Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Kicks Off 50th World Tour Season Amidst Wildcard Drama and Star Power

Stay updated on the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach 2026, including wildcard winners, star surfers like Medina and Ferreira, and the 50th anniversary of the World Tour.

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Kicks Off 50th World Tour Season Amidst Wildcard Drama and Star Power

The iconic Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach is set to ignite the 2026 World Surf League Championship Tour, marking the 50th anniversary of the tour. This year's event, presented by Bonsoy, will open the season for the first time in 25 years, bringing together an unprecedented field of world champions and promising thrilling competition at the legendary Bells Bowl.

Key Takeaways

  • Xavier Huxtable and Ellie Harrison have earned wildcard spots into the main event.
  • The 2026 season features a record number of World Champions.
  • Top surfers like Gabriel Medina and Italo Ferreira are warming up for the competition.
  • The event celebrates the 50th year of the World Tour.

Wildcards Earned Amidst Trials

Local talents Xavier Huxtable and Ellie Harrison have secured their coveted wildcard spots in the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. The trials, held in challenging 2-3ft conditions at Winki Pop, saw Huxtable dominate the men's field, posting a heat total of 13.66 to defeat fellow Surf Coast surfer Willis Droomer. Harrison claimed the women's spot with a strong performance, scoring 13.33 in her final.

"I'm so frothing, but it's all a bit of a blur. All year I have been thinking about getting back into the main event and to be back in is amazing," said Huxtable. Harrison expressed similar excitement, stating, "I feel really good and I’m really happy to be back in the main draw. It was a tricky day of competition but I’m happy to be back competing against my idols and the best surfers in the world at home."

A Star-Studded Lineup

The 2026 season boasts the largest-ever field of World Champions, with ten title winners set to compete. Reigning champion Molly Picklum leads the women's field, which includes returning legends Stephanie Gilmore and Carissa Moore, alongside Tyler Wright, Caity Simmers, and Caroline Marks. On the men's side, Brazilian powerhouses Gabriel Medina, Italo Ferreira, Filipe Toledo, and Yago Dora are all vying for another title.

"I honestly think this is going to be an incredibly exciting year," said Picklum. "It’s so fitting that after 50 years we’re going back to the dream tour and crowning world titles at Pipeline. Having more World Champions on tour than ever before says it all."

A Milestone Celebration

This year's Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach marks a significant milestone, celebrating 50 years of the World Tour. The event will feature a combined 12-stop global tour with an increased women's field and a revitalized format culminating in a high-stakes showdown at Pipe. The WSL has launched a new campaign, "Imagine What’s Next," to honor the sport's history while looking towards its future.

Top surfers, including Gabriel Medina and Italo Ferreira, have been seen warming up in perfect offshore conditions at Bells, signaling their readiness for the season opener. The competition is scheduled to run from April 1st to April 11th.

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