​It is time to pack your bags and wax up the boards because the World Surf League (WSL) is bringing the 2026 Championship Tour to the Philippines. Between October 31 and November 10, the iconic Cloud 9 break in Siargao will officially host the world’s top surfers.
The Philippines Pro Presented by the Philippine Sports Commission has been upgraded from a QS 6,000 International event to a highly anticipated Championship Tour stop for both the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The WSL made this exciting addition to ensure they can deliver a minimum of 12 events this season, serving as a proactive measure just in case the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro faces any unexpected delays.
“We’re excited to welcome the Philippines to the Tour thanks to the support of the Philippines Government,” said WSL CEO Ryan Crosby. “Elevating Cloud 9 to CT status reflects both the quality of the wave and the strength of our partnership. It’s a deserving addition to the schedule that will challenge the world’s best surfers as the World Title race enters its final stages.”
A Perfect Barrel Awaits
If you follow surfing closely, you already know about Cloud 9. It is famous for its perfect right-hand tube, serving up some of the most phenomenal barrels on the planet. Naturally, the athletes are eager to hit the water.
Current Men’s CT World Number 1, Leonardo Fioravanti, is already buzzing about the new location. “Going to a new location is always exciting,” Fioravanti said. “I’ve seen some footage of Cloud 9, and it looks like a really fun slab barrel into a big air. I am really excited being a regular footer and getting barreled on my forehand, which kind of only happens when we go to Pipe surfing Backdoor, so I think it’s gonna be super super exciting.”
This event will also shine a spotlight on local talent. Wildcards will go to the man and woman who win the exclusive Philippines Pro CT Trials, held right at Cloud 9 before the main event. The main competition itself will feature a reduced postseason lineup of 24 men and 16 women fighting for crucial ranking points before the season wraps up at the Pipe Masters.
As Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “PatĂ³” C. Gregorio put it perfectly: “The Championship Tour belongs on the world’s greatest waves, and we are confident that Cloud 9 in Siargao, Philippines, is one of them.”
Adjusting the Calendar
To fit this epic new stop into the programme, the WSL has shifted a few dates around. The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro is moving to late November, and the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal is shifting back by six days.
Here is the updated calendar for the remainder of the 2026 WSL Championship Tour:
- Stop No. 7: Teahupo’o, Tahiti, French Polynesia (August 8 to 18)
- Stop No. 8: Cloudbreak, Fiji (August 25 to September 4)
- Stop No. 9: Lower Trestles, San Clemente, California, USA (September 11 to 20)
- Stop No. 10: Peniche, Portugal (October 16 to 25)
- Stop No. 11: Cloud 9, Siargao Island, Philippines (October 31 to November 10) Reduced postseason field
- Stop No. 12: Surf Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE (November 25 to 29) Reduced postseason field
- Stop No. 13: Banzai Pipeline, Hawaiʻi, USA (December 8 to 20) Full CT field rejoins for the title
