Australians Isabella Nichols and Jack Robinson Claim Victory at Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy

Robinson and Nichols Etch Names Into Surfing History
Isabella Nichols Celebrates ‘Best Day of Her Life’ at Bells Beach
Luana Silva and Kanoa Igarashi Finish Runners-Up
GWM Aussie Treble Rankings Take Shape

Pictured: Aussies Isabella Nichols (AUS) and Jack Robinson (AUS) win the 2025 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy. Credit: WSL / Cait Miers

BELLS BEACH, Victoria, Australia (Sunday, April 27, 2025) – Australians Isabella Nichols (AUS) and Jack Robinson (AUS) have claimed victory today at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Stop No. 5 of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). It is the first time either surfer has won the event and will now have their names etched into one of the most iconic trophies on the CT. After a long week of waiting for waves, Finals Day saw the Bells Bowl continue to deliver with semi-clean surf in the four-to-six-foot range as all Finalists put on a show for thousands of long-weekend fans who lined the beach.

Jack Robinson Etches Name Into Surfing History

Today, Jack Robinson (AUS) claimed his eighth CT event victory by winning the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Along with a Pipe title, this will go down as one of his most cherished wins thanks to the historical significance of this event. After a slower-than-usual start to the season, Robinson has climbed six spots up the rankings to world No. 3 as he continues to search for a maiden World Title.

“It’s a special day. I have my whole family here, everyone is here. All my team, my whole crew,” Robinson said. “Right before the Semifinals, we were watching footage of [Joel] Parko and Mick [Fanning] surfing Bells, and then we watched Taj [Burrow], Andy [Irons], and Kelly [Slater], and I was all fired up. I drew some inspiration from those guys. I just channelled that and thought ‘be in the moment.’”

In the Final, Robinson came up against childhood friend and fellow Olympic Silver Medalist Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), who was contesting his first Final of the season after a solid run through the field this week. Igarashi surfed multiple waves in the Final while Robinson played a patient game, only surfing two waves of scoring consequence. His second was with less than ten minutes left and allowed him to open up, throwing a huge carve and finishing with a layback snap to post a 7.77 (out of a possible 10) and an unassailable lead with a total of 14.14 (out of a possible 20). Robinson joins a long list of his heroes with their names on the famous Bells Trophy and continues to solidify his name as one of the best of his generation.

“I thought there was going to be more waves in the Final. I just had to get in front of Kanoa [Igarashi] it was kind of getting slow, and I needed to turn the heat on. There was a reason why I didn’t go on his waves. The ocean is wild. Surfing is wild, the way that it chooses you. I’m super blessed, and I’m just really grateful. It hasn’t really sunk in. I’m just enjoying it, enjoying the moment, and that’s what it’s all about.”

Isabella Nichols Celebrates ‘Best Day of Her Life’ at Bells Beach

Less than two weeks after finishing runner-up at the Surf City El Salvador Pro, Isabella Nichols (AUS) has claimed victory at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach, overcoming Luana Silva (BRA) in an epic Final on the Bells Bowl. After falling short of the Mid-season Cut for the last couple of seasons, today’s result has put the young Australian up to fourth on the rankings, as she now shifts her focus to her home event on the CT. Today marks Nichols’ second CT victory from four Finals, and by her own omission, this is the sweetest.

“Words can’t describe how I’m feeling right now. This is definitely the best day of my life,” Nichols said. “Ever since winning in Margaret River three years ago, I’ve just been chasing this feeling ever since, and I never thought that feeling could be topped, but getting carried up the stairs by my dad and coach and having most of my family here, it’s just an emotion I can’t describe. Every year I come here and look at those stairs and the names on them, and the thought of having my name on there amongst all of those others is such a dream.”

From the opening exchange of the Final, Nichols looked destined for the win, finding one of the best waves of the 40-minute matchup, and not wasting a moment, laying massive rail turns and snapping out of the lip with pure commitment to post an 8.33 (out of a possible 10) while Silva on the wave behind managed a 6.67. On her next scoring wave, Nichols posted a 7.93 for a heat total of 16.26 (out of a possible 20), which was too much for Silva to chase down, leaving Nichols to join an illustrious list of Bells winners from over six decades of competition at this famed stretch of coast.

“A comp win is a comp win, but being proud of your performance you’ve put in through the week and through the month is something different,” Nichols continued. “How you surf is one thing but for me it’s so much about the decisions you make in a heat and I’ve been coming out of the water proud of that and feeling like I’m in a rhythm for the first time is great because I’ve lost a loit of heats from not making good decisions. I’ve been coming to Bells for years, training in conditions like this, so I felt really ready for today.”

