Australian surfing icon Sally Fitzgibbons has officially sealed her spot back among the world’s best, requalifying for the 2026 Championship Tour after completing her Round of 32 heat at the Lexus Pipe Challenger.
The requalification marks a significant achievement for Fitzgibbons, whose campaign to rejoin the CT gained momentum with a massive victory at the Newcastle SURFEST to start the 2025/2026 Challenger Series season. She immediately followed that triumph with an equal third-place finish in Ballito, results that propelled her toward her goal of returning to surfing’s elite level.
Taking to Instagram to share the news with her supporters, Fitzgibbons expressed gratitude for those who have backed her journey.
“Thank you to those who support and believe in the long game… I feel and ride your endless waves of support,” she posted.
The qualification race intensified at the Lexus Pipe Challenger, which saw marquee early eliminations and a reshuffled Top 7 in the Challenger Series rankings. Fitzgibbons’ consistent performance throughout the season ultimately secured her position among the 2026 CT qualifiers.
The next and final stop of the 2025/2026 Challenger Series season awaits at the Newcastle SURFEST in Newcastle, NSW, beginning 9 March through 15 March. The event will decide the remaining CT qualifiers, with competitors vying for their chance to join Fitzgibbons on this year’s Championship Tour.
