In an action packed finals day of breathtaking performances and unforgettable moments, Caity Simmers (USA) and John John Florence (HAW) emerged as the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) World Champions. Both athletes entered the Lexus WSL Finals as the No. 1 seeds, proving their dominance by securing their titles in front of a roaring crowd at Lower Trestles. It marks a historic day for the sport as both Simmers and Florence become the first pair to defend their top seed position since the WSL Finals format was introduced in 2021.
Caity Simmers Becomes Surfing’s Youngest World Champion
At just 18 years old, Caity Simmers has redefined the limits of professional surfing, clinching her maiden World Title in only her second year on the Championship Tour (CT). The Oceanside, California native faced a formidable opponent in reigning WSL Champion Caroline Marks (USA) during the final, with the competition culminating in a nail-biting three-heat showdown.
Simmers’ final heat total of 18.37 – the highest in the WSL Finals – was a defining moment, showcasing her explosive power, fluid style, and undeniable talent. Her win marks California’s first women’s World Title in 40 years, cementing her legacy as a game-changer for the sport.
“It means so much,” Simmers said after her victory. “I was going through every single emotion today, and it feels crazy. I can’t believe it. I was feeling so much love from everyone. You can look at it like it’s all for yourself, or you can look at it like it’s for those people who support me.”
Simmers’ path to glory this season has been nothing short of remarkable. She collected multiple CT wins, including the Lexus Pipe Pro, Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, and Vivo Rio Pro, while also making her Olympic debut earlier this year.
Battle of the Champions: Simmers vs. Marks
In one of the most intense women’s finals in recent memory, the first heat saw Marks take an early win, thanks to her outstanding backhand technique that scored a 9.60, the highest single wave score for women in the Finals. However, Simmers came back stronger in the second heat, posting an excellent 9.17, followed by a near-perfect 9.20, leaving Marks playing catch-up.
The third and final heat proved to be the decider, with Simmers’ flawless execution earning her an 8.33, which put her firmly in the driver’s seat. Marks fought back with a solid 7.17, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Simmers, who ultimately secured her first World Title.
Reflecting on her approach to the final match, Simmers said, “I wanted to go out there and just dance and surf how I wanted to surf, not like there was so much weight on it. Everyone’s here because surfing is so great. We’re just out there riding waves.”
John John Florence’s Triumphant Return
On the men’s side, John John Florence cemented his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats, claiming his third World Title after an epic final against Brazil’s Italo Ferreira. The victory marked the end of a seven-year journey plagued by injuries, with Florence returning to the top of the world rankings for the first time since 2017.
The 31-year-old Hawaiian, long considered a prodigy in the sport, first won his World Title in 2016 and repeated the feat in 2017. However, a series of injuries derailed his momentum in subsequent seasons. Today’s win solidifies his place among the legends of surfing, joining an elite group of surfers like Gabriel Medina (BRA), Mick Fanning (AUS), and Andy Irons (HAW) with three World Titles.
“I’m tearing up,” Florence said. “I can’t believe it. The last seven years have been so tough. There were so many injuries, and just fighting back to be in this position. My family, my wife, my son, my team – everyone helped me get here.”
A Clash of Titans: Florence vs. Ferreira
Florence’s road to victory was anything but easy. In the first heat of the men’s final, Ferreira came out swinging, forcing Florence into a combination situation early on. But Florence responded with a score of 7.17, setting the stage for a dramatic comeback. In the dying moments of the heat, Florence unleashed a powerful forehand attack, scoring an 8.33 and turning the tide in his favour as the horn sounded.
The second and final heat saw Florence deliver a near-flawless performance, opening with a 9.70, the highest single wave score in WSL Finals history. Despite Ferreira’s valiant effort, which included two excellent rides, Florence’s lead was too great to overcome.
“What a day,” Florence said. “It’s been a really hard road getting here. To be part of the list of names with three World Titles is incredible. I’m stoked to tie it with Gabe [Medina]. He’s such a fierce competitor.”
A New Era of Surfing Champions
With their victories, Caity Simmers and John John Florence have ushered in a new era of surfing. Simmers’ rise to the top signals a changing of the guard in women’s surfing, while Florence’s return proves that perseverance pays off. Both champions have set the bar high for the next generation of surfers and have left an indelible mark on the sport.
As the sun sets on the 2024 WSL Championship Tour, the world will now look ahead to what the future holds for these two extraordinary athletes.
