Wright and Mamiya Win Pipe Pro

Wright and Mamiya Win Pipe Pro

Tyler Wright (AUS) and Barron Mamiya (HAW) won the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI, the the first stop of the World Surf League (WSL) 2025 Championship Tour (CT). Wright claimed victory over Caitlin Simmers (USA), the defending winner and reigning World Champion, while the defending men’s winner, Mamiya, went back-to-back to take the win over 2023 runner-up Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA).

Clean four-to-six-foot swell was groomed by light offshore winds, favouring the longer barrels of Backdoor’s right, but opening up the occasional Pipeline bomb. Though more subdued than the previous day’s swell, the multiple heavy-hitting matches that played out across Finals Day were no less thrilling.

Wright Earns Second Victory at Pipeline, Reclaims Yellow Leader’s Jersey

Featuring in her third Final at the North Shore of O`ahu’s most notorious wave, two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) claimed her 17th CT victory today. The Australian will now enter Stop No. 2 of the 2025 CT season wearing the Yellow Leader’s Jersey, as World No. 1. Previously winning at Pipeline over five-time World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Carissa Moore (HAW) after the event moved from Honolua Bay at the start of the 2021 season, Wright narrowly lost to Moore in the 2023 Final. But today, Wright defeated the reigning World Champion to stand atop the podium once again.

“This is such a special win,” Wright said. “I’m always a little bit scared to love surfing because I’ve been injured so many times. It’s just one of those ones where this has been really nice. Last year, I was injured a lot more than I feel like people thought I was. So to come back and have, like, a really nice off season with my wife. It’s just, it’s so special.”

Representing distinct generations, 30-year-old Wright and 19-year-old Simmers had previously shared a Final in the 2023 Rio Pro, where Simmers took the win. The roles were reversed today, but Simmers started with an early advantage after Wright aggressively paddled for a wave and handed the younger competitor priority. Both surfers missed out on high scores after taking big falls, and it was Wright who found the first score of note after the halfway mark of the heat. That barrel at Backdoor turned out to be the defining moment of the Final and earned Wright the win.

“I think I really tried to bring in a lot more joy, and that’s what I really felt here.” Wright said. “It was so cool to have a Final with [Caitlin] Simmers out there. She’s like the queen of Pipeline to me. And absolutely awesome seeing them have like a little Backdoor shootout in the semi between Molly [Picklum] and Simmers as well.”

Throughout the day, Wright’s speedy forehand barrel technique proved to be unbeatable. The Australian previously overcame 2018 World Title runner-up Lakey Peterson (USA) in the Semifinals, the 16th head-to-head match-up for the two Tour veterans. In a rematch of the same round in 2023, Wright found a deep forehand barrel to earn an 8.67 (out of a possible 10) and the win. Wright also took a decisive Quarterfinal victory over 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA). Similarly to the Final against Simmers, Marks and Wright started the match fighting hard for the first wave, with Marks gaining the advantage but unable to emerge from the fast-running Backdoor wall. Wright then stalled into a nice Backdoor section to take control of the heat, which she didn’t let up.

Simmers and Picklum Deliver Backdoor Shootout for the Ages

Simmers hands the Yellow Leader’s Jersey to Wright after holding onto it for many months. Her run on Finals Day included a Quarterfinal against her close friend and fellow Californian, Sawyer Lindblad (USA), and a rematch of the 2024 Final against Molly Picklum (AUS) that will be a guaranteed contender for heat of the year. 

The Semifinal between Simmers and Picklum immediately turned into a classic Backdoor shootout. Picklum won an aggressive fight for the opening ride, but Simmers picked off the very next wave and earned an 8.17. Picklum soon fired back with a driving barrel of her own to collect an 8.33 and the lead. Simmers, the reigning World Champion and defending event champion, responded by pumping and weaving through a long barrel before leaning into a huge grab-rail carve. The 9.50 awarded to Simmers boosted her two-wave heat total to 17.67 (out of a possible 20), both numbers the highest of the event for the women. Multiple impressive attempts from Picklum added to her scoreline, but Simmers held on to extend her unblemished record against the Australian.

