for 2026–27

The World Surf League is bringing the TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge back for the 2026–27 season, with a five-month window for the one-day event. The contest will be held at Praia do Norte, Portugal, only when powerful surf and suitable weather and safety conditions align. Nine teams are on the initial invite list.

The event’s date will depend on the

The event’s date will depend on the Atlantic swell, rather than a fixed competition day. The WSL plans to monitor conditions throughout the window before deciding whether to activate the contest.

  • The competition window runs from November 1, 2026, through March 31, 2027.
  • A swell of at least 25 feet is needed, alongside favorable wind, tide and safety conditions.
  • The format includes six men’s teams and three women’s teams.
  • The WSL says the event will be streamed live on its website and free app.

When the contest could run

The WSL announced the return on October

The WSL announced the return on October 17, 2026. The single-day tow-in competition will take place when Praia do Norte delivers the necessary conditions; the organization says it will track approaching swells throughout the season window.

A TUDOR Big Wave Yellow Alert may be issued up to 72 hours before a potential event day. If the swell, wind and tide continue to look favorable, a Green Alert signals that the contest is expected to run within the next 24 hours. Conditions can change, so the final call depends on the forecast and safety assessment.

Teams and competition format

The six men’s teams will compete in two semifinals. Each heat winner advances to the final, along with the runner-up team that earns the higher total score. Three teams will then contest the Best Men’s Team Performance award. The three women’s entries will compete in a single final, with each surfer towed by a driver.

The initial invite list is:

  • Men: Nic von Rupp and Clement Roseyro; Rodrigo Koxa and Vitor Faria; Will Santana and Gabriel Sampaio; Lucas Chianca and Pedro Scooby; Andrew Cotton and James Carew; Benjamin Sanchis and Jerome Sayhoun.
  • Women: Justine Dupont with driver Dino Carmo; Michelle des Bouillons with driver Ian Cosenza; Laura Crane with driver Eric Rebiere.

The WSL notes that invitations may change closer to the competition day. Carmo, a Nazaré local, is listed as Dupont’s driver.

Scoring, safety and viewing

For individual awards, each surfer’s two best waves count, with the higher-scoring ride doubled. Waves receive scores from zero to 10, for a maximum individual total of 30. The event will recognize the top individual performers in the men’s and women’s divisions, as well as the top men’s team based on its riders’ strongest scores.

Tow-in surfing relies on coordination between surfer and jet-ski driver, including the ability to assist with rescues. The WSL says team members must be able to tow in and support their partners safely in Nazaré’s demanding conditions. When the event is called on, it is scheduled to be shown live on com and the free WSL app.