The World Surf League (WSL) has unveiled a significant revamp of its Championship Tour (CT) format for the 2026 season, marking a return to the iconic Pipeline Masters as the season finale. This change comes after years of criticism regarding the previous format, which included the controversial Final Five.
Key Takeaways
- Pipeline Masters returns as the season-ending event for the 2026 Championship Tour.
- The Final Five format has been scrapped, with a cumulative ranking system reinstated.
- The women’s field will expand from 18 to 24 surfers, promoting greater inclusivity.
- Non-elimination rounds will be eliminated, increasing the stakes for every heat.
New 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 will feature:
- Regular Season Events: Nine events where all 36 men and 24 women will compete.
- Postseason Events: Two events in Portugal and Abu Dhabi, narrowing the field to 24 men and 16 women.
- Final Event: The Pipe Masters, where the top surfers will compete for the world title.
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 Return of Pipeline Masters
The Pipeline Masters, known for its challenging waves and rich history, will now award 15,000 points—1.5 times more than standard CT events. This change emphasizes the importance of the event in determining world champions. WSL CEO Ryan Crosby stated, "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."
Changes to the Competition Structure
The WSL has made several key adjustments to enhance the competitive experience:
- Removal of Non-Elimination Rounds: All heats will result in elimination, raising the stakes for competitors.
- Expanded Women’s Field: The women’s CT will grow from 18 to 24 surfers, providing more opportunities for female athletes.
- Cumulative Rankings: The return to a cumulative ranking system allows for a more traditional approach to crowning champions, moving away from the one-day surf-off format.
Anticipation for the 2026 Season
As the WSL approaches its 50th anniversary, the changes reflect a commitment to evolving the sport while honoring its roots. Surfers and fans alike are excited about the return to Pipeline as the season finale, with many expressing their enthusiasm for the new format.
Former champions like Kelly Slater and John John Florence have praised the decision, highlighting Pipeline’s significance in the sport. Florence remarked, "It’s one of the most perfect, yet challenging waves on the planet, and it’s where some of our sport’s most iconic moments have unfolded."
Conclusion
The 2026 Championship Tour promises to be a thrilling season for surfers and fans, with a format designed to enhance competition and showcase the best of professional surfing. As the WSL prepares for this new chapter, the return to Pipeline as the season’s grand finale is sure to create unforgettable moments in the world of surfing.
Sources
- [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.
- World Surf League returns to Pipeline end-of-year event, big changes for 2026 – Orange County Register, Orange County Register.
