The 11th edition of the Capitulo Perfeito surf competition will return to Lisbon’s Carcavelos Beach, bringing together some of the world’s top tube riders for a chance to claim a €50,000 prize.
For over a decade, Capitulo Perfeito has been a staple in Portugal’s surf scene, attracting the best barrel riders from across the globe. Held annually at various locations including Supertubos, Peniche, Praia do Norte, Nazaré, and Carcavelos, this high-profile event continues to celebrate the art of wave-riding with a focus on barrels. In its latest iteration, Capitulo Perfeito is once again sponsored by Billabong and will take place at Carcavelos, known for its powerful A-frame beachbreaks on the southwestern edge of Lisbon.
The competition officially entered its holding period on January 11, with organizers having until March 11 to run the event, ensuring it only goes ahead if the surf conditions are ideal. As with other prestigious surf events, Capitulo Perfeito follows a format similar to that of the Eddie Aikau contest, only calling the event when the waves are firing. Those eager to watch can stream the action live for free via the official event website and stay updated on the competition’s Instagram page.
This year’s lineup boasts an impressive roster of surfers, including international stars such as Rob Machado, Clay Marzo, Balaram Stack, Bruno Santos, Aritz Aranburu, Craig Anderson, Noah Beschen, and Noa Deane. The competition also features a strong contingent of Portuguese surfers, including Nic von Rupp, Pedro Boonman, João Maria Mendonça, and Miguel Blanco.
Previous champions at Carcavelos include von Rupp, Santos, Aranburu, and Tiago Stock, who notably won last year as a 19-year-old wildcard entrant. Stock will return to defend his title alongside Santiago Graça, who secured his place through the trials. This year marks a historic first for Capitulo Perfeito, as the event will feature a women’s heat, spotlighting four talented Portuguese surfers: Francisca Veselko, Yolanda Hopkins, Mafalda Lopes, and Camila Cardoso. Their heat will take place just before the men’s final.
In addition to the competition, the event will honor Tiago Pires, the godfather of Portuguese professional surfing, in recognition of his retirement. Pires made history in 2007 as the first Portuguese surfer to qualify for the WSL Championship Tour, and although he retired from the CT in 2016, he continued to compete in various contests, including Capitulo Perfeito. Pires is also credited with helping to bring international attention to Portugal’s world-class surf spots, including pioneering tow-ins at Nazaré and introducing Kelly Slater to Ericeira’s famous Cave in 2011.
The winner of the 2025 Capitulo Perfeito will take home €50,000, but there’s another prestigious honor at stake—the Ricardo dos Santos Commitment Award. Named after the late Brazilian surfer who was tragically killed in 2015, this award recognizes a competitor who exemplifies the fearless, high-octane spirit that dos Santos embodied throughout his career.
Surf fans can look forward to an exciting contest with an incredible group of athletes competing for the top prize. Tune in to catch the 11th annual Capitulo Perfeito live, and witness some of the best barrel-riding talent in the world.
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