After a four-year break, former world number two Julian Wilson is poised to make a return to the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) and challenge for another world title.
Wilson, a seasoned 14-year veteran of the CT, boasts an impressive career with five CT victories and a world runner-up finish. However, in 2021, amid the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic and the difficulties of international travel, Wilson made the decision to step away from competitive surfing. His focus shifted to spending time with his family in Australia and launching his own brand, Rivvia Projects.
Now, four years later, with his family flourishing and his business thriving, Wilson is ready to rejoin the tour. Earlier this year, he made the announcement on Instagram, sharing his reflections: “This time three years ago, I was sitting in a hotel quarantine room after my Tokyo Olympic campaign, watching my dream as a WT surfer fade away. I was heading home to be the best partner and dad during a challenging time.”
Despite the emotional toll of stepping away from competition, Wilson emphasized his deep gratitude for his family. “I don’t regret my decision for a second. Nothing compares to a healthy relationship at home and the opportunity to raise a family,” he wrote. “The past six months, competing has firmly been at the forefront of my mind. It’s time for me to give it another crack. My hope is to get a WSL wildcard for the 2025 Challenger Series.”
Although the two CT wildcards for 2025 have already been assigned to Joao Chianca and Filipe Toledo, the WSL would be hard-pressed to deny Wilson a wildcard spot. His performance at Lowers, showcased in recent videos, proves he still has the chops to make an impact. Given his skill level and experience, a return to the CT would be an exciting development for the tour. If Wilson continues surfing at this high level, it’s not out of the question that he could once again compete for a world title at Pipeline in 2026.
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