The World Surf League (WSL) announced yesterday that Fiji’s Cloudbreak, is the location for the 2025 WSL finals.

The WSL finals is the one-day, winner-take-all competition to determine the men’s and women’s world champions at the end of the Championship Tour (CT) season.

Cloudbreak, located off the island of Tavarua in Fiji, is one of the world’s most perfect and iconic waves. A fast, left-hand barrel breaks over a shallow reef and can hold waves from two to twenty feet.

The powerful and consistent break will provide a dynamic challenge to the final five surfers and will be an exciting wave of consequence to determine the 2025 World Champions at the end of the season.

“We are stoked that the World Surf League has chosen Cloudbreak, Fiji, as the venue for the 2025 WSL Finals,” said Brent Hill, Tourism Fiji chief executive officer.

“Our waves and warm hospitality await surf enthusiasts from around the world. We look forward to showcasing Fiji as a world-class surfing destination,” Hill said.

“This event boosts our global visibility as well as uplifts communities and inspires our local surfers. Vinaka vakalevu, WSL, for recognising Fiji as the ultimate destination for this event.”

The CT first hosted a competition at Cloudbreak in 1999, where Mark Occhilupo won and went on to win the World Title in the same year. It has been long considered a staple on the ‘dream tour’ and the WSL is excited to welcome it back in 2024 and as a new final’s location in 2025.

The dates for the 2025 WSL Finals, as well as the full CT schedule, will be announced later this Season after the Lexus WSL Finals in San Clemente, California.

The 2024 CT will host Cloudbreak as the last event of the regular season to determine the WSL Final Five, the top five-ranked men and women who will compete in the WSL Finals. This will be a thrilling preview of next year’s World Title showdown.

The 2024 Corona Fiji Pro Presented by Bonsoy will hold a competition window from August 20 – 29.

“Cloudbreak is truly one of the best waves in the world, and hosting the final at such an iconic break is going to be incredible,” said Ryan Crosby, WSL CEO.

“As our surfers continue to push the limits at every event, Cloudbreak will be the perfect place to showcase their progression and crown our World Champions next year.”

Fiji’s presence on the CT includes a three-year partnership with the Fijian Government, which will continue through 2026. Fiji’s placement within the Tour schedule will be determined each season.

Feedback: waisean@fijisun.com.fj