In a landmark decision, the World Surf League (WSL) has announced that the iconic Pipe Masters will return as the season finale for the Championship Tour (CT) starting in 2026. This change marks a significant shift in the competitive landscape of professional surfing, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the sport.
Key Takeaways
- Return of Pipe Masters: The Pipe Masters will be the final event of the season, held at Pipeline, O‘ahu.
- New Format: The CT will feature a cumulative ranking system, rewarding consistent performance throughout the season.
- Expanded Women’s Field: The women’s CT will grow from 18 to 24 surfers, enhancing competitive opportunities.
- Elimination of Non-Elimination Rounds: All heats will be elimination rounds, increasing the stakes from the start.
- Increased Points for Pipe Masters: The event will offer 15,000 points, making it the most valuable stop on the tour.
A Historic Shift in Surfing
The WSL’s decision to move the Pipe Masters back to the end of the season is a response to feedback from surfers, fans, and stakeholders. CEO Ryan Crosby emphasized the importance of Pipeline in surfing history, stating, "Pipeline has always held a special place in surfing history, and our fans have made it clear they want to see our sport’s most critical moments unfold there."
Starting in April 2026, the CT will run through December, featuring a total of 12 events:
- Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia
- Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
- Snapper Rocks, Queensland, Australia
- Punta Roca, El Salvador
- Saquarema, Brazil
- Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
- Teahupo’o, Tahiti
- Cloudbreak, Fiji
- Lower Trestles, California, USA
- Surf Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- Peniche, Portugal
- Pipe Masters, Hawai‘i, USA
New Competitive Structure
The revamped format will consist of nine regular-season events, followed by two postseason events. Surfers will carry their best seven results into the postseason, with the final rankings determined by their top nine performances across all events. This structure aims to reward consistent excellence while allowing for dramatic late-season comebacks.
The Pipe Masters will now be worth 1.5 times the points of a standard CT event, reinforcing its status as the ultimate battleground for world titles. The top eight men and women entering the Pipe Masters will benefit from deeper seeding in the event draw, providing a strategic advantage in the high-pressure finale.
Enhancements for Women’s Surfing
The expansion of the women’s field from 18 to 24 surfers is a significant step forward for gender representation in the sport. This change reflects the WSL’s commitment to promoting equality and providing more opportunities for female surfers on the global stage.
Conclusion
As the WSL prepares to celebrate 50 years of professional surfing, the return of the Pipe Masters as the season finale signifies a commitment to honoring the sport’s rich history while embracing innovation. With a new format that emphasizes performance and competition, the 2026 Championship Tour promises to deliver unforgettable moments in the world of surfing, culminating at the legendary Pipeline.
Sources
- Pipeline Returns as Finale in World Surf League Shakeup, Gold Coast Magazine.
- [World Surf League admits horrible mistake, drops "final five" and moves Pipeline back to season ender in ’26!
- BeachGrit](https://beachgrit.com/2025/05/world-surf-league-admits-horrible-mistake-drops-final-five-and-moves-pipeline-back-to-season-ender/), BeachGrit.
- World Surf League revamps Championship Tour format, putting Pipe Masters in the spotlight, NBC Sports.
- World Surf League Scraps Final 5 Format, Will End Season at Pipeline in 2026, The Inertia.
- WSL Returns to Pipeline for Championship Tour Finale Starting in 2026, Shop Eat Surf Outdoor.