“I think watching this wave from inside and out, whether you’re in the barrel or just watching it from the beach is one of the most beautiful things ever,” Simmers said. “I kind of just wish the Final was a barrel shootout, but sometimes she sleeps and the ocean definitely slept during our heat. But Tyler [Wright] is a very smart competitor and she just got the waves. Congrats to her.”

Back-to-Back Victories Place Mamiya Amongst Hawaiian Royalty

Barron Mamiya (HAW) joined Pipeline royalty when he became the sixth man to win the event back-to-back. Not since Andy Irons (HAW) did it for the second time in 2005 and 2006 has anyone been able to achieve the feat. Mamiya joins Irons and Rory Russell (HAW) as the only Hawaiians to do so. The 22-year-old has now claimed three CT wins, all earned at home on the North Shore.

“I really can’t believe it happened again, I’m super grateful.” Mamiya said. “Winning it, you know, cool, right on, you did it, it’s a big deal. But trying to do back-to-back, I feel like that cements you as one of the best ever out here. That was my goal going to this comp and I did it.”

After narrowly avoiding a buzzer-beater from Jake Marshall (USA) in the Quarterfinals, a driven Mamiya put on a clinic in the Semifinals to leave 2019 World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA) needing a massive combination of scores to beat his near-perfect 18.90 heat total. Throughout every heat today, Mamiya’s two-wave totals were made up of one wave from Backdoor and one wave from Pipeline, and he put that playbook to use immediately in the Final against Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA).

Opening with an 8.17 at Pipe, Mamiya quickly earned two more scores at Backdoor, including a 9.80, all within the first six minutes of the 35 minute Final. Meanwhile, Fioravanti struggled to find a score until nearly 20 minutes into the match. But after he did, the Italian turned things around quickly. An 8.83 broke the huge combination he was under, before he found an exceptionally elongated Backdoor barrel to rival Mamiya’s high number. Needing a 9.11, Fioravanti received a 9.10, leaving the two locked on equal heat totals of 17.97. Mamiya’s higher score was the tie-breaker that sealed victory.

“Leo [Fioravanti], that was an insane Final,” Mamiya said. “For you to come back like that was crazy. But, you know, just yesterday and the heat with John [Florence]. Everything was just pretty crazy.”

Unbelievable Comeback Further Secures Fioravanti’s Status as Serious Pipe Contender

Once again proving himself as a serious Pipeline contender, Fioravanti placed runner-up for the second time after competing on his third Finals Day in a row at the venue. The 27-year-old posted six excellent scores over the course of the event, overcoming challenges from two determined Australian Rookies, George Pittar (AUS) and Joel Vaughan (AUS), along with his fellow 2017 Rookie, Ian Gouveia (BRA). Fioravanti’s comeback to equal Mamiya’s huge heat total was nothing short of heroic and the Italian leaves the North Shore of Hawai’i, where he lives part-time, holding his head high.

“I’m proud of myself and I’m stoked to be here,” Fioravanti said. “Barron [Mamiya] had me in combo, but I just thought, you know what, two Backdoor waves can do it. And needing a 9.11 and getting a 9.10, it’s tough. It’s tough, but I am very proud of myself for coming back and giving myself that chance. Congratulations to Barron. He is one of the greatest Pipe surfers of all time. I truly believe that.”
Strong Season Start for Trio of Brazilian Goofyfooters

A battle of maneuvers turned into a Backdoor barrel-fest for Brazilian goofyfooters Italo Ferreira (BRA) and Miguel Pupo (BRA) in the first men’s Quarterfinal, a steady tit-for-tat that ended in victory for Ferreira. A final exchange saw Pupo extend his lead, leaving Ferreira in need of an 8.43. But Ferreira, the 2019 World Champion, took a more critical drop on a heavier wave to edge past his 8.43 requirement with an 8.50 and secure a Semifinal berth.

More than two decades ago, Fabio Gouveia (BRA) shared eight seasons on the CT with Kelly Slater (USA) and maintained a lead in heat wins over the 11-time World Champion. Today, Fabio’s son, Ian Gouveia (BRA), defeated Slater in their first head-to-head match-up to advance to his second Semifinal at Pipeline. It was only the second time that Slater has exited in the Quarterfinals at Pipeline out of 27 times making the round. The determining moment in the heat came when Slater was unable to emerge from an extremely long Backdoor barrel. Gouveia took the following wave and found the exit to collect an 8.00 and the jersey off Slater’s back as a gift.

