​The race for the 2026 World Surfing Title is heading to uncharted Championship Tour territory. Next week, the world’s best surfers will gather at Cloud 9 on the picturesque island of Siargao for the inaugural Philippines Pro Presented by the Philippine Sports Commission. Running from October 31 through November 10, 2026, Stop No. 11 of the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) marks the biggest surfing event ever held in the Philippines.
Following victory at Supertubos in Portugal for Griffin Colapinto (USA) and Molly Picklum (AUS) in pumping waves, the world’s best surfers shift across the globe seeking more time in heavy barrels. Cloud 9 has hosted international competition since 1996 and annual Qualifying Series events since 2014. The slabbing peak delivers right-hand barrels that finish in a bowled-out end section built for big turns and bigger aerials, providing a canvas for high-performance surfing.
Adding further anticipation to the event, 19-year-old Gold Coast surfer Sierra Kerr has accepted the wildcard slot. Ranked as the highest APAC competitor on the Challenger Series, Kerr recently secured her official spot on the 2027 Championship Tour.
The 2023 World Junior Champion has built strong momentum throughout 2026. Kerr claimed a victory at the US Open of Surfing in August to take the Challenger Series lead, following a runner-up finish at the World Junior Championships in La Union earlier this year. Her history at Cloud 9 includes an impressive Qualifying Series event win in 2024, making her familiar with the venue ahead of her elite CT wildcard appearance.
Known for her technical aerial ability and tube riding in heavy waves, Kerr views the wildcard as an opportunity to test herself against elite talent before her rookie 2027 campaign.
“I’m super excited to receive the wildcard to the event at Cloud 9,” Kerr said. “I came here two years ago, and it immediately was one of my favorite places I’ve ever competed at. It’s got really good waves, great food, great people. It’s just a really great place, and I’ve been wanting to come back ever since then. To come back here for a CT is amazing, and I just hope we get some really good waves. I’m so stoked to be a part of it and to come back to a place where I have had a win. Getting this news right after I qualified for the CT next year was surreal. I’m so excited to be on the tour competing against all of my friends and the world’s best surfers, traveling the world and surfing all of the best waves. This is just the start of it, so I’m really excited to get a taste of what it’s all about.”
Catch Sierra Kerr and the Worlds Best at Cloud 9
As the competition window approaches, Cloud 9 will offer a high-performance canvas for the world’s best surfers seeking crucial World Title points in the Philippines.
