Australia’s surfing stars shone brightly today as Isabella Nichols and Jack Robinson claimed career-defining victories at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Stop No. 5 of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT).
It was a monumental day at the famed Bells Beach, with both surfers earning their first-ever wins at one of the sport’s most iconic events, forever etching their names into surfing history and on the iconic Bells Trophy and winners staircase.
Jack Robinson Rings the Bell and Climbs the Rankings
Jack Robinson’s path to victory was a story of patience, precision, and a touch of inspiration. After a somewhat slow start to his 2025 season, the Western Australian charged back in spectacular fashion, taking out his eighth career CT event and propelling himself up six spots to No. 3 on the world rankings.
“It’s a special day. I have my whole family here, everyone is here. All my team, my whole crew,” Robinson said, overwhelmed with emotion following his Final win. “Right before the Semifinals, we were watching footage of [Joel] Parko and Mick [Fanning] surfing Bells, and then we watched Taj [Burrow], Andy [Irons], and Kelly [Slater], and I was all fired up. I drew some inspiration from those guys. I just channelled that and thought ‘be in the moment.’”
Facing off against childhood friend and Olympic Silver Medalist Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) in the Final, Robinson demonstrated strategic mastery. While Igarashi stayed busy, chasing multiple waves, Robinson remained patient, waiting for the right moments. With less than ten minutes remaining, Robinson unleashed on his second scoring wave, delivering a massive carve followed by a powerful layback snap to earn a 7.77 out of 10, securing an unassailable total of 14.14.
“I thought there was going to be more waves in the Final. I just had to get in front of Kanoa; it was kind of getting slow, and I needed to turn the heat on,” Robinson reflected. “Surfing is wild, the way that it chooses you. I’m super blessed, and I’m just really grateful. It hasn’t really sunk in. I’m just enjoying it, enjoying the moment, and that’s what it’s all about.”
Robinson’s victory sees him join a revered list of surfing legends whose names adorn the prestigious Bells Trophy, further cementing his status as one of his generation’s best.
Isabella Nichols Claims Emotional Victory at Bells Beach
In the women's draw, Isabella Nichols produced the performance of her career to win her second CT event, defeating Brazil’s Luana Silva in a stunning Final. The win catapults Nichols to fourth in the world rankings, setting her up perfectly as the Championship Tour shifts focus to Australia’s east coast.
“Words can’t describe how I’m feeling right now. This is definitely the best day of my life,” Nichols said, visibly moved after the final siren. “Ever since winning in Margaret River three years ago, I’ve just been chasing this feeling ever since, and I never thought that feeling could be topped, but getting carried up the stairs by my dad and coach and having most of my family here, it’s just an emotion I can’t describe.”
Nichols dominated from the outset in the 40-minute Final, locking in an outstanding 8.33 on her opening ride thanks to a series of committed rail turns and critical snaps. She backed it up with a 7.93, reaching an unbeatable heat total of 16.26. Silva, despite her best efforts and a strong start with a 6.67, could not match Nichols’ commanding performance.
“A comp win is a comp win, but being proud of your performance you’ve put in through the week and through the month is something different,” Nichols reflected. “How you surf is one thing but for me it’s so much about the decisions you make in a heat and I’ve been coming out of the water proud of that and feeling like I’m in a rhythm for the first time.”
Having narrowly missed the Mid-season Cut in previous seasons, Nichols’ triumph at Bells marks a significant turning point. Her readiness was evident, with years of preparation in the challenging conditions of Bells Beach paying off when it mattered most.
“I’ve been coming to Bells for years, training in conditions like this, so I felt really ready for today,” Nichols said.
Bells Beach closes out and Burleigh Heads is the Next Stop
Thousands of fans flocked to Bells Beach over the long weekend, lining the shores to witness the drama unfold. Finals Day delivered semi-clean, four-to-six-foot waves at the Bells Bowl, providing a fitting arena for an event steeped in over sixty years of history.
For both Jack Robinson and Isabella Nichols, they will carry in momentum into the Gold Coast round when the World Surf League touches down at Burleigh Heads later this month.
