The 2025 Gold Coast Open wrapped up in spectacular fashion as Burleigh Heads delivered prime conditions for Finals Day. The three-day event, featuring both the World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 1000 and the Longboard Qualifying Series (LQS), saw high-calibre performances from some of Australia’s best surfers. Former Championship Tour (CT) competitors Sophie McCulloch and Morgan Cibilic emerged victorious in their respective divisions, marking impressive milestones in their careers.
McCulloch’s Triumphant Return
Sophie McCulloch (AUS) made an emotional and commanding return to competition, securing the win in the women’s QS 1000 event. The Sunshine Coast surfer, who had been sidelined by a serious back injury, showcased her resilience and world-class ability in the final showdown against Charli Hately (AUS).
“It feels pretty good to win; there’s a lot of work that has gone in behind the scenes to get back to this level, and the girls were absolutely ripping,” McCulloch said after her victory.
Hately put up a strong fight with sharp, precise manoeuvres, while rising stars Milla Brown and Isla Huppatz also impressed throughout the event. McCulloch acknowledged the high level of competition, crediting her fellow surfers for pushing her to return to peak form.
“The girls have been really pushing me, so thanks to Charli and girls like Milla and Isla, they are just incredible and really motivated me to push through,” she added. “I am happy and proud to have gotten back to where I am, and I’m looking forward to future events.”
Cibilic Claims Victory in a Stacked Men’s Field
Morgan Cibilic (AUS), another former CT competitor, put on a stellar performance to claim the men’s QS 1000 title in a thrilling final against Dakota Walters (AUS). The heat was packed with explosive surfing, with Walters delivering high-risk aerial manoeuvres in an attempt to overtake Cibilic. However, it was Cibilic’s strategic approach and a near-perfect 9.23 ride that sealed his victory.
“Yeah, it feels great. I haven’t had a win in a while, so I’m stoked I was able to get the scores,” Cibilic said. “It’s probably the most stacked QS 1000 you’ll ever see. I was very happy to get a wave with two sections, which gave me a 9.23. It was good fun with Kodes (Dakota); he was absolutely ripping throughout the event.”
Despite Walters’ best efforts, he fell just short of the score needed to overcome Cibilic’s dominance. The Gold Coast Open has proven to be an essential stepping stone for surfers looking to build momentum for the season, and Cibilic’s win reinforces his status as a serious contender for higher-level events.
Longboard Champions Crowned
The longboard divisions also delivered standout performances, with Tully White (AUS) and Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS) claiming top honours in their respective categories.
White defended her title in the women’s longboard QS final, edging out Emily Lethbridge (AUS) in a close-fought battle. Her win at Burleigh Heads—known for its challenging conditions on a longboard—cements her reputation as one of Australia’s top longboarders.
“I’m very stoked! Burleigh is not an easy wave to surf on a longboard, so the win could’ve gone to any of us,” White said. “I recently got a new board from Nettleton, and it felt really fun out there today. It was really nice to share the final with some of my really good friends and take the win.”
The men’s longboard final was a chaotic and thrilling affair, with Kai Ellice-Flint narrowly overcoming two-time Australian Longboard Champion Declan Wyton. The intense four-man heat was decided by just 0.10 points, featuring everything from broken boards to daring wave choices. Ellice-Flint, who opted to surf without a legrope, even had to swim into the rocks to retrieve his board mid-heat.
“I’ve been working really hard, and I am blown away that I got the win,” said Ellice-Flint. “I did a couple of swims because I chose not to wear a leash! I probably shouldn’t be swimming, but I put my heart on the line to go and do well, and I love the thrill of not wearing a leash in heats.”
Gold Coast Open sets the stage for the Championship Tour return later this year.
The 2025 Gold Coast Open once again lived up to its reputation, delivering world-class performances at one of the coast’s iconic locations.
The competition ran from February 14-16 at Burleigh Heads, Queensland. For full event coverage and results, visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
