In a significant overhaul marking the 50th anniversary of professional surfing, the World Surf League (WSL) has announced a revamped format for its Championship Tour (CT) 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 at the legendary Pipeline in Hawaii.
- 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 increase from 18 to 24 surfers, enhancing competitive opportunities.
- Elimination of Non-Elimination Rounds: All heats will be elimination rounds, raising the stakes from the start.
- Increased Points for Pipe Masters: The event will offer 15,000 points, 1.5 times more than standard events.
Revamped Championship Tour Format
Starting in April 2026, the CT will consist of 12 events, beginning in Australia and culminating at Pipeline in December. The new format includes:
- Regular Season Events: Nine events where all 36 men and 24 women will compete.
- Postseason Events: Two additional events in Portugal and Abu Dhabi, narrowing the field to 24 men and 16 women.
- Final Rankings: Surfers will carry their best seven results from the regular season into the postseason, with the final rankings based on their best nine results from all 12 events.
The Significance of Pipeline
The decision to return the Pipe Masters to its traditional role as the season finale is a nod to the event’s storied history in surfing. WSL CEO Ryan Crosby emphasized the importance of Pipeline, 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."
The Pipe Masters will not only crown the world champions but will also serve as a high-stakes battleground, with the top eight surfers entering the event enjoying deeper seeding in the draw. This change aims to enhance the competitive intensity and ensure that the most significant moments in surfing occur at this iconic venue.
Changes to Event Structure
In addition to the return of the Pipe Masters, the WSL is implementing several structural changes:
- No More Final Five: The previous format that featured a one-day surf-off for the top five surfers has been scrapped.
- Elimination Rounds: All events will now feature elimination rounds from the start, increasing the pressure on competitors.
- Expanded Women’s Participation: The women’s field will grow, providing more opportunities for female surfers to compete at the highest level.
Looking Ahead
As the WSL prepares for its 50th year, these changes reflect a commitment to honoring the sport’s legacy while adapting to the evolving landscape of competitive surfing. The 2026 Championship Tour promises to deliver thrilling moments and showcase the best talent in the sport, culminating in the revered Pipeline, where champions will be crowned under the most challenging conditions.
The 2026 WSL Championship Tour Schedule:
- CT1: Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia
- CT2: Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
- CT3: Snapper Rocks, Queensland, Australia
- CT4: Punta Roca, El Salvador
- CT5: Saquarema, Brazil
- CT6: Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
- CT7: Teahupo’o, Tahiti
- CT8: Cloudbreak, Fiji
- CT9: Lower Trestles, California, USA
- CT10: Surf Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- CT11: Peniche, Portugal
- CT12: Pipe Masters, Hawaii, USA
With these exciting developments, the WSL is set to redefine the competitive surfing experience, ensuring that the sport continues to grow and captivate audiences worldwide.
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 back as world surf tour finale in 2026, Reuters.
- 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.
