Yago Dora and Molly Picklum Crowned Champions at 2025 WSL Finals in Fiji
The 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) concluded in spectacular fashion at Cloudbreak, Fiji, where two exceptional athletes, Yago Dora and Molly Picklum, etched their names into the annals of surfing history by claiming their first world titles. The event featured thrilling four-to-six-foot waves that set the stage for an unforgettable showdown, affirming both their dominance in the sport.
Molly Picklum: A Journey of Determination and Triumph
At just 22 years old, Australian surfer Molly Picklum showcased her massive talent throughout the season, consistently holding the yellow jersey that signifies the tour leader. With two event wins and five Finals appearances in 2025, she entered the final event in Fiji brimming with confidence. Her main competitor, Caroline Marks, a two-time Olympic gold medalist and reigning World Champion, posed a formidable challenge. Despite losing the first match of their best-of-three final, Picklum rebounded spectacularly. After executing an impressive long barrel to achieve a score of 8.83 in the second heat, she secured a combined score of 16.93 in the third heat—making it the highest total of the event. With this win, Picklum etched her name into history as the first Australian woman to be crowned world champion since Stephanie Gilmore in 2022.
Picklum expresses her feelings after the victory: “I really feel like this is the cherry on top of what I’ve done to my career and my personal life.” Her journey to the top was fraught with obstacles, including a mid-season cut back in 2022 and an uphill struggle in 2024. Yet through perseverance and self-trust, she triumphed in 2025.
Yago Dora: A New Brazilian Legend
On the men’s side, Yago Dora’s journey culminated in a stellar victory, marking his seventh title for Brazil in the last eleven seasons. At 29, Dora delivered his best season yet, claiming two event wins and wearing the leader’s jersey while reaching three Finals. Facing Griffin Colapinto in the title match, Dora opened strong with a score of 7.33, immediately followed by an 8.33 after executing a series of powerful turns. Colapinto tried to respond but ultimately fell short, allowing Dora to bask in the glory of becoming the 2025 world champion.
Dora’s rise in competitive surfing has been no easy feat. Known primarily for his free-surfing clips when he joined the Championship Tour in 2018, he spent years refining his competitive edge. With finishes just outside the top tier in previous years, 2025 saw all his hard work come to fruition. He expressed his exhilaration, saying, “It’s so crazy that the whole year is decided like that in one heat. I’m over the moon right now.”
The Dominance of Brazilian Surfing
Dora’s triumph further cements Brazil’s standing as a powerhouse in the surfing world, with seven of the last eleven men’s titles secured by Brazilian athletes. His win signals the ongoing evolution and prowess of Brazilian surfers who have dominated international competitions over the past decade. The accomplishments of Dora and other Brazilian surfers continue to inspire new generations to take up the sport, shaping the future of competitive surfing.
A Returning Crown for Australia
Molly Picklum’s victory not only marks a significant milestone in her career but also brings the women’s championship title back to Australia. As a Central Coast native, she grew up idolizing prominent Australian surfers like Gilmore, Layne Beachley, and Tyler Wright. “It’s such a trip to be a Central Coast kid, growing up looking up to Steph and Layne and Sally and Tyler, and to now be on a list with them,” Picklum reflected, expressing gratitude for being part of such a legendary group.
WSL Finals Fiji: Event Highlights
The WSL Finals Fiji showcased high-level performances, with both champions shining in their respective title matches. For men, the title match featured Dora finishing with a score of 15.66 against Colapinto’s 12.33. Notably, Colapinto had demonstrated strategic prowess earlier in the event, defeating other powerful competitors like Italo Ferreira and Jordy Smith. On the women’s side, Picklum defeated Marks in a thrilling three-match series to secure her title, scoring 16.93 in the final match.
Results Overview:
- Men’s Title Match:
- Yago Dora (BRA) 15.66 DEF. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 12.33
- Women’s Title Match:
- Molly Picklum (AUS) 16.93 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 6.24
Riding the Wave into the Future
As both Yago Dora and Molly Picklum celebrate their titles, they also symbolize a new era for surfing, characterized by young talent and resilience. The WSL Finals in Fiji not only celebrated individual accomplishments but also reflected the evolution of competitive surfing globally. With the championships concluded for this season, fans and aspiring surfers alike eagerly anticipate what the future holds for these champions. Whether you are hitting the waves or riding the chairlift to a new health journey, remember to keep your mind and body in optimal condition.
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