The 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour is in full swing, with the battle for the Final 5 intensifying. After one event, Barron Mamiya and Tyler Wright are leading the rankings, looking to build on their early success. With reigning world champion John John Florence stepping away from the tour for the rest of the year, the men’s title race has opened up, and anyone who accumulates enough points before the mid-season cut could secure an unassailable lead. However, with the unique format of the final event, even a top-seeded surfer will face vulnerabilities heading into Fiji.
This year’s championship tour makes history with its first-ever event in Abu Dhabi, marking the first time a wave pool outside the continental United States will host an official competition. While the location may feel unfamiliar, surfers will feel right at home, thanks to their experience at California’s Kelly Slater Wave Pool. The Abu Dhabi event promises to showcase familiar faces atop the leaderboard, with accomplished athletes such as Lakey Peterson, Filipe Toledo, Italo Ferreira, Griffin Colapinto, Caroline Marks, and Caitlin Simmers all boasting past success in wave pools. These surfers are expected to advance through the qualifiers and impress with their high-performance style at this new venue.
In contrast to traditional ocean competitions, wave pools allow for a much tighter schedule. Unless there are unforeseen technical issues or weather disruptions, the event is set to begin on February 14th, kicking off right on time (February 13th in the USA). Fans can prepare for an on-schedule event that promises a thrilling start to the contest window.
Injuries continue to affect some top surfers. Gabriel Medina and Crosby Colapinto remain sidelined with injuries, while Johanne Defay, who has recovered, is confirmed to compete in the event.
This event in the Middle East offers one of the most intriguing locations for a Championship Tour stop, adding a new layer of excitement for both competitors and fans alike.
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