The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy has truly come alive, with the Bells Bowl pumping out four-to-six-foot waves that made for a memorable ANZAC Day showdown. Crowds braved the rain and were treated to some of the best performances of the 2025 men’s Championship Tour season so far, as the men’s Round of 32 and first five heats of the Round of 16 wrapped up in style.
Leading the charge was defending Bells champion Ethan Ewing (AUS), who threw down an eye-watering two-wave total of 18.76, showcasing his incredible speed and power. Ewing’s dominant performance left Connor O’Leary (JPN) trailing and confirmed once again why he’s the man to beat at Bells Beach.
“That was such a fun heat,” Ewing beamed. “I’ve had some shockers out here with consistency, so it felt nice to get some waves and for the Bowl to give me one back.”
Before Ewing stole the spotlight, California’s Jake Marshall (USA) posted the event’s highest heat total at the time, an 18.33, knocking out Joao Chianca (BRA) with some razor-sharp carves in the bowl. Although Chianca fought back with an impressive 8.07 ride, it wasn’t enough to catch Marshall, who now gears up to face Yago Dora (BRA).
“That was insane, the best heat of my career for sure,” said a stoked Marshall. “When I paddled out, I was just thinking, ‘This is why we do this.’ It’s not even about winning or losing – it’s just about putting on a show.”
The day also delivered one of the biggest upsets, with Rip Curl Trials winner Morgan Cibilic (AUS) stunning World No. 6 Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) to earn his spot in the Quarterfinals. The local energy and ANZAC Day spirit were strong for Cibilic, who shared, “It went real slow in that heat, and went in my favour, and I just feel like that had something to do with it, so I’m stoked.”
Veteran campaigners also showed their Bells Beach experience, with Filipe Toledo (BRA) and Jack Robinson (AUS) advancing after solid performances. Toledo’s flair was on full display with a mix of airs and smooth rail work, while Robinson overcame a spirited effort from Jackson Bunch (HAW), who scored the highest single-wave score of their matchup.
Meanwhile, former Bells champ Jordy Smith (RSA) booked his Quarterfinals spot with a win over Joel Vaughan (AUS), and Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) kept his Bells dream alive with a gritty performance.
Today Call is On
Today, the action is set to continue as competition has been called ON at Bells Beach. The final three heats of the men’s Round of 16 will kick off at 12:05 p.m. AEST, followed by the women’s Quarterfinals and the first two men’s Quarterfinal heats. Although the conditions have turned a bit bumpy with onshore four-to-five-foot surf, the stage is set for another thrilling day at one of surfing’s most iconic locations.
