The World Surf League (WSL) has announced a significant shift in its Championship Tour (CT) schedule, moving the grand finale to the iconic Banzai Pipeline on Oahu’s North Shore starting in 2026. This move marks a return to a traditional, wave-centric conclusion for the tour, aiming to crown the world’s best surfers at one of the sport’s most legendary breaks. The changes also include a revamped format designed to enhance the competitive structure and celebrate the WSL’s 50th anniversary.
A New Era for the Championship Tour
The 2026 WSL Championship Tour will feature a revamped schedule and format, culminating at Pipeline. This decision comes as the WSL celebrates its 50th anniversary, aiming to honor the sport’s legacy while innovating for the future. The tour will run from April to December, encompassing 12 stops globally, including familiar locations like Australia, Brazil, South Africa, Tahiti, and California, alongside new additions such as Punta Roca in El Salvador and a wave pool in Abu Dhabi.
Key Takeaways
- The 2026 Championship Tour will conclude at Banzai Pipeline, Oahu.
- World champions will be determined by cumulative point totals throughout the season, replacing the previous final-day showdown.
- The women’s CT lineup will expand from 18 to 24 surfers.
- The Pipe Masters will award 15,000 points, making it the most significant event on the tour.
- Vans will transfer intellectual property rights for the Pipe Masters to the WSL, becoming the official footwear and apparel partner.
Format Overhaul
In 2026, the CT will feature a more streamlined competitive structure. The tour will consist of nine "regular season" events, after which the field will be narrowed to the top 24 men and 16 women. These elite surfers will then compete in two "postseason" events: one at Surf Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates and another in Peniche, Portugal. The season will officially conclude with the Pipe Masters, where the final world champions will be crowned.
Surfers will advance based on their best seven out of nine results from the regular season. The overall rankings and world titles will be determined by a surfer’s best nine out of twelve scores from the entire season. Additionally, non-elimination rounds will be removed, meaning a loss will result in immediate elimination from the event.
Pipeline’s Elevated Importance
The Pipe Masters will now carry immense weight, awarding 15,000 points, significantly more than the standard 10,000 points awarded at other CT events. This elevates the legendary North Shore break to the most crucial stop on the tour. All CT surfers, regardless of their standing heading into the final event, will compete at Pipeline, with the top eight men and women receiving deeper seeds in the draw. This change addresses fan feedback, particularly regarding Pipeline’s previous placement at the beginning of the tour in 2021, and aims to create a more compelling and climactic finish to the season.
Sources
- World Surf League’s Championship Tour will end at Pipeline, Spectrum News.
- Inside Pro Surfing: Lexus Pipe Pro presented by YETI 2025, World Surf League.
