Competition kicked off at the 2025 Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA, Stop No. 11 of 12 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2025 Championship Tour (CT), with one of the world’s heaviest waves delivering thrilling opening action in heaving eight-to-ten-foot barrels. The men’s Opening Round and Elimination Round were nearly completed, with the final heat of the Elimination Round to be held when competition resumes. The next call will be tomorrow, Friday, August 8, at 6:30 a.m. TAHT for a possible 7:05 a.m. start.

As the race for the Final 5 heads towards its conclusion, the extreme nature of the venue and talent of the local Event Wildcards wreaked havoc on multiple men fighting for a chance to compete for the 2025 World Title. It also provided the opportunity for certain contenders to rise to the occasion.

Men’s Final 5 Takes Shape at ‘The End of The Road’

Griffin Colapinto (USA, above) made his intentions seriously clear on Day 1 in Tahiti, posting an excellent two-wave total of 18.00 points (out of a possible 20) for a committed backside tube riding performance. Colapinto, who has been a standout all week in the incredible freesurf sessions, comes into this event sitting outside the Final 5 and needing a massive result to earn a ticket to Fiji to fight for his maiden World Title. The San Clemente local is continuing to build momentum in 2025, and this week has shown he wants nothing more than to paddle over the ledge and earn that opportunity at a Title fight.  

“This week has been amazing,” Colapinto said. “I’ve had so many experiences and emotions, getting some of the waves of my life, some of the biggest wipeouts of my life, it’s had it all. But this is why I started this, because you’re always chasing that best wave of your life. Competition is important to me, but so is getting the best wave of my life. I’m feeling really good at the moment, and although a couple of rankings thoughts have popped into my head, I’m just trying to stay present. I won my first heat, so I’m stoked. This place is so special, and I think the better you flow with the wave, the more it’s going to reward you.” 

CT veteran Jordy Smith (RSA, above) has narrowly missed another early-round elimination here in Tahiti after recently relinquishing his spot at the top of the rankings. Smith, who was sent to the Elimination Round, was put on the ropes by local wildcard Teiva Tairoa (PYF) in Heat 2, needing a solid score with less than ten minutes left to earn a spot in the Round of 16. Tairoa posted an 8.33 (out of a possible 10) on a bomb, which kicked Smith into gear. The South African eventually dropped late into one of the bigger waves of the heat, only just sneaking under the lip before pulling in deep and getting spat out to earn a 9.50, the highest single ride of the day. Smith will head to the Round of 16, and has now clinched his spot in the WSL Final 5 as he turns his attention to locking in a top 2 spot ahead of Fiji. 

“I’m just so stoked, bro,” Smith said. “I just told myself, ‘I know you can do this, Jordan,’ and I just believed in myself to the end. I spoke to a friend earlier, and he told me all the things that I needed to hear to just get out of my own way. Now I’ve clinched, I’m like, now we’re having fun, boy.”

The first heat of the event witnessed reigning event winner Italo Ferreira (BRA, above) move one heat closer to clinching his spot in the WSL Final 5, taking an impressive heat win over fellow Tahiti Pro winner Miguel Pupo (BRA) and Teahupo’o standout Seth Moniz (HAW). Ferreira surfed a relatively seamless heat, posting several decent scores early to take the win as he begins to eye a shot at a second World Title with a Final 5 berth in 2025. 

Australia’s Ethan Ewing (AUS) was unlucky to end up in the Elimination Round after finishing runner-up to Cole Houshmand (USA) in the Opening Round. Houshmand took the heat win and progression into the Round of 16 despite Ewing posting an excellent heat total of 16.57, leaving the 26-year-old to battle it out with good friend Moniz in order to keep his Final 5 dreams alive. In a must-win scenario to stay viable for the Lexus WSL Finals in Fiji later this month, Ewing edged ahead of the Hawaiian with a pair of well-read barrels earning mid-range 7s.

Tahitian Duo Through to Round of 16 on Day 1 

It’s not often that an Event Wildcard comes into a competition as one of the absolute favourites to claim the win, but with a CT runner-up finish and an Olympic Gold Medal at Teahupo’o, Kauli Vaast (FRA, above) is always a threat when the world’s best come to his hometown. The exciting goofy-footer put on a clinic on Day 1, threading a number of exceptionally deep, wide open tubes, to take a heat win with a 16.33 two-wave total. Vaast will now take on Jordy Smith (RSA) in the Round of 16 as he looks to claim his maiden CT victory on home soil. 

