The World Surf League (WSL) has unveiled a significant revamp of its Championship Tour (CT) format, set to take effect in 2026. This overhaul marks the 50th anniversary of professional surfing and aims to enhance the competitive landscape by returning the iconic Pipe Masters to its rightful place as the season finale, alongside other key changes to the event structure.
Key Takeaways
- The Pipe Masters will return as the final event of the season, awarding 15,000 points.
- The mid-year cut and non-elimination rounds will be eliminated.
- The women’s CT field will expand from 18 to 24 surfers.
- The season will consist of nine regular-season events followed by two postseason events.
New Championship Tour Format
Starting in April 2026, the CT will feature a total of 12 events, beginning in Australia and concluding at Pipeline in Hawaii. The new format will consist of:
- Nine Regular-Season Events: Surfers will compete in nine events, with the top performers advancing to the postseason.
- Two Postseason Events: The field will be narrowed to 24 men and 16 women for two critical events in Portugal and Abu Dhabi.
- Final Event at Pipeline: The season will culminate at the Pipe Masters, where the top eight surfers will have an advantage in seeding.
Changes to Scoring and Structure
The scoring system will also see a significant shift:
- Surfers will carry their best seven results from the regular season into the postseason.
- The final rankings will be determined by the best nine results out of 12 events, combining regular-season and postseason performances.
- The Pipe Masters will now be weighted more heavily, making it the most consequential event on the tour.
Enhanced Opportunities for Women
In a move to promote gender equality in the sport, the women’s CT field will expand from 18 to 24 surfers. This change aims to provide more opportunities for female surfers and enhance global representation in the sport.
CEO’s Vision for the Future
WSL CEO Ryan Crosby emphasized the importance of these changes, 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 new format is designed to honor the legacy of surfing while pushing the sport forward into a new era of competition.
2026 Championship Tour Schedule
The 2026 CT will include the following events:
- Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia
- Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia
- Snapper Rocks, Queensland, Australia
- Punta Roca, El Salvador
- Saquarema, Brazil
- Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
- Teahupo’o, Tahiti
- Cloudbreak, Fiji
- Lower Trestles, California, USA (end of regular season)
- Surf Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (postseason)
- Peniche, Portugal (postseason)
- Pipe Masters, Hawaii, USA (finale)
With these changes, the WSL aims to create a more dynamic and engaging Championship Tour that reflects the evolving nature of surfing and meets the expectations of both fans and athletes alike. The return of the Pipe Masters as the season finale is particularly significant, promising to deliver thrilling moments and high-stakes competition as surfers vie for the world title in the sport’s most iconic setting.
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.
- 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.
- WSL Returns to Pipeline for Championship Tour Finale Starting in 2026, Shop Eat Surf Outdoor.
- Breaking: Pipeline To Return As Final CT Stop For 2026, While Mid-Year Cut And WSL Finals Will Depart, Stab Mag.
