​Get ready for some serious heat in the tropical waters of Central America. Stop number five of the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) is officially on the horizon, with the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Cero running from June 5 to 15.
Following the historic first CT event in New Zealand, the world’s best surfers are heading to La Libertad to take on the famous cobblestone lineup of Punta Roca, affectionately known as La Punta. Now in its fifth year on the tour, this premier right-handed point break relies on Southern Hemisphere swells to produce pristine, high-performance walls. It is the perfect stage for progression, power, and flow.
Frontrunners and Rookies to Watch
This event is a pivotal moment for competitors looking to cement their rankings or fight their way back into the race. On the women’s side, 2025 event victor Gabriela Bryan from Hawaii returns wearing the coveted yellow leader jersey for the second time this season. For the men, Italo Ferreira from Brazil arrives as a solid frontrunner fresh off his victory at the New Zealand Pro. Unfortunately, 2025 men’s champion Jordy Smith will be sitting this event out due to injury.
The rookie class is also bringing plenty of excitement to El Salvador. Olympic Gold Medalist Kauli Vaast is currently the only rookie sitting inside the men’s Top 22. Meanwhile, Basque Country surfer Nadia Erostarbe, Spain’s very first CT woman, is looking to remain the only rookie closing in on the Top 10. Punta Roca could also provide the perfect spark for young talents like Brazil’s Mateus Herdy and the youngest ever CT qualifier, Tya Zebrowski, to show off their explosive progression. Keep an eye on Luke Thompson and Oscar Berry as well, who both grew up surfing iconic right point breaks.
Veterans Chasing the Title
You can never count out the seasoned veterans when it comes to a crucial stop like El Salvador. Five-time World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Carissa Moore is looking to maintain her winning momentum after a successful run in New Zealand. Meanwhile, legends like eight-time World Champion Stephanie Gilmore, Sally Fitzgibbons, and Kanoa Igarashi are searching for that major spark to launch themselves right back into the World Title conversation.
To watch all the action, please visitWorldSurfLeague.com.