“I missed the last swell we had here last week because I was competing in Huntington,” Vaast said. “I was so sad about it, so to come home and have a week like we’ve had is amazing. It’s been a year this week since I won my Gold Medal. I’ve been surfing amazing waves with my siblings, and today I made my heat with perfect waves, so I’m really happy right now. I have a runner-up on the CT here, so I really want to get the win this time.” 

Mihimana Braye (PYF) caused a massive upset in the Elimination Round, taking down World No. 3 Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) in one of the slower heats of the day. Both surfers struggled to find the right position as conditions slowed, and it was the Tahitian who was able to refocus and post two small scores and take the win. Igarashi will have to wait for the rest of the event to unfold to find out if he is able to hang onto his position inside the Final 5 ahead of Fiji. Braye will now shift his focus to World No. 1 Yago Dora (BRA), who he will match up with in Heat 5 of the Round of 16.

World’s Best Thrive in Heaving Waves at Teahupo’o 

San Clemente standout Cole Houshmand (USA, above) put on one of the standout performances of Day 1, posting two excellent rides for a heat total of 17.73 to send Final 5 hopeful Ethan Ewing (AUS) into the Elimination Round. Houshmand looked comfortable on his frontside, pulling in deep and late to stand tall in some of the biggest tubes of the day, the highlight being a near-perfect 9.00 point ride. After claiming a win in Brazil just over a month ago, Houshmand hopes to finish his season strong and improve his seed ahead of the 2026 season. 

“This is technically why you do it,” Houshmand said. “This is the dream tour, and the waves are firing. I busted up my elbow when I got here on the tow swell and haven’t really surfed much, so that was like my first legit wave of the trip. I’m loving it, it’s just so fun to get waves like this. The goal is Finals Day, and to try to win the event, that’s always the goal, but especially with this event. This is the one that you look at all year and dream of winning. I just want to finish the year strong.” 

2025 CT Rookie Alan Cleland (MEX) has claimed yet another buzzer-beater win in his maiden year on tour, this time to dispatch one of the event favourites, Barron Mamiya (HAW, above). The Elimination Round matchup was always bound to be an exciting one, with both surfers already putting on amazing performances at Teahupo’o this week. The pair opened the heat with solid scores, but it was Mamiya who was able to back it up and take the heat lead. Cleland was unable to find a solid backup and was left needing a near-excellent score to get the win. With only seconds remaining, Cleland scooped into a bomb, disappearing from view before getting blown into the channel to earn an 8.70 and the win, removing Mamiya from Final 5 contention in 2025.  

“This is what I surf my whole life for,” Cleland said. “These moments under pressure, when you need a score, I can feel my Mexican blood come into play, and I can just stay so calm in those moments. I messed a few up in my first heat, so I was so focused on being under that one. Barron is a good friend of mine and someone I’ve always looked up to, so it was great to go wave-for-wave with him. This is surreal to be here in Tahiti for my first time surfing a CT and getting a win. I love this place and all the people here, it’s amazing.” 

A day after catching one of the biggest waves of his life, Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) has booked a spot in the Round of 16 with a solid Opening Round heat win at Teahupo’o. Fioravanti has kept his Final 5 hopes alive, and with the eliminations of Barron Mamiya (HAW) and Filipe Toledo (BRA), things are looking a little more hopeful for the current World No. 10.  

2023 Tahiti Pro winner Jack Robinson (AUS, above) also put on a clinic to keep his Final 5 hopes alive, threading a number of deep, thick tubes to win his Opening Round heat with a total of 15.23.

For highlights and more information from today’s competition at the Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA Men’s Opening Round Results: 

HEAT 1: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 14.90 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 12.54, Miguel Pupo (BRA) 11.17

HEAT 2: Kauli Vaast (FRA) 16.30 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 14.50, Jake Marshall (USA) 11.66

HEAT 3: Crosby Colapinto (USA) 8.60 DEF. Jordy Smith (RSA) 4.76, Mihimana Braye (PYF) 2.83

HEAT 4: Yago Dora (BRA) 13.67 DEF. Joel Vaughan (AUS) 7.60, Teiva Tairoa (PYF) 3.60

HEAT 5: Cole Houshmand (USA) 17.73 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 16.57, Rio Waida (INA) 7.26

HEAT 6: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 18.00 DEF. Alan Cleland (MEX) 13.20, Connor O'Leary (JPN) 13.03

HEAT 7: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 13.33 DEF. Joao Chianca (BRA) 12.83, Filipe Toledo (BRA) 10.16

HEAT 8: Jack Robinson (AUS) 15.23 DEF. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 8.43, Marco Mignot (FRA) 5.80

Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA Men’s Elimination Round Results: 