Silva Leaves Bells Beach with Career-Best CT Result

2024 World Junior Champion Luana Silva (BRA) will leave Bells Beach with the biggest result of her young career, finishing runner-up at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Silva was in great form all week, and her tight arcing turns perfectly matched the power of the Bells Bowl. On her way to the Final, Silva overcame Bells standouts Lakey Peterson (USA) and Brisa Hennessy (CRC) in the Quarterfinals and Semifinals, respectively and has now moved to 11th on the Rankings, and much closer to moving above the Mid-season Cut line.

“I’m really proud of my performance,” Silva said. “I’m glad I overcame some mental blocks, mental obstacles that I wasn’t overcoming in the beginning. It’s a huge achievement for me. It’s a step in the right direction to get past the mid-year cut, because the last two years, I haven’t made it past that. So, I feel really good about the next event, and I just want more after this. Because after coming in second place, you always want more, I feel. But, yeah, I couldn’t be more proud of myself and the way I was so determined the whole event. I’m already excited for the next one.”

Kanoa Igarashi Finishes Runner-Up to Robinson For Second-Consecutive Matchup

Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) was on a roll at Bells, taking down some of the event standouts on his way to his third CT Final, his first being a win at Keramas, and his second being a runner-up finish to Robinson at Sunset Beach in 2024. Today’s runner-up finish has put Igarashi six places up the rankings as he looks to find his way back into the Final 5 by season’s end.

“I’m stoked for sure. Just to be waking up on Finals Day is always nice,” Igarashi said. “You hear Hells Bells play right before the final, and all those emotions of being in the final are always so nice to feel. Jack [Robinson] and I have been hanging out all week, so it’s funny how that all happened, and it all came together. We were going to go gloves off no matter what. It just feels good to be on the hunt again. I just switched over to JS, and the boards are working super well. I’m just excited to have a good start to a pretty big leg [here in Australia].”

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Final Results:
1 – Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 13.87
2 Jack Robinson (AUS) 14.14Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Final Results:
1 – Isabella Nichols (AUS) 16.26
2 – Luana Silva (BRA) 12.67Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 10.27 DEF. Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 5.37
HEAT 2: Jack Robinson (AUS) 14.67 DEF. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 14.33Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Luana Silva (BRA) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRC)
HEAT 2: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Quarterfinal Remaining Results [3 – 4]:
HEAT 3: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 17.56 DEF. Samuel Pupo (BRA) 14.83
HEAT 4: Jack Robinson (AUS) 15.94 DEF. Jake Marshall (USA) 14.57

Next Up: Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented By GWM
The Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented By GWM will hold a competition window from May 3 through May 13, 2025. The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, and the free WSL App. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy is proudly supported by Rip Curl, Bonsoy, Visit Victoria, Red Bull, YETI, Apple Watch, Surfline, True Surf, Surf Coast Shire, GWM, Stone & Wood, Oakberry, Hydralyte, Boost Mobile, Bioglan, Bond University, and Fatboy E-bikes.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW….

CONGRATS TO JACK ROBINSON AND ISABELL NICHOLS: WINNERS OF BELLS

It’s ON! Coverage Starts 7:00 AM Sunday AEST (11am Saturday HI Time)

It’s ON! Coverage Starts 7:00 AM Sunday AEST (11am Saturday HI Time)
Stage Set For Finals Day at Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy
Women’s Semifinalists Decided at Bells
Igarashi Upsets Event Favorite For Semifinal Spot
Robinson Overcomes Toledo to Book Spot on Finals Day
The call is 645am Sunday Bells Time…1045am Sat HI time)

Pictured: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) posted the highest-single wave score of the event so far on her way to the Semifinals at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy. Credit: WSL / Ed Sloane

BELLS BEACH, Victoria, Australia (Saturday, April 26, 2025) – The stage has been set for Finals Day at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Stop No. 5 of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), after day five of competition saw the completion of the men’s Round of 16, the women’s Quarterfinals, and first two heats of the men’s Quarterfinals. After waiting for the low tide, the Bells Bowl dished up semi-clean surf in the four-to-five-foot range, which will likely continue into tomorrow for a possible Finals Day.

