The opening round of the 2025 Championship Tour (CT) event at Pipeline saw all five former men’s event winners advance straight into the Round of 32. However, only two—Jack Robinson (AUS) and Kelly Slater (USA)—managed to secure heat wins, setting the tone for an exciting competition.
Jack Robinson Sets the Bar High
Defending event champion Jack Robinson wasted no time making his mark, scoring the first excellent wave of the season. The 27-year-old Australian locked into a deep Backdoor barrel on his very first wave, earning an impressive 8.00—the highest single-wave score of the day. His calculated approach saw him cruise to victory over Liam O’Brien (AUS) and rookie Al Cleland Jr. (MEX).
“Jack’s back,” Robinson said after his win. “It’s been a long time that I’ve been coming here, like 16, 17 years now, and every time you go out there you still just respect it, but that was a beautiful way to start.”
Kelly Slater’s Experience Shines at Pipeline
At 52 years old, 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater continues to prove his mastery of Pipeline. Competing in his 33rd CT event at the legendary break, Slater won his first heat at the venue since his most recent CT victory there in 2022. His precise wave selection and expert positioning allowed him to outmaneuver 2019 World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) and 2024 Challenger Series winner Samuel Pupo (BRA).
“It’s, to some degree, like riding a bike, but each day is different, conditions are a little different,” Slater explained. “You’ve got to remember, not every wave at Pipe and Backdoor is in the same spot. Depending on the swell direction and the size, it moves around a lot.”
Slater, competing as a wildcard in 2025, strategically waited for the right opportunities, while Ferreira focused on progressive maneuvers. The veteran’s patience and experience ultimately secured him the heat win.
Florence Advances, But Gouveia Steals the Spotlight
Reigning World Champion and 2021 event winner John John Florence (HAW) looked comfortable at his home break but was bested by Ian Gouveia (BRA), who took the win with a deep Backdoor barrel. Gouveia’s 7.67 ride was the highest of the heat, marking a triumphant return to the CT after last appearing on Tour in 2018.
“It feels amazing, I’ve been emotional because it was hard,” Gouveia admitted. “I had a really hard time during my pre-season. I was in Sao Paulo City for five months without surfing, without being in the water. I really didn’t know how it was gonna work out for me.”
His determination paid off, as he and Florence advanced to the Round of 32, sending wildcard Eli Hanneman (HAW) into the Elimination Round.
Toledo Joins the Winners’ Circle
Gouveia was one of only two Brazilian men to claim a heat win in the Opening Round, alongside two-time World Champion Filipe Toledo. Returning from a season away, Toledo made his presence known by landing one of the biggest airs of the day, securing progression ahead of 2024 event winner Barron Mamiya (HAW).
Event on Hold, Next Call in Two Days
Following an exciting Opening Round, event organisers have placed the competition on hold. The next call will be made in two days, determining when the action will resume at Pipeline.