HEAT 1: Jordy Smith (RSA) 16.00 DEF. Teiva Tairoa (PYF) 13.43

HEAT 2: Alan Cleland (MEX) 16.53 DEF. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 15.37

HEAT 3: Mihimana Braye (PYF) 7.50 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 2.80

HEAT 4: Joao Chianca (BRA) 15.33 DEF. Connor O'Leary (JPN) 11.67

HEAT 5: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 15.07 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 13.00

HEAT 6: Marco Mignot (FRA) 9.27 DEF. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 7.83

HEAT 7: Rio Waida (INA) 12.17 DEF. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 3.17

HEAT 8: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS)

Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA Men’s Elimination Round of 16 Matchups: 

HEAT 1: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs. Kauli Vaast (FRA)

HEAT 2: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)

HEAT 3: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Rio Waida (INA)

HEAT 4: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA)

HEAT 5: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Mihimana Braye (PYF)

HEAT 6: Cole Houshmand (USA) TBC

HEAT 7: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Alan Cleland (MEX)

HEAT 8: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA)

Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA Women’s Opening Round Matchups: 

HEAT 1: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)

In her first full year riding her own surfboard brand, XO Coco, Coco Ho let the year unfold on her own terms — traveling, surfing, and trusting her boards in every lineup. With a 3-4 board quiver from the line, Coco put her boards to the test across various continents and conditions. Featuring fun in France, South Africa, Abu Dahbi and Hawaii. Along the way, she shared waves and good energy with friends, all while refining and reconnecting with her love for surfing. A relaxed approach defined the year—perhaps her best one yet—rooted in joy, exploration, and the evolving rhythm of XO Coco.

Sawyer Lindblad Earns Second US Open of Surfing Victory

19-year-old Sawyer Lindblad (USA) added her name to US Open of Surfing history once again with her second event victory, joining the likes of Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Courtney Conlogue (USA), Brett Simpson (USA), Kanoa Igarashi (USA), and more in rarified air. Lindblad’s win in 2023 helped secure her spot on the Championship Tour (CT), where she went on to become Rookie of the Year and now awaits her 2026 season after requalifying for the CT earlier this year.

“It feels pretty good. The first time I felt like I wasn’t expecting it, and this time I felt more pressure. Tya [Zebrowski] was surfing super good so congrats to her and I’m just so grateful to have one here again with my family here,” said Lindblad. “I feel like I’ve definitely grown as a surfer. My first win got me onto the CT and set me up for my career, and this one just feels extra special especially after not making the cut. I knew I could’ve made a charge for the Final 5 if I didn’t get cut so it felt like this is a good redemption.”

A battle of event standouts unfolded for the women’s Final with a quick start from Zebrowski over Lindblad. 14-year-old Zebrowski accrued a 12.34 (out of a possible 20) in the first five minutes of the Final before Lindblad found a gem to unleash her backhand attack on a two-turn combo and earn a 6.50 to close the gap on Zebrowski. A crucial exchange at the 20-minute mark witnessed Lindblad utilize her forehand power, earning a 6.23 and the lead before Zebrowski answered back moments later on a forehand combination all her own. But the score fell just short of the requirement, and Lindblad remained in the lead.

Then, Lindblad showcased more of her forehand dominance and laid into a closeout section with everything she had to post a 6.67 and push the lead. Zebrowski’s last effort witnessed the teenager soar and nearly land an air-reverse. But, she couldn’t stick the landing and Lindblad claimed her second US Open of Surfing title.

“All year I worked really hard, and it felt deflating when it wasn’t playing out in the competitions, just not hitting in the heats,” continued Lindblad. “But this feels really good and like it pays off. Thank you to everyone for watching and supporting me, and thank you to my family for coming down with me every day.”

Lindblad showed her desire for a second event title throughout the weekend with some of the event’s best performances. Lindblad’s forehand power, along with her backhand precision, carried her through Finals Day, starting with former CTer Sophie McCulloch (AUS). Then, Lindblad took down fellow 2026 CT requalifier Brisa Hennessy (CRC) in a stout Semifinal clash that propelled her toward a second US Open of Surfing Final.

Levi Slawson Claims Major Breakthrough, Completes Southern California Sweep

Encinitas, Calif., competitor Levi Slawson’s (USA) resume is packed with accolades, including multiple Qualifying Series and Pro Junior wins, a runner-up at the WSL World Junior Championships, and now a US Open of Surfing title after overcoming perennial qualification threat Mateus Herdy (BRA) in a nail-biting finish. Slawson now moves to No. 4 on the rankings on his quest to qualify for the 2026 CT.