Women’s Semifinalists Decided at Bells

Luana Silva (BRA) has guaranteed her best ever result at the CT level, earning a spot in the Semifinals after taking down Lakey Peterson (USA) in the first heat of the Quarterfinals. After becoming the World Junior Champion earlier this year, Silva has struggled to continue that success at the elite level but this week she showed she has what it takes to mix it with the best and will now have a shot at a massive result here at Bells but will first have to get past an in-form Brisa Hennessy (CRC) in Semifinal 1 when competition recommences.

“I don’t know if there could be a better place to make a Semifinal,” Silva said. “This event is so historical. I’ve watched it ever since I was a little girl and have seen all my idols win it. Steph [Gilmore] and Carissa [Moore] won it back-to-back. This is just a dream come true, and I really can’t believe it. After seeing the waves pumping yesterday, I was so excited to get out there and had to really calm myself down and just be present in the moment. You never know what to expect from Lakey [Peterson] because she’s such an experienced competitor, so I’m really happy to get that win.”

Brisa Hennessy (CRC) put on a clutch performance to come from behind and end the run of Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) in the Quarterfinals today. Fitzgibbons held a strong lead, leaving Hennessy chasing a 9.17 with only a few minutes left. With priority, Hennessy found a set and threw two massive turns on the opening sections of the wave to post a 9.40 (out of a possible 10), the highest single wave of the event so far.

Less than two weeks since they contested the Final of the Surf City El Salvador Pro, Isabella Nichols (AUS) and Gabriela Bryan (HAW) matched up again, this time in the Quarterfinals at Bells. Nichols looked certain to even the ledger after posting an 8.77, backing it up with a 7.17, leaving Bryan to chase a near-perfect single wave score to move closer to her third-straight Final. In the end, Bryan was unable to find her groove, leaving Nichols to head into the Semifinals, where she will match up with Tyler Wright (AUS).

“I was actually riding the same board out there that I was in El Salvador,” Nichols said. “It’s a super trustworthy board, so it’s nice to be able to rely on my nice little magic board. I’ve been coming here since I was 15, and I just love it so much and feel at home here. It feels nice to be putting a few results together after a bit of a rough start to the year.”

The only former Bells winner left in the draw is Tyler Wright (AUS), who overcame Hawaii’s Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) in the final exchange of heat. Wright took a while to get going but was able to post a winning heat total over Sakura Johnson, who held the highest single-wave score of the heat with a 7.73.

Igarashi Upsets Event Favorite For Semifinal Spot

Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) has put on a solid showing at the Bells Bowl this afternoon to eliminate one of the event favorites, Ethan Ewing (AUS), and progress into the Semifinals. Igarashi surfed a smart heat, finding himself on the best waves of each set, and executing when it counted, leaving Ewing chasing from the get-go. Igarashi’s Semifinal berth has guaranteed his best result of the season so far and builds on his strike rate against Ewing, which now sits at three wins from three matchups.

“I respect Ethan [Ewing] so much as a surfer and as a person, and I was so keen to get that heat going and go one for one with him,” Igarashi said. “We had plenty of opportunities, which was good, and I just wanted to take off on every wave that he was on and keep the pressure on. I love this event, and it is one that I mark down every year as one to do well at. I’ve never made it out of the third round, so this feels really amazing.”

Igarashi will take on Morgan Cibilic (AUS) in Semifinal 1 after he was able to beat Jordy Smith (RSA) in the last heat of the day today. The Rip Curl Trials Winner has been on a charge through the draw and was able to continue it today to take down the current World No. 4 Smith, who is fresh off a win in El Salvador two weeks ago.

Robinson Overcomes Toledo to Book Spot on Finals Day

Jack Robinson (AUS) has moved a step closer to claiming his first win at Bells, taking a commanding win over 2022 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach winner Filipe Toledo (BRA). Robinson surfed his waves well to earn a two-wave total of 16.53 (out of a possible 20), but it was his strategy between the waves that was the most impressive. The West Australian sold Toledo on waves and used priority to perfection to book a spot in the Quarterfinals, where he will take on an in-form Jake Marshall (USA).

“I felt great during that heat,” Robinson said. “I know he [Filipe Toledo] is super dangerous out here, but everyone is dangerous, so you just have to focus on yourself and what you can control. I feel like I surfed the conditions better today than I did yesterday, which is good. It’s good when you can make an adjustment and feel it. Good to get another one done, and now I’ll shift my focus to tomorrow.”