“To be with Kelly [Slater] in a man-to-man heat in Pipeline, it’s the biggest thing that I can ask for,” Gouveia said. “It’s unbelievable to have this opportunity.”

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

WSL History Made

WSL History Made

• Hawaii Surfers Dominate Opening Rounds of Billabong Pro Pipeline
• Americans Caroline Marks and Courtney Conlogue Eliminated Early
• Bethany Hamilton Joins Billabong Pro Pipeline as WSL Wildcard
• All Rookies Through to Round of 16

The Billabong Pro Pipeline, the first stop on the World Surf League (WSL) 2022 Championship Tour (CT), witnessed history today as the women took on the jewel of Oahu’s North Shore, Banzai Pipeline, for the first time as a full CT event. The competition ran through Women’s Opening Round 1 and Elimination Round 2 and showcased standout performances, as well as saw two big names fall out of the draw.

Photos: ©WSL/Heff ©WSL/Bielmann

Hawaii Surfers Dominate Opening Rounds of Billabong Pro Pipeline

Local charger and event wildcard Moana Jones Wong (HAW, above) was one of the few surfers to keep her focus on the lefts of Banzai Pipeline and her strategy paid off as she put together a combination of two scores to narrowly beat five-time WSL Champion Carissa Moore (HAW) and Brisa Hennessy (CRI).

“I started surfing Pipe when I was 12, and I’ve been coming here consistently since I was 18,” said Wong. “Surfing against Carissa pushes me to be better because she’s the best in the world. I look up to her and I want to surf as good as she can.”

Hawaiian rookie Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW, above) dominated the final heat of Opening Round 1 with commitment at Backdoor as she took down Lakey Peterson (USA) in second place and sent World No. 6 Caroline Marks (USA) into the treacherous Elimination Round.

Heat 2 was stacked with local talent featuring Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), Malia Manuel (HAW), and Gabriela Bryan (HAW), all hailing from the island of Kauai. Manuel opted to go right and was searching for a wave at Backdoor, while Weston-Webb and Bryan looked for opportunities at Pipeline. Manuel’s patience finally paid off with five minutes left on the clock when she scored an excellent 8.17 (out of a possible 10) for a deep Backdoor barrel and secured her spot in the Round of 16.

“To be honest I was super stressed, I wanted to alleviate that by catching a few waves and kind just getting the ball rolling,” said Manuel. “I’ve spent a lot of time out there this winter, it’s my first real winter here at Pipeline and I had such a good crew and great support. It’s really hard to get waves out there to practice so it doesn’t matter how much time you spend out there, sometimes it all comes down to being in the right spot.”

Australians Tyler Wright and India Robinson Walk-through To Round of 16

Two-time WSL Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) and CT rookie India Robinson (AUS) had a walk-through heat as Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) wasn’t able to compete as she entered the WSL COVID-19 Health and Safety Protocols. Wright pulled the trigger first with a good tube on Backdoor for an early lead and solidified with perfect positioning on a second right-hand barrel to build momentum and confidence heading into the third round.

“The most exciting thing for me this year is seeing all the rookies,” said Wright. “It’s been a long time since we’ve had such fresh faces on the tour, and it makes me emotional just seeing how they’re coming in and making the most of it. It feels incredible to be a part of this sport and to be a woman in sport right now.”

Bethany Hamilton (HAW, above) advances to the Round of 16 of Billabong Pro Pipeline, where she will face Carissa Moore (HAW) in Heat 5 when the competition continues.

Bethany Hamilton Joins Billabong Pro Pipeline as WSL Wildcard

The first Elimination Round heat featured international surfing icon Bethany Hamilton (HAW), who got the last-minute call to replace Gilmore. Hamilton had a tough matchup with seasoned competitors Brisa Hennessy (CRI) and Caroline Marks (USA) completing the roster. Hennessy built on momentum from her previous matchup and scored a couple of nice waves to take the first position and Hamilton used her wealth of experience to advance in second, eliminating Marks from the competition.

“I’m so stoked to be here,” said Hamilton. “I’m in full mommy mode lately but trying to keep my surfing shape, so it’s amazing to have the opportunity to be here today. There is also such great energy on the beach, everybody showing love.”

