It’s official: three-time World Champion John John Florence (HAW) is locking back into the competitive frame, confirming his return to the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) for the 2026 season.
The WSL awarded Florence the Season Wildcard, granting him full-time entry back into the lineup after a year spent chasing unseen lines and embracing life outside the contest jersey.
Florence made the decision to step away from the CT at the start of 2025, right after claiming the World Title—a true power move for the reigning champion. The 33-year-old used the time off to focus on surfing opportunities that didn’t involve a heat clock, notably exploring the remote South Pacific in a sailboat alongside his young family. Currently, he continues his adventure, sailing toward Australia as he films an upcoming series in partnership with YETI. During this sabbatical, he has sailed the Pacific, exploring remote islands and waves with his wife, Lauryn, and one-year-old son.
Speaking to the significance of this break and the opportunity to return, Florence shared his perspective on the decision:
“I really appreciate the WSL extending me this Wildcard,” said Florence. “Having the time to explore and surf new waves with my family at this point in our lives has been a dream for us.”
The John John Story, So Far
Florence’s return follows a monumental 2024 season, where he capped a dramatic comeback by claiming the World Title in his first and only appearance in the WSL Finals, entering the event as the top seed. Before that victory, he had already secured back-to-back Titles in 2016 and 2017, despite years subsequently plagued by injury. His ability to return to the top tier of the sport was widely lauded by fans and fellow competitors.
His competitive pedigree is unquestionable. Widely considered one of the greatest surfers of all time, Florence holds a record unmatched in the sport: he is the only competitor to have won both the prestigious Eddie Aikau Big Wave Invitational and the World Title in the same season. His trophy case also holds five Triple Crown of Surfing Champion titles and two Olympic appearances.
Since arriving on the CT as an 18-year-old during the Mid-Season Rotation in August 2011, Florence quickly established his authority. He finished 2012 ranked World No. 4, earned his first of nine CT event wins that year at the Rio Pro, and claimed Rookie of the Year honors over his biggest rival, Gabriel Medina (BRA).
Throughout his career, Florence has amassed a solid collection of 18 Perfect 10-point rides through a variety of mind-blowing performances, including two earned during the 2024 season. His dominance at waves like the Western Australia Margaret River Pro has seen him redefine how the wave itself is ridden.
The 2026 Road Map for Florence
The newly redesigned Championship Tour for 2026 marks the CT’s 50th anniversary. When Florence paddles out, he will begin and end the season at locations where he has previously claimed victory. The action opens at Bells Beach, Australia, on April 1, 2026, and concludes on his home turf: the North Shore of O‘ahu. The season finale, the Pipe Masters in December, now carries more weight than ever before in the World Title race.
For a surfer who grew up right on the beach at Pipeline—a spot synonymous with world-class surfing—the 2026 season provides a stunning setting for this highly anticipated comeback, ensuring the competitive scene will be watching every move of the veteran insider.
