WSL Surges Globally: New Philippine Events and Key Partnerships Boost 2026-2027 Season

The World Surf League announces exciting new international events in the Philippines for 2026-2027 and a renewed partnership with eyewear brand I-SEA, alongside the 2026/27 Challenger Series schedule.

WSL Surges Globally: New Philippine Events and Key Partnerships Boost 2026-2027 Season

The World Surf League (WSL) is set to significantly expand its global footprint with the announcement of two new international events in the Philippines for 2026 and 2027, alongside a multi-year renewal with official eyewear partner I-SEA. These developments underscore the WSL's commitment to growing the sport and providing more opportunities for surfers worldwide.

Key Takeaways

  • Two new international WSL events are coming to the Philippines in 2026 and 2027: the Siargao International Surfing Cup (QS 6000) and the La Union Longboard Classic (WSL Longboard Tour).
  • The WSL has renewed its partnership with I-SEA as the Official Global Eyewear Partner of the Championship Tour for 2026 and 2027.
  • The 2026/27 Challenger Series schedule has been released, featuring five events across five countries.
  • A new category of Qualifying Series (QS) 6,000 International events has been introduced to provide more pathways to the Championship Tour.

Philippine Expansion Boosts Global Surfing Scene

The Philippines will host two significant WSL events, marking a substantial strengthening of ties between the WSL and the Philippine Sports Commission. The Siargao International Surfing Cup, a Qualifying Series 6000 International event, will take place at the iconic Cloud 9 from October 16-25, 2026. This event is designed to attract top international talent aiming to qualify for the elite Championship Tour.

Complementing this, the La Union Longboard Classic, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, will be part of the elite WSL Longboard Tour, running from January 20-24, 2027, at Urbiztondo Beach. This inclusion highlights La Union's status as a major longboarding hub in Asia.

These elevated events, secured for at least two years, are expected to draw competitors from up to 50 nations, stimulating local economies and showcasing the Philippines' world-class waves and hospitality.

New QS 6,000 International Events and Challenger Series Schedule

In addition to the Philippine events, the WSL is introducing a new category of Qualifying Series 6,000 International (QS 6,000 INTL) events for 2026. These events will award 6,000 ranking points and be open to international competitors, offering crucial opportunities for surfers to improve their rankings towards Championship Tour qualification. Confirmed QS 6,000 INTL events for 2026 include Brazil, the Philippines, and Taiwan.

The 2026/27 Challenger Series (CS) schedule has also been unveiled, featuring five events across South Africa, California (USA), Brazil, Portugal, and Newcastle (Australia), running from July 2026 to March 2027. The top 10 men and top six women from the CS will qualify for the 2027 Championship Tour.

I-SEA Renews Partnership with WSL

Further solidifying its global presence, the WSL has announced a multi-year renewal with I-SEA as the Official Global Eyewear Partner of the Championship Tour for 2026 and 2027. This partnership extension includes I-SEA returning as the Presenting Partner for the Tahiti CT event, the Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA.

I-SEA will also be an official sponsor of the WSL Rising Tides program, an initiative focused on inspiring the next generation of surfers by connecting them with WSL athletes and local legends. This collaboration emphasizes a shared commitment to environmental sustainability and the growth of the surf community.

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