“I’ve worked so hard for these kind of moments through my career and I’ve watched the US Open my whole life, and I’ve never even dreamt of being here,” said Slawson. “Being in the Final with Mateus was so hard. He’s such a good surfer and you can’t really give him anything. In the end that wave looked terrible and he almost pulled it off. It’s just pouring out of me now. This whole week I’ve just been trying to keep my cool and I’ve surfed here so many times, and just focus on good surfing. It’s really come down to me just focusing on myself and believing in myself and just trusting everything. I’m in disbelief.”

The men’s Final featured two of the Challenger Series’ top-tier talents with 2024 Challengers, No. 20 Slawson and No. 12 Herdy. Both posted multiple excellent showings throughout their run to the Final, and Slawson started with fireworks on a massive air-reverse to post a 7.33 for an early lead. Herdy stayed busy and took a slim lead over Slawson with two minimal scores, but Slawson responded with a two-turn combination on his backhand to post a 6.17 and push Herdy’s requirement to a 7.93 heading into the 20-minute mark.

But, it all came down to the final moments with Herdy desperately searching for the score and, under priority, sent himself soaring and reemerged from the white water. The score came in at a 7.77, just under the requirement, and Slawson earned a maiden Challenger Series victory and piece of US Open of Surfing history.

14-Year-Old Tya Zebrowski Leads Next Generation with Runner-up Finish

Next-gen phenom Tya Zebrowski (FRA) continues to take the world by storm and now moves to No. 1 on the Challenger Series. The Tahitian, Zebrowski, had to overcome recent Ballito Pro winner Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) in a Quarterfinal battle where she posted a 9.00 (out of a possible 10) before a nail-biter victory over rising talent Annette Gonzalez Extabarri (EUK). This marked Zebrowski’s first Final appearance on the 2025 Challenger Series as she heads to Portugal in commanding form.

“It feels so good. I’m just really happy to be No. 1 on the Challenger Series rankings now and really happy to make it to the Final,” said Zebrowski. “I really wanted to do better after getting second at Ericeira last year, but I feel so happy to start really good this season and hope to continue like that. My goal this year is to qualify, and now I just want to stay in the Top 5 and realize my dream."

Mateus Herdy Reasserts Himself as Leading Qualification Threat

Renowned Challenger Series contender Mateus Herdy (BRA) proved he remains a perennial qualification threat with jaw-dropping performances from start to finish. Herdy’s aerial antics set him apart throughout the week, culminating in an event-best 9.50 in his Quarterfinal heat with Dimitri Poulos (USA) before a gritty Semifinal bout against compatriot and former CTer Michael Rodrigues (BRA). Now, Herdy sits at No. 2 on the rankings, moving into the Ericeira Pro.

“I didn’t win, but I think surfing itself won. It was a great Final with Levi [Slawson] in a Snapt 5 Final,” said Herdy. “I’m so thankful for everything that has happened here with my family here, all my friends, it’s pretty awesome. I really wanted to win, but it was Levi’s day and I’m ready for the rest of the year. I’ve been so close to qualifying so many times I don't want to jinx it. I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing. All my sponsors, I can’t thank them enough, and just want to keep going for the rest of the year.”
The next stop on the 2025 Challenger Series is the Ericeira Pro, which holds a competition window from September 29 to October 5, 2025.

For more information and highlights from today’s competition at the Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Lexus US Open of Surfing Women's Final Results:
1 - Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 13.17
2 - Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 12.57

Lexus US Open of Surfing Men's Final Results:
1 - Levi Slawson (USA) 13.50
2 - Mateus Herdy (BRA) 13.27

Lexus US Open of Surfing Women's Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 10.07 DEF. Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 9.50
HEAT 2: Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 12.40 DEF. Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) 11.16

Lexus US Open of Surfing Men's Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Mateus Herdy (BRA) 13.04 DEF. Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 11.56
HEAT 2: Levi Slawson (USA) 13.43 DEF. Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 11.93

Lexus US Open of Surfing Women's Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 12.53 DEF. Vahine Fierro (FRA) 10.33
HEAT 2: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 12.00 DEF. Sophie McCulloch (AUS) 9.84
HEAT 3: Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 15.10 DEF. Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) 13.50
HEAT 4: Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) 12.93 DEF. Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 12.50

Lexus US Open of Surfing Men's Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Mateus Herdy (BRA) 16.33 DEF. Dimitri Poulos (USA) 14.57
HEAT 2: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 12.76 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 12.37
HEAT 3: Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 12.20 DEF. Taro Watanabe (USA) 10.07
HEAT 4: Levi Slawson (USA) 15.33 DEF. Kade Matson (USA) 14.20