For the first time in more than a decade, the world’s best surfers are set to compete at Burleigh Heads, as the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) heads to Queensland for the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro presented by GWM. Running from May 3 to 13, 2025, this event marks a much-anticipated return to the Gold Coast for top-tier surfing — the first CT stop here since 2019.
Following straight on the heels of the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, this sixth stop on the 2025 tour comes with plenty of momentum and a few local heroes ready to shine on familiar turf.
Jack Robinson and Isabella Nichols, both hailing from the Gold Coast, rang the Bell in style down south, each taking out their respective events at Bells Beach. Now, they’ll paddle out at Burleigh with the comfort of home advantage, local knowledge, and a fresh boost of confidence.
Adding further excitement to the lineup, Italo Ferreira, despite a surprise Round of 32 exit at Bells, retains the Yellow Leader Jersey as the current men’s rankings leader. The women’s side of the tour has its own shake-up, with Gabriela Bryan stepping into the spotlight as World No. 1 for the first time in her career. Her leap over reigning World Champion Caity Simmers adds a compelling twist to the unfolding season as the tour moves north.
But beyond the rankings and rivalries, the real story might just be the location itself.
Burleigh Heads is more than just a surf spot — it’s a piece of surfing heritage. As part of the Gold Coast World Surfing Reserve, this iconic break has played host to international competitions for nearly 50 years. The headland’s famous cobblestone base and long, right-hand walls make it a dream for surfers and spectators alike. With perfect waves wrapping around the point, it offers up everything from smooth carves to heavy barrels.
This year, the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro will bring that magic back to the CT stage. A high-performance wave by nature, Burleigh is tailor-made for powerful, technical surfing — exactly what the current tour crop is known for delivering.
And it’s not just the location that’s promising. With strong swell expected off the Gold Coast over the coming weeks, organisers are optimistic about an early start to the waiting period, which opens on Saturday, May 3.
With new leaders in the rankings, local champions in top form, the return of 8 time world champion Stephanie Gilmore and the popular return of the Gold Coast to the Championship, this year’s Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro is shaping up to be a standout moment on the 2025 WSL calendar.
The Gold Coast Pro kicks off this Saturday, with conditions predicting a possible early start.