For highlights from today’s competition at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Round of 16 Remaining Results:
HEAT 6: Samuel Pupo (BRA) 12.17 DEF. Ian Gentil (HAW) 10.60
HEAT 7: Jake Marshall (USA) 12.76 DEF. Yago Dora (BRA) 12.37
HEAT 8: Jack Robinson (AUS) 16.53 DEF. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 12.26Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Luana Silva (BRA) 12.17 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 9.33
HEAT 2: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 15.40 DEF. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 15.17
HEAT 3: Isabella Nichols (AUS) 15.94 DEF. Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 10.67
HEAT 4: Tyler Wright (AUS) 14.00 DEF. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 13.20Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Quarterfinal Results Heat [1 – 2]:
HEAT 1: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 15.40 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 14.43
HEAT 2: Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 13.83 DEF. Jordy Smith (RSA) 13.80Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Quarterfinal Remaining Matchups [3 – 4]:
HEAT 3: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA)
HEAT 4: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Jack Robinson (AUS)Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Semifinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Luana Silva (BRA) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRC)
HEAT 2: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW
Competition Called ON at Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy
Competition to Commenced Sunday at 12:05 p.m. AEST at Bells Beach (405pm Saturday in Hawaii…20 hours ahead)
Remaining Heats of Men’s Round of 16 to Kick Off Competition
Women’s Quarterfinals and Men’s Quarterfinals Heat 1 and 2 to Follow
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) is hunting for her third Bells trophy and will hit the water in the Quarterfinals at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy today. Credit: WSL / Ed Sloane

BELLS BEACH, Victoria, Australia (Saturday, April 26, 2025) – Competition has been called ON at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Stop No. 5 of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). The remaining three heats of the men’s Round of 16 will commence at 12:05 p.m. AEST. Followed by the women’s Quarterfinals and men’s Quarterfinals heats 1 and 2, with the Bells Bowl delivering bumpy, onshore surf in the four-to-five-foot range.

The opening heat of the day will see Samuel Pupo (BRA) go head-to-head with Ian Gentil (HAW). Both surfers search for a breakthrough result in 2025 and move up the rankings and away from the Mid-season Cut line.

Two of the event big names Filipe Toledo (BRA) and Jack Robinson (AUS) will battle it out in Heat 8 of the Round of 16.

Luana Silva (BRA) will look to earn her best result of the season with a Semifinal berth at Bells Beach, but will first need to overcome part-time Bells local Lakey Peterson (USA) in the first heat of the women’s Quarterfinals.

Aussie hopeful Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) is in the hunt for her third Bells trophy and will take on Brisa Hennessy (CRC) in Quarterfinal 2 later this afternoon.

Watch the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Round of 16 Remaining Matchups:
HEAT 6: Samuel Pupo (BRA) vs. Ian Gentil (HAW)
HEAT 7: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Jake Marshall (USA)
HEAT 8: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Jack Robinson (AUS)Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Luana Silva (BRA) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)
HEAT 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRC)
HEAT 3: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Isabella Nichols (AUS)
HEAT 4: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW
Saturday: Bells Bowl Comes To Life at Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy
Ethan Ewing and Jake Marshall Put on a Clinic at Bells Beach
Victoria Trials Winner Xavier Huxtable Takes Down World No. 1 Ferreira
Rip Curl Trials Winner Morgan Cibilic Books Spot in Quarterfinals
Bells Experience Shows As Veterans Progress on Day 4 of Competition

Pictured: Ethan Ewing (AUS) posted the second-highest heat total of the 2025 season today at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy. Credit: WSL / Cait Miers

BELLS BEACH, Victoria, Australia (Friday, April 25, 2025) – The fourth day of competition at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Stop No. 5 of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), has seen the Bells Bowl come to life and deliver pumping surf in the four-to-six-foot range for the completion of the men’s Round of 32 and first five heats of the Round of 16. ANZAC Day crowds braved the rain as the surfers put on some of the best performances of the men’s 2025 season so far.

Ethan Ewing and Jake Marshall Put on a Clinic at Bells Beach

2023 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach winner Ethan Ewing (AUS) has continued to separate himself from the pack when it comes to this location, posting an 18.76 (out of a possible 20) two-wave total for his incredible speed and power on rail. Ewing’s heat total is the second-highest of the season so far and was too much for Connor O’Leary (JPN) to chase down, leaving Ewing to assert himself as the man to beat at Bells, once again.

“That was such a fun heat,” Ewing said. “I’ve had some shockers out here with consistency, so it felt nice to get some waves and for the Bowl to give me one back. I feel like the whole heat went in my favor right from the start. I was able to get a few set waves early, which just set me up and allowed me to pick the eyes out of the rest of it. It was just so fun out there.”

