Australia’s Molly Picklum has claimed her maiden World Surf League (WSL) World Champion title, triumphing at the season-ending WSL Finals held at the iconic Cloudbreak in Fiji. The 22-year-old showcased remarkable consistency and skill throughout the year, culminating in a dominant performance to secure the coveted crown. Brazilian Yago Dora also clinched the men’s world title in a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 Championship Tour season.
Key Takeaways
- Molly Picklum secured her first WSL World Champion title.
- Yago Dora won the men’s WSL World Champion title.
- The WSL Finals were held at the renowned Cloudbreak in Fiji.
- Picklum’s victory marks the first Australian world champion since Stephanie Gilmore in 2022.
Picklum’s Path to the Title
Molly Picklum entered the Lexus WSL Finals Fiji as the surfer to beat, having secured victories in the two preceding Championship Tour events. Her consistent performance throughout the 2025 season, including holding the number one ranking for much of the year, earned her a direct spot in the final showdown. In the title decider against American Caroline Marks, Picklum faced an early setback, losing the first heat. However, she rallied with exceptional wave scores, including a near-perfect 8.83 for a long tube ride in the second heat, forcing a title-deciding match. She sealed her victory with the highest single-wave score and highest two-wave total of the finals, a remarkable 16.93 points, solidifying her status as world champion.
"I really feel like this is the cherry on top of what I’ve done to my career and my personal life, really turning things around," said a jubilant Picklum. "It’s such a trip and something you can never take away from me to be a world champion. To get this after such an amazing season is so special and something I’ll remember for life."
Men’s Championship Decided
In the men’s competition, the path to the title was equally intense. Brazilian Yago Dora emerged victorious, out-surfing Griffin Colapinto in the final heat with a score of 15.66 to 12.33. Colapinto had a strong showing throughout the finals, overcoming challenges from Italo Ferreira and Jordy Smith, but ultimately fell short against Dora’s masterful performance.
A Season of Ups and Downs
The 2025 WSL Championship Tour featured a diverse range of iconic surf breaks, from the powerful barrels of J-Bay to the challenging waves of Teahupo’o. Picklum’s journey included wins at the Lexus Tahiti Pro and a second-place finish at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, demonstrating her dominance. Other notable performances throughout the season included victories by Jordy Smith at the Margaret River Pro and Italo Ferreira at the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, highlighting the depth of talent on the tour.
