In a thrilling day of world-class surfing at Punta Roca, Gabriela Bryan of Hawaii and South Africa’s Jordy Smith emerged victorious at the 2025 Surf City El Salvador Pro — the fourth stop of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). Both surfers showcased skill, resilience, and an unshakeable competitive spirit as they carved their way through pumping four-to-six-foot sets to claim their respective wins.
Bryan Claims Second Career CT Win in Style
Gabriela Bryan secured her second CT title with an emphatic win over Australia’s Isabella Nichols. It’s a huge milestone for the 23-year-old, who not only notched back-to-back finals appearances at the Surf City El Salvador Pro but also climbed to World No. 2 in the CT rankings.
“That was such an insane rollercoaster Final,” Bryan said after her victory. “I made some mistakes, but I was just thinking, ‘Please give me one more wave, and I won’t mess it up.’”
Bryan’s aggressive forehand approach paid off early, opening the Final with a strong 6.50. Nichols quickly answered back with a 6.57, setting the tone for a tightly contested heat. Things took a tense turn when Bryan’s board buckled mid-heat, forcing her into a board change that briefly handed Nichols the lead.
But when Punta Roca served up another clean set, Bryan pounced — delivering a string of power gouges to earn a commanding 7.83. That wave sealed the deal, as a lull in the swell kept Nichols from finding the score she needed before the final horn.
“I’ve had an amazing time in El Salvador, and I love it here,” Bryan added. “Right-hand point breaks are my favorite, and this is one of the best in the world. Getting to compete at it is amazing.”
Knocking Out the Champ
Bryan’s road to the Final was anything but easy. In the Semifinals, she faced reigning World Champion Caity Simmers (USA) in a rematch of their 2024 El Salvador clash. Simmers opened strong with the highest score of the heat and caught one of the day’s biggest sets. But Bryan’s consistency and sheer power proved decisive, as she once again edged out the champ to advance.
With this win, Bryan adds to her growing list of 2025 accomplishments, including a victory at the Western Australia Margaret River Pro and a runner-up finish at the MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal. Her current momentum places her firmly in contention for her first-ever WSL Final 5 berth.
Smith Dominates in All-South African Showdown
In the men’s Final, Jordy Smith put on a vintage performance to claim his seventh career CT win, defeating fellow South African Matthew McGillivray in a historic matchup. At 37, Smith’s experience and poise were on full display as he took control from the outset.
The opening exchange was swift and decisive. Smith dropped a 7.33 straight out of the gates, while McGillivray faltered on his first wave. Smith then backed it up with a solid 6.93, putting him firmly in the driver’s seat. Although McGillivray responded with a 5.00, time ran out before he could mount a full comeback.
“I think just for South Africa in general, this means a lot. I can’t believe it, to be honest,” said Smith, who was visibly emotional after his win.
In a touching moment, Smith dedicated his win to his family: “If I could dedicate this to two people. My wife, and all the wives and husbands who let us do this, it means the world to me. And to my father. I wanted to ride my father’s board in this Final and win on it, and to do it is incredible.”
He also praised his opponent and longtime friend: “I can’t say enough good words about Matthew [McGillivray]. He’s a long-time friend and to share a Final with him is really, really special.”
The Rankings Shake-Up
Smith’s victory pushes him to No. 5 in the rankings, placing him firmly in the World Title conversation as the CT season continues. For Bryan, the move to World No. 2 positions her as one of the top contenders for a spot in the WSL Final 5 — a remarkable trajectory for the 2022 Rookie of the Year.
As Punta Roca once again proved itself a world-class stage, both winners left El Salvador with more than just trophies. For Bryan, it was confirmation of her rise among the elite. For Smith, it was a hard-fought return to the top — a reminder of what perseverance and passion can achieve.
