Gabriela Bryan (HAW) and Jordy Smith (RSA) have claimed victory at the Western Australia Margaret River Pro, Stop No. 7 on the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), cementing their status as the leading contenders in this year’s title race.
Despite slower conditions at Main Break and a shortened Finals Day schedule, the pair delivered commanding performances to secure their second CT wins of the season—both having also triumphed earlier this year in El Salvador. Their consistency has earned them the top spots on the leaderboard as the Tour heads to the Lexus Trestles Pro in San Clemente, California.
Gabriela Bryan Makes Margaret River Her Own
At just 23, Gabriela Bryan has turned Margaret River into a personal stronghold. After earning her first CT Final appearance at the venue in 2022 and securing her maiden CT win there in 2024, she returned this year in the Yellow Leader Jersey. With her latest win, Bryan not only goes back-to-back at the event but also maintains her position as World No. 1.
"It's incredible, I mean, I tried not to think about going back-to-back, but how cool it would have been to see my name twice on the stairs, one after the other," said Bryan. “So yeah, it's a really cool accomplishment.”
Bryan’s performance in the Final was nothing short of dominant. Facing off against reigning World Champion Caity Simmers (USA), Bryan opened with a career-best single-wave score of 9.50, followed by a 7.83, putting Simmers in a combination situation. The 19-year-old Simmers, who started strong with a 7.17, couldn’t match Bryan’s explosive execution.
"I'm honestly speechless, I don't even know what to think," Bryan said of her 9.50 ride. "I just kind of went out there, like just got to surf my heart out, and that's what I did on that wave."
Bryan also posted an excellent 16.34 heat total in the Semifinal against Lakey Peterson (USA), underlining her current form and comfort in the jersey she once feared losing. “I thought I lost it over at Burleigh and then to come back with a win and now to wear it at Lowers. I can't wait to compete there,” she said.
Jordy Smith Adds Another Jewel to His Long Career
On the men’s side, Jordy Smith showed that age is no barrier to brilliance. Competing in his 18th season, the South African veteran secured his second CT win of the year — and the first time he’s done so in a single season.
Smith now leads the men’s field as World No. 1, reigniting his World Title hopes after finishing runner-up in 2010 and 2016. “It feels incredible, I think it's just a testament to like, every day keep showing up, trusting what you're doing,” Smith said.
The Final against Griffin Colapinto (USA) unfolded in small, inconsistent surf, with only three waves ridden. Smith capitalised early, scoring an 8.50 with a diverse set of manoeuvres, while Colapinto was left chasing a second wave that never materialised.
"I'm so stoked bru," said Smith. “This is for Jack McCoy. He passed away just recently. It's someone that's inspired me throughout my whole life.”
Smith’s road to the Final included navigating a wide spectrum of conditions at Margaret River, from the massive Main Break to the perfection of The Box. As the Tour heads to Lower Trestles — one of the venues where Smith has previously claimed victory — he stands poised for a serious run at the World Title.