Before he was outdone by Ewing, California’s Jake Marshall (USA) owned the highest heat total of the event so far for his 18.33, which he posted to despatch of Joao Chianca (BRA). Marshall’s wave selection was on point and allowed him to open up his tight carves in the pocket of the bowl. Not to be outdone, Chianca fought back, posting an excellent 8.07 single wave of his own, but it wasn’t enough to get out of the combination, leaving Marshall to progress into the Round of 16, where he will take on Yago Dora (BRA) when competition resumes.

“That was insane, the best heat of my career for sure,” Marshall said. “I was watching the waves before my heat, and it looked so fun, and when I paddled out, I was just thinking, ‘This is why we do this, this is why we work so hard to get to this point, so we can surf waves like this.’ At that point, it’s not even about winning or losing, it’s just about putting on a show and surfing your best. I feel like I have been surfing well this year, but I haven’t been able to put it together, so it was great for everything to come together in my heat. That was the best Bells Bowl I have ever surfed, so to have it in my heat with just one other guy out was unreal. That was a really, really fun heat for me.”

Victoria Trials Winner Xavier Huxtable Takes Down World No. 1 Ferreira

The day’s opening heat saw yesterday’s trend of top seed upsets continue with the elimination of the current World No. 1, Italo Ferreira (BRA), at the hands of local favourite and Victorian Trials winner Xavier Huxtable (AUS). Huxtable took control of the heat early, smashing his first wave aggressively to earn a 7.33 and put Ferreira on the ropes early. From there, the local found rhythm with the sets while the 2019 World Champion was unable to, leaving Huxtable to progress into the Round of 16, and Ferreira was unable to claim his second Bell and finish an event before the Finals for the first time this year.

“I can’t believe it. I literally can’t comprehend it, to be honest. I was paddling in trying to take it all in, but I still don’t think I have. It’s unbelievable,” said Huxtable. “I got up early this morning and went down to the Anzac Day parade at Point Danger, watched all that, and took all that in. Then I came straight here, went out, and luckily got a few out there. I saw the section pop up, and I just thought, ‘I have to go for it. To beat him [Italo Ferreira], he is one of the best surfers in the world. I just thought, ‘I’m going to have to attack every section that comes at me.’ I managed to pull it off, and I remember riding out thinking, ‘I’m stoked with that.’ I got to the end [of the wave], and I looked up, and the whole stand, all my family, friends, were screaming, and I gave them a little ‘come on!’. It got me so excited. That feeling is pretty much impossible to replicate. Hopefully, we can keep doing it for the Anzacs.”

Later today, Huxtable took on perennial title threat Griffin Colapinto (USA) in heat 5 of the Round of 16. As the tide filled in and waves began to slow, Colapinto got a couple of sets while Huxtable struggled to find his earlier rhythm. Huxtable ended up waiting for a set that never came, leaving Colapinto to take a heat win he desperately needed, putting him into the Quarterfinals for the first time this year as he looks to avoid the Mid-season Cut for the first time in his career.

“It was a good day, for sure. That was a crazy heat. Super slow, I only caught two waves, Xavier [Huxtable] only caught one. It felt good to be on the other side of that,” Colapinto said. “I was just thinking about how cool it is to see the crowd cheering for Xavier. I was in that same position at Lowers during the Finals [at Trestles], so I was psyched for him. I didn’t let it feel like everyone is against me, I was just like, ‘They have so much love for their friend,’ so it was really cool. This year has been a tricky one. This is my first Finals Day. It’s been an emotional rollercoaster, so it feels good to be on the other side. I feel like I’ve been surfing well all year. I feel like the heats I’ve been having, the other guy just goes huge or gets the score at the last minute. It’s been really hard to trust that everything I’m doing will pay off at some point, so it feels really good to get the win right now.”

Rip Curl Trials Winner Morgan Cibilic Books Spot in Quarterfinals

Morgan Cibilic (AUS) caused a major upset in the Round of 16, taking down the current World No. 6 Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) and booking himself a spot in the Quarterfinals. Cibilic’s speed and power looked solid on the Bells Bowl as he prepares to take on Jordy Smith (RSA) for the first time when competition resumes.

