On May 10, 2025, Filipe Toledo and Bettylou Sakura Johnson emerged victorious at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro, held at Burleigh Heads, Queensland. This event marked a significant moment in the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, showcasing thrilling performances from both champions in front of a vibrant crowd.
Key Takeaways
- Filipe Toledo claimed his 16th career win, defeating Julian Wilson in a rematch of their 2015 final.
- Bettylou Sakura Johnson secured her first CT victory, overcoming Sally Fitzgibbons in the women’s final.
- Both winners advanced to No. 6 in the world rankings following their impressive performances.
Filipe Toledo’s Historic Win
Filipe Toledo, a two-time WSL Champion, returned to the tour after a year-long break, marking his comeback with a spectacular performance. The Brazilian surfer faced off against Australian Julian Wilson, who was competing as a wildcard after a hiatus from the Championship Tour.
Toledo set the tone early in the final with an impressive 8.53 score, followed by a 9.07, showcasing his skill and determination. Wilson responded with strong performances, scoring 8.80 and 8.40, but ultimately fell short, with Toledo finishing at 17.60 to Wilson’s 17.20.
Toledo expressed his gratitude, stating, "First of all, I just want to thank God to bring me back here. It feels damn good to be back."
Bettylou Sakura Johnson’s Maiden Victory
In the women’s final, Bettylou Sakura Johnson, a 20-year-old from Hawaii, claimed her first CT win against veteran Sally Fitzgibbons. Johnson dominated the heat, starting strong with an 8.50 on her first wave and finishing with a total score of 15.33, while Fitzgibbons managed only 7.83.
Johnson’s victory was particularly significant as she had faced challenges throughout the year, including injuries. "This is the best feeling in the world," she said. "It’s taken a lot of hard work and perseverance to put everything together."
Event Highlights
- Men’s Final Results:
- Women’s Final Results:
Looking Ahead
With this victory, both Toledo and Sakura Johnson have positioned themselves well in the rankings, now sitting at No. 6 in the world. The next stop on the WSL Championship Tour is the Margaret River Pro, scheduled from May 17 to 27, 2025, where competitors will aim to secure their spots ahead of the mid-season cut.
The Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro not only celebrated the return of seasoned surfers but also highlighted the emergence of new talent, setting the stage for an exciting season ahead in competitive surfing.
Sources
- Filipe Toledo, Bettylou Sakura Johnson Win 2025 Gold Coast Pro, SURFER Magazine.
- City Life Org – Filipe Toledo and Bettylou Sakura Johnson Win Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM, City Life Org.
- Filipe Toledo denies Australian wildcard Julian Wilson fairytale in epic WSL final | Surfing, The Guardian.
