In a significant overhaul marking the 50th anniversary of professional surfing, the World Surf League (WSL) has announced a revamped Championship Tour (CT) format. Starting in 2026, the iconic Pipe Masters will return as the season finale, reshaping the competitive landscape of the sport.
Key Takeaways
- Return of Pipe Masters: The Pipe Masters will be the final event of the season, held in December at Pipeline, Hawaii.
- New Format: The CT will consist of 12 events, including nine regular-season contests and two postseason events.
- Cumulative Rankings: Surfers will carry their best seven results into the postseason, with the final rankings based on their top nine performances across the season.
- Increased Stakes: The Pipe Masters will offer 15,000 points, making it the most valuable event on the tour.
- Expanded Women’s Field: The women’s CT will grow from 18 to 24 surfers, enhancing competitive opportunities.
Revamped Championship Tour Structure
The 2026 CT will kick off in April in Australia and conclude at Pipeline in December. This new schedule aims to optimize conditions for surfers and enhance the overall viewing experience. The tour will feature:
- Regular Season Events: Nine events where all surfers compete.
- Postseason Events: Two events that will narrow the field before the finale.
- Final Event: The Pipe Masters, where world champions will be crowned.
Changes to Competitive Format
The WSL has scrapped the controversial "Final Five" format and the elimination rounds, opting for a more traditional cumulative ranking system. This means:
- Surfers will carry their best seven of nine results from the regular season into the postseason.
- The final rankings will be determined by the best nine results from the 12 events.
- The top eight men and women entering the Pipe Masters will receive deeper seeding in the event draw, providing a strategic advantage.
Significance of Pipeline
Pipeline is revered in the surfing community, known for its challenging waves and rich history. WSL CEO Ryan Crosby emphasized the importance of this venue, 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."
Expanded Opportunities for Women
The changes also reflect a commitment to gender equality in the sport. By increasing the women’s field from 18 to 24 surfers, the WSL aims to provide more competitive opportunities and representation in professional surfing.
Conclusion
As the WSL prepares for its 50th year, these changes signal a new era for professional surfing, blending tradition with innovation. The return of the Pipe Masters as the season finale not only honors the sport’s legacy but also sets the stage for thrilling competitions in the years to come. The 2026 Championship Tour promises to deliver unforgettable moments at one of the most iconic surf locations in the world.
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.
- Pipeline to return as WSL finale with one-day decider scrapped for 2026 | Surfing, The Guardian.
- 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.