“I’m over the moon,” said Cibilic. “I feel like Leo [Fioravanti] and I have a little rivalry. He’s just such an intense competitor, and we have some battles, some good paddle battles. So, it feels pretty good to get the win over him. I’m good mates with some guys down here [in Torquay]. It’s such a tight-knit community, and when you are out there and look back at the grandstands, they’re all just choc-a-block, it couldn’t get any busier. Everyone’s on their feet, it’s pretty sick. I’m feeling good energy this weekend. It was Anzac Day today, I got up for the Dawn Service. It just felt like today had good energy as soon as I woke up. It went real slow in that heat, and went in my favour, and I just feel like that had something to do with it, so I’m stoked.”

Bells Experience Shows As Veterans Progress on Day 4 of Competition

Event hopefuls Filipe Toledo (BRA) and Jack Robinson (AUS) continued their charge towards Finals Day, overcoming George Pittar (AUS) and Jackson Bunch (HAW) respectively. Bunch posted the highest single wave of his matchup with Robinson, earning an 8.60 for a series of massive backside turns, but the West Australian found two solid set waves to get the win with a heat total of 16.13. Toledo looked to be building, throwing airs and laying rail to move into the Round of 16, where he will matchup with Robinson.

“Days like this are what we dream of,” Toledo said. “Coming down here first thing in the morning and seeing perfect waves is why we do it, so I’m really happy to have surfed today and get another chance in the next round. It’s been fun to come back after a year out. I haven’t had the results I wanted, but after 11 years of doing it, I feel like a rookie again, and that’s pretty cool. Coming up against George [Pittar] was always going to be hard. He’s a great surfer, and his surfing suits this wave, so I was ready for a big challenge. Every heat on the CT from the Opening Round is hard. The level is so high.”

2017 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach winner Jordy Smith (RSA) continued his form in 2025, booking a spot in the Quarterfinals with an impressive heat win over CT Rookie Joel Vaughan (AUS). Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) hopes to claim his maiden Bells victory and has kept the dream alive with a spot in the Quarterfinals, where he will have to get past Ethan Ewing (AUS) for a spot in the Semifinals.

For highlights from today’s competition at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Round of 32 Remaining Results (Heats 9 – 16):
HEAT 9: Xavier Huxtable (AUS) 13.66 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 9.67
HEAT 10: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 14.60 DEF. Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 13.27
HEAT 11: Samuel Pupo (BRA) 14.66 DEF. Rio Waida (INA) 8.00
HEAT 12: Ian Gentil (HAW) 13.50 DEF. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 11.76
HEAT 13: Yago Dora (BRA) 12.46 DEF. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 11.73
HEAT 14: Jake Marshall (USA) 18.33 DEF. Joao Chianca (BRA) 15.74
HEAT 15: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 15.60 DEF. George Pittar (AUS) 11.90
HEAT 16: Jack Robinson (AUS) 16.13 DEF. Jackson Bunch (HAW) 14.77Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Round of 16 Results (Heats 1 – 5):
HEAT 1: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 18.76 DEF. Connor O’Leary (JPN) 13.34
HEAT 2: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 13.60 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 13.03
HEAT 3: Jordy Smith (RSA) 15.50 DEF. Joel Vaughan (AUS) 11.57
HEAT 4: Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 14.10 DEF. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 12.60
HEAT 5: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 12.90 DEF. Xavier Huxtable (AUS) 3.00Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Round of 16 Remaining Matchups (Heats 6 – 8):
HEAT 6: Samuel Pupo (BRA) vs. Ian Gentil (HAW)
HEAT 7: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Jake Marshall (USA)
HEAT 8: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Jack Robinson (AUS)Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Luana Silva (BRA) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)
HEAT 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRC)
HEAT 3: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Isabella Nichols (AUS)
HEAT 4: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)

It’s ON for Friday: Men’s round 32 Heats 9 – 16. The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy (Ran Thursday in Hawaii)

Watch LIVE
The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy will hold a competition window through April 28, 2025.The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, and the free WSL App.

Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Round of 32 Remaining Matchups [Heats 9 – 16]:
HEAT 9: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Xavier Huxtable (AUS)
HEAT 10: Matthew McGillivray (RSA) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA)
HEAT 11: Rio Waida (INA) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA)
HEAT 12: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Ian Gentil (HAW)
HEAT 13: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
HEAT 14: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA)
HEAT 15: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. George Pittar (AUS)
HEAT 16: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW)

PRIOR UPDATE BELOW…

- Upsets Aplenty on Day 3 of Competition at Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy
- Gabriela Bryan Claims Yellow Jersey For First Time in Career
- Picklum and Simmers Eliminated in Round of 16
- Men’s Top Seeds Shine at Winkipop
- Cibilic Flies Flag For Wildcards, Advances to Round of 16

