World Champions to be decided in WSL Final Series kicking off today

World Champions to be decided in WSL Final Series kicking off today

The WSL Final Series stage is set in Lower Trestles with the top five men and women touching down in San Clemente, California ahead of the event this week.

The stage is set in Lower Trestles, with the top five men and women touching down in San Clemente, California, ahead of the WSL Final Series holding period starting this week.
In what is to be a historic event with the new format seeing the finals running over one day and with two World Champions being crowned in the water in a winner takes all format.

“To win the third World Title is my biggest goal,” said two-time WSL Champion and World No. 1, Gabriel Medina. “It’s amazing to win the title. All the surfers I look up to have won 3 titles, so I really want to do that. I know it’s gonna be hard, but I’ve been training hard, surfing every day, and I want to make it happen.”

World Champions to be decided in WSL Final Series kicking off today
The 2021 World Title trophies are ready for the next WSL Champions at the Rip Curl WSL Finals. Credit: © WSL / Diz

“It would be really special to win a World Title in this new format, here in Lower Trestles,” said four-time WSL Champion and Olympic gold medalist Carissa Moore (HAW). “I have four amazing women in the showdown, so I really have to put my head down and work for this one, but if it works out, it will be super special.”

The forecast for The Rip Curl WSL Final Series

For the opening days of the holding period, a small mix of southerly swells from the Southern Hemisphere should produce chest to shoulder-high surf.

The waves are expected to pick up on September 11 – 12. The forecast indicates that another strong South Pacific storm will develop over the following weekend, potentially sending a larger SSW swell for the 13 – 15.

World Champions to be decided in WSL Final Series kicking off today
SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, USA – SEPTEMBER 7: The Top 5 Women Finalists at the press conference before the Rip Curl WSL Finals on September 7, 2021, at Lower Trestles, San Clemente, California. (Photo by Pat Nolan/World Surf League)

The 2021 Rip Curl WSL Final Series New Format

The top-ranked male and female surfers, Medina and Moore, will have a major advantage over the other WSL Final 5 contenders as they will be seeded directly into the Title Match, a best-of-three showdown to determine the World Champion. The remaining surfers will enter the Rip Curl WSL Finals bracket based on their year-end rankings. The women will be the first to take the water with Match 1 and alternate with the men for the remainder of the day.

Match 1 will see Johanne Defay (FRA) take on 7X WSL Champion Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), followed by rookie Morgan Cibilic (AUS) and Conner Coffin (USA). Both matches will have a traditional heat format in a head-to-head competition. The winners will advance to Match 2, where they will face world No. 3 on the WSL Leaderboard: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) and Filipe Toledo (BRA).

The winner of Match 2 will then face-off against the number two ranked surfers, the Brazilian duo Weston-Webb and Ferreira, in Match 3. The winners of Match 3 will move on to the best-of-three Title Match, where they will face the World Number 1 Moore and Medina in a head-to-head competition with a traditional heat format. The first surfer to win two out of three heats becomes the undisputed 2021 World Champion.

Who will be crowned the next WSL World Champion?

SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, USA - SEPTEMBER 7: The Top 5 Men Finalists at the press conference prior to the commencement of the Rip Curl WSL Finals on September 7, 2021 at Lower Trestles, San Clemente, California. (Photo by Thiago Diz/World Surf League)
SAN CLEMENTE, CALIFORNIA, USA – SEPTEMBER 7: The Top 5 Men Finalists at the press conference before the commencement of the Rip Curl WSL Finals on September 7, 2021, at Lower Trestles, San Clemente, California. (Photo by Thiago Diz/World Surf League)

Owen George

Owen George

Editor & Chief of Gold Coast Magazine is a lover of great coffee and sharing the stories of the people, places, and events that make the Gold Coast such a great city

In a surprising turn of events, Black Hops Brewery announced today via social media that the company would be entering voluntary administration

In a surprising turn of events, Black Hops Brewery announced today via social media that the company would be entering voluntary administration

Widespread media reports are announcing the cancellation of the 2024 Splendour in the Grass Event just two weeks after they announced this years lineup.

Widespread media reports are announcing the cancellation of the 2024 Splendour in the Grass Event just two weeks after they announced this years lineup.

Uncover the secret to an unforgettable Easter feast with Elk Espresso's tantalizing Bird's Nest Hotcakes - your taste buds won't want to miss this!

Uncover the secret to an unforgettable Easter feast with Elk Espresso’s tantalizing Bird’s Nest Hotcakes – your taste buds won’t want to miss this!

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Zanthii Communications' Director, Joanne Rahn, and her mother, Marilyn West, recently hosted their 18th consecutive Sovereign Islands &

In a heartwarming display of community spirit, Zanthii Communications’ Director, Joanne Rahn, and her mother, Marilyn West, recently hosted their 18th consecutive Sovereign Islands & Surrounds Monthly Community Luncheon

With the Rip Curl Pro on the horizon, Bells Beach is set to become the ultimate battleground for surfing's finest, where adrenaline-pumping action and perfect

With the Rip Curl Pro on the horizon, Bells Beach is set to become the ultimate battleground for surfing’s finest, where adrenaline-pumping action and perfect waves collide across the easter break

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Boo Seeka as we explore the creative process behind his latest album 'Midnight Highlight' and gear up for

Join us for an in-depth conversation with Boo Seeka as we explore the creative process behind his latest album ‘Midnight Highlight’ and gear up for his nationwide tour

Discover Act of Treason: Australia's pioneering agave spirit reshaping the global landscape. Read more about its innovative journey in Queensland

Discover Act of Treason: Australia’s pioneering agave spirit reshaping the global landscape. Read more about its innovative journey in Queensland

Dine amidst nature at Farm & Co Restaurant in the Tweed Valley. Offering farm-fresh, organic eats on a 52-acre farm, it's a perfect mix of

Dine amidst nature at Farm & Co Restaurant in the Tweed Valley. Offering farm-fresh, organic eats on a 52-acre farm, it’s a perfect mix of rustic charm and gourmet flavours.