Surfing fans on the Gold Coast have witnessed surfing history this week, with the legendary Kelly Slater confirmed competing on the Challenger Series, the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM.
This news comes hot on the heels of the World Surf League (WSL) announcing wildcards for the 2024 and 2025 Championship Tour (CT), with Slater securing coveted spots in the upcoming Fiji and Tahiti legs.
The G.O.A.T took to the break using a twin fin and seemed to be just enjoying a chance to tackle snapper with only three other surfers, the conditions were a little flat and washed out and when Slater did get a wave it was vintage Kelly with fresh and amazing turns.
Slater, the undisputed king of competitive surfing with an astounding 11 World Titles under his belt, is no stranger to the podium. His trophy cabinet boasts 56 CT event wins, a record that continues to inspire awe. Among these victories are five triumphs at Teahupo’o, Tahiti (2000, 2003, 2005, 2011, 2016) and a remarkable four wins at Cloudbreak, Fiji (2005, 2008, 2011, 2012).
Slater’s prowess extends beyond mere wins. He’s etched his name in surfing history by achieving three Perfect Heats – a feat where a surfer scores two perfect 10-point rides in a single heat. Remarkably, Slater holds the record for two of these Perfect Heats at Teahupo’o (2005, 2016) with the third coming in Fiji (2013). As Slater gracefully winds down his competitive career, these upcoming events in Tahiti and Fiji provide a captivating opportunity to witness his exceptional talent one last time.
Joining Slater in Tahiti will be another surfing icon, five-time World Champion Carissa Moore (HAW). Moore, who announced a break from full-time competition earlier this year, enthusiastically accepted the wildcard invitation. Vahiné Fierro (FRA), a 24-year-old Tahitian surfer who consistently shines at Teahupo’o, has secured the second wildcard spot. Fierro boasts two consecutive third-place finishes at the Tahiti Pro, a testament to her mastery of her home break. The remaining men’s wildcard for the Tahiti Pro will be determined through a local Teahupo’o Trials competition scheduled for May 18th and 19th.
The two remaining wildcards for the Fiji Pro, encompassing both the men’s and women’s categories, will be chosen by the WSL Commissioner’s Office closer to the event date.
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, the WSL has also announced its Season Wildcards. Lakey Peterson (USA) and João Chianca (BRA) will be joining the CT for the first half of the season. These wildcards were awarded following Peterson’s narrow miss at the Mid-Season Cut after the Western Australia Margaret River Pro. Peterson, a formidable competitor who has secured six CT victories throughout her career, will undoubtedly be a force to be reckoned with on her return.
Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) and Filipe Toledo (BRA), who previously announced one-year sabbaticals from full-time competition, were previously confirmed as Season Wildcards, granting them entry to all competitions in the first half of the 2025 CT season.
Also this morning the World Surf League confirmed Snapper Rocks will return to the Championship tour in 2025, through until 2028.