Pictured: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) has booked a spot in the Quarterfinals at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy and in doing so has claimed the top spot on the CT rankings. Credit: WSL / Ed Sloane

BELLS BEACH, Victoria, Australia (Thursday, April 24, 2025) – The field has been narrowed at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Stop No. 5 of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), after a massive day of competition saw the completion of the women’s Round of 16 and the first eight heats of the men’s Round of 32. With clean, three-to-four-foot waves on offer, competition moved to the back-up site of Winkipop, which allowed competition to run through both the low and the high tides as the storylines began to stack up with some major upsets going down from the first heat of the day.

Gabriela Bryan Claims Yellow Jersey For First Time in Career

After the elimination of World No. 1 Caity Simmers (USA) earlier in the day, Gabriela Bryan (HAW) needed to overcome Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) in Heat 5 to claim the top spot on the rankings and the Yellow Jersey for the first time in her career. Erostarbe got busy early, but it wasn’t enough to stop the momentum of Bryan, who posted a 15.00 point two-wave total (out of a possible 20), the highest of the entire round. Bryan’s surfing looks to be the perfect match for the waves here at Bells, and she will now take on Isabella Nichols (AUS) in the Quarterfinals, a rematch of the Final in El Salvador less than two weeks ago.

“That feels amazing to hear,” Bryan said. “I definitely wasn’t expecting that coming into this interview, but the fact that it’s my first time in this position means I will always remember this moment. I think one of the biggest goals I had this year was to just keep improving and to never stop. In the offseason, I really wanted to focus on myself and my power surfing. Women’s surfing is progressing a lot, and it keeps me so motivated to keep improving. Isabella Nichols knows Bells really well, so I’m excited to come up against her in the Quarterfinals. I can’t wait to be wearing the Yellow jersey.”

Picklum and Simmers Eliminated in Round of 16

The opening heat of the day witnessed a massive upset as event hopeful and current World No. 3 Molly Picklum (AUS) went down to Luana Silva (AUS), who was in need of a Quarterfinal spot here at Bells Beach. Picklum seemed to be in control of the heat but after falling on a set wave late in the matchup, Silva pounced and made it count, jamming three massive vertical snaps to post a 7.33 (out of a possible 10) and claim the heat win with a 13.66 heat total.

“Molly [Picklum] got off to such a good start,” Silva said. “I gave her that set wave at the start, which was a mistake for sure. I just never gave up and just kept going and believing in myself. I said to myself, ‘If you can open up like you know you can, you can get it done,’ and I’m glad I never gave up. Winkipop and Bells are really different waves, but they both allow you to commit to big combos. The waves are pumping today, so I’m stoked.”

Just a couple of heats later, current World No. 1 and reigning Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach winner Caity Simmers (USA) was unable to overcome CT veteran and two-time Bells winner (2011, 2012) Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), who showed her wealth of experience to clinch a much-needed heat win. Fitzgibbons built through the heat, posting a higher score on each set wave she took off on, whilst Simmers seemed to struggle to find a rhythm. After falling back to the Challenger Series the last two years, today’s Quarterfinal progression marks the best result for Fitzgibbons at the CT level in a year and will go a long way to helping her retain her spot at the elite level in 2025.

“I feel like I played the long game,” Fitzgibbons said. “There’s been a lot that’s gone against me in the last couple of years, so I feel like it was nice to feel like a few things went my way in that heat. Coming up against the next gen is so exciting, and I definitely had a few sleepless nights waiting to see how this heat would go down. I think as you get more experience, it’s all about learning from owning your decisions and keeping that deep-seated belief. I will do anything and everything to get one of those spots after the cut. Coming up against Caity [Simmers] is cool because I want to be up against the best, so I loved that energy and that challenge.”

Men’s Top Seeds Set The Standard at Winkipop

2023 Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach winner Ethan Ewing (AUS) took on fellow Australian Ryan Callinan (AUS) in the first heat of the men’s Round of 32. Ewing came flying out of the gates, posting an 8.83 on his opening ride for three huge, committed rail turns, then backed it up for a two-wave total of 15.00. Callinan fought back but came unstuck on a few big maneuvers, which left him unable to take the lead, leaving him to look towards the Gold Coast, where he will need a massive result to get his season back on track.