All Rookies Through to Round of 16, Americans Marks and Conlogue Eliminated Early

The first heat of the Women’s Opening Round didn’t disappoint with CT rookie Molly Picklum (AUS, above) taking the win ahead of CT veterans Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) and Courtney Conlogue (USA). Fitzgibbons found a buzzer-beater to send Conlogue into the Elimination Round.

“I struggled to sleep last night because I was so excited,” said Picklum. “It feels amazing to win the first heat. Every heat is the same for me so it’s good to know that my plan worked and take the momentum through the event.”

In the day’s final heat, Heat 2 of Elimination Round 2, rookies Gabriela Bryan (HAW) and Luana Silva (HAW, above) took on Conlogue for the last two spots into the Round of 16. As the swell continued to slow down a battle ensued in smaller lefts and rights and the two Hawaiians powered their way with turns and cover-ups to eliminate the veteran Conlogue and keep their hopes alive in the year’s opening event.

“I was just trying to complete every wave that came my way,” Silva who ended up in first stated. “It’s definitely a confidence boost knowing you can beat surfers as good as Courtney, and I guess there was a bit of a cat and mouse game at the end there, I’m just happy to get through.”

Watch LIVE
The Billabong Pro Pipeline will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL app, and the WSL’s YouTube channel. Also, check local listings for coverage from the WSL’s broadcast partners. For fans watching in Brazil, coverage of the Billabong Pro Pipeline Quarterfinals and beyond will continue exclusively on WorldSurfLeague.com and SporTV.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Billabong Pro Pipeline Women’s Opening Round 1 Results:
HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) 7.73 DEF. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 4.90, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 3.76
HEAT 2: Malia Manuel (HAW) 10.67 DEF. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 4.40, Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 3.40
HEAT 3: Moana Jones Wong (HAW) 7.77 DEF. Carissa Moore (HAW) 7.70, Brisa Hennessy (CRI) 6.54
HEAT 4: Isabella Nichols (AUS) 5.50 DEF. Johanne Defay (FRA) 4.70, Luana Silva (HAW) 0.83
HEAT 5: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) DEF. Tyler Wright (AUS) 11.83, India Robinson (AUS) 2.94
HEAT 6: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 7.46 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 4.00, Caroline Marks (USA) 2.07

Billabong Pro Pipeline Women’s Elimination Round 2 Results:
HEAT 1: Brisa Hennessy (CRI) 10.73 DEF. Bethany Hamilton (HAW) 8.76, Caroline Marks (USA) 3.70
HEAT 2: Luana Silva (HAW) 6.77 DEF. Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 6.70, Courtney Conlogue (USA) 4.47

Billabong Pro Pipeline Women’s Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Malia Manuel (HAW)
HEAT 2: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. India Robinson (AUS)
HEAT 3: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) vs. Moana Jones Wong (HAW)
HEAT 4: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW)
HEAT 5: Carissa Moore (HAW) vs. Bethany Hamilton (HAW)
HEAT 6: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRI)
HEAT 7: Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Molly Picklum (AUS)
HEAT 8: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Luana Silva (HAW)

Billabong Pro Pipeline Men’s Round of 32 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Conner Coffin (USA) vs. Barron Mamiya (HAW)
HEAT 2: Kelly Slater (USA) vs. Jake Marshall (USA)
HEAT 3: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Owen Wright (AUS)
HEAT 4: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Nat Young (USA)
HEAT 5: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Miguel Tudela (PER)
HEAT 6: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Connor O’Leary (AUS)
HEAT 7: Frederico Morais (PRT) vs. Carlos Munoz (CRI)
HEAT 8: Kolohe Andino (USA) vs. Lucca Mesinas (PER)
HEAT 9: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Ivan Florence (HAW)
HEAT 10: Seth Moniz (HAW) vs. Ezekiel Lau (HAW)
HEAT 11: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA)
HEAT 12: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Jackson Baker (AUS)
HEAT 13: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Caio Ibelli (BRA)
HEAT 14: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Callum Robson (AUS)
HEAT 15: Deivid Silva (BRA) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA)
HEAT 16: Jordy Smith (ZAF) vs. Matthew McGillivray (ZAF)