The 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) saw history unfold as Caity Simmers (USA) and Italo Ferreira (BRA) emerged victorious at the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, the second stop of the season. In a thrilling event held at the state-of-the-art Surf Abu Dhabi wave pool, Simmers defeated Molly Picklum (AUS), while Ferreira overcame Rio Waida (INA) to claim top honours. With these wins, both surfers now lead the world rankings as the tour heads towards its next destination.
Simmers Returns to World No. 1 with Dominant Performance
At just 19 years old, Caity Simmers has already cemented herself as a formidable force in professional surfing. The reigning World Champion secured her seventh CT victory in what was her ninth career Final, showcasing her mastery of high-pressure situations.
Coming off a runner-up finish at the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI, Simmers displayed remarkable composure throughout the event. Her Semifinal match against Gabriela Bryan (HAW) was a standout, featuring a contrast in styles—Bryan’s aggressive approach versus Simmers’ smooth, calculated manoeuvres. The Californian’s highest single-wave score of the event, a 9.57, came from a well-executed roundhouse cutback that set a unique line through the wave pool.
In the Final against Picklum, the drama intensified. After a strong start, Simmers needed a big score on her last wave to secure the win. Rising to the occasion, she delivered a flawless backhand blitz, leaving both competitors anxiously waiting in the shallows for the final call. The judges ruled in favour of Simmers, solidifying her place at the top of the rankings.
Reflecting on her victory, Simmers expressed gratitude for the moment and her competitors:
“All I can think of is really just how thankful I am, honestly. I’m thankful for surfing, for just being able to ride waves. It’s like the funnest thing ever, I really enjoy it. And I’m thankful for Molly because she makes me surf my best, and I feel like we both do that to each other, so that’s always fun.”
The event, powered by Kelly Slater Wave Company (KSWC) technology, provided a controlled yet challenging setting, with three-foot waves running consistently through the arena. While slight wind conditions came into play at times, the format ensured a level playing field for all competitors.
Ferreira Claims 10th CT Victory, Reclaims Yellow Jersey
Italo Ferreira’s journey back to the World No. 1 ranking has been nothing short of inspiring. After a turbulent 2024 season, which saw him narrowly escape the Mid-season Cut, the 2019 World Champion rebounded with a win at the Tahiti Pro and a strong finish to the year. Carrying that momentum into 2025, Ferreira’s Semifinal finish at Pipeline and his dominant victory in Abu Dhabi now place him atop the leaderboard.
Ferreira’s Finals Day dominance was on full display, beginning with a commanding Quarterfinal win over Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) in a rematch of their Tokyo 2020 Olympic Gold Medal showdown. He then faced Jack Robinson (AUS) in the Semifinals, where he continued to elevate his performance, posting a 17.37 heat total. His signature speed and power through the lip earned high scores throughout the event, and in the Final against Rio Waida (INA), he locked in the victory with just his first two waves.
Speaking after his 10th CT win, Ferreira shared his excitement about competing in the wave pool format:
“Wow, I was super excited. I woke up today and I was like watching, moving, like, preparing my mind for those runs. In a wave pool it’s always super exciting when I have a wave or have a chance to perform. You’re always going harder and bigger and that’s what I did, you know. I was so glad to have those moments and have all my team behind.”
With Ferreira now leading the WSL Championship Tour, all eyes turn to the next stop in Portugal, where both he and Simmers will look to defend their positions at the top.