“I surfed against Ryan [Callinan] in the Final here at Winkipop when I won, so I had a bit of a flashback to that for sure,” Ewing said. “We’ve had a lot of heats together, so it was good to have another one. He’s been surfing so well, so I wish him all the best for the next few events. When I saw that first wave coming, I knew it was going to be a good one, and I’m just stoked I was able to execute on it. I’m having a good time down here at Bells, so I hope to just keep it going.”

Another former Bells winner, Jordy Smith (RSA) (2017), booked his spot in the Round of 16, taking down Imaikalani deVault (HAW) in the Round of 16. Smith is fresh off a win in El Salvador last week and is hoping to continue one of his strongest starts to the year in over five seasons. If Smith is to go all the way to the Final, he will surpass 70 heats surfed at this location.

“That’s a lot, it’s like 30 hours of surfing,” Smith said. “I hope I get to 70 heats by the end of the week. Imaikalani [deVault] is a great surfer and has all the tricks in the bag. I couldn’t tell what he did at the end of his wave, so we were chatting about what his air was like, and then I knew what I had to go for if a set came. It’s looking like there is some more swell and consistency coming, which is what we’re all hoping for. I’ve been around this thing for a while now, so I know what to expect, and I just need to go surf and have fun.”

Smith will take on Aussie Rookie Joel Vaughan (AUS), who beat Crosby Colapinto (USA) in Heat 6 of the Round of 32. Vaughan was trailing for most of the heat until he threw a massive no-grab air-reverse to post a 7.83 and take the lead. Colapinto will be battling to make the Mid-season Cut when the CT heads to the Gold Coast next week.

Olympic Silver Medalist Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) and Liam O’Brien (AUS) surfed in one of the most exciting heats of the day, with the lead going back and forth throughout the matchup. O’Brien took an early lead with two decent scores early, whilst Igarashi struggled to find a score of significance. With only minutes left, Igarashi found back-to-back sets and got to work with his trademark surgical-like technique, posting an excellent 16.10 two-wave total on his last two waves to take the lead and the win.

Igarashi will come up against Seth Moniz (HAW), who looked in good form as he posted a 15.70 two-wave total to beat Miguel Pupo (BRA).

Cibilic Flies Flag For Wildcards on Day 3 of Competition

Former CT surfer and Rip Curl Trials winner Morgan Cibilic (AUS) caused another massive upset on Day 3 of competition, taking down the reigning Bells winner Cole Houshmand (USA) in Heat 7 of the Round of 32. Cibilic surfed with authority in the cupped out, down the line walls of Winkipop as he progresses into the Round of 16 and hopes to build confidence ahead of his 2025 Challenger Series Campaign.

“This feels amazing,” Cibilic said. “It looks really pretty out there, but it’s actually really tricky. I feel like I surfed a really smart heat and am feeling really good at the moment, so I hope I can get on a roll through this event. I’ve spent a lot of time down here and feel at home, and the waves suit me. So I’m stoked to keep on going.”

The last heat of the day saw 2025 Rookie Alan Cleland Jr. (MEX) continue his great run at Bells but fall just short to Leonardo Fiorvanti (ITA) in a super exciting matchup that went right down to the wire. The pair went back and forth, but in the end it was the speed and precision from Fioravanti that got the nod from the judges.

It was a tough day of competition for some of the event rookies and wildcards, with the likes of Marco Mignot (FRA), Bella Kenworthy (USA) and Erin Brooks (CAN) all being eliminated as well as event wildcard and local hopeful Ellie Harrison (AUS).

For highlights from today’s competition at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Luana Silva (BRA) 13.66 DEF. Molly Picklum (AUS) 12.64
HEAT 2: Lakey Peterson (USA) 13.33 DEF. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 9.67
HEAT 3: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.73 DEF. Caitlin Simmers (USA) 10.10
HEAT 4: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 9.77 DEF. Bella Kenworthy (USA) 9.33
HEAT 5: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 15.00 DEF. Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) 10.03
HEAT 6: Isabella Nichols (AUS) 13.67 DEF. Erin Brooks (CAN) 10.03
HEAT 7: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 11.17 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 9.47
HEAT 8: Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.27 DEF. Ellie Harrison (AUS) 6.13Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Luana Silva (BRA) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)
HEAT 2: Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRC)
HEAT 3: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Isabella Nichols (AUS)
HEAT 4: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Round of 32 Results [Heats 1 – 8]:
HEAT 1: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 15.00 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 12.80
HEAT 2: Connor O’Leary (JPN) 13.43 DEF. Marco Mignot (FRA) 12.33
HEAT 3: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 16.10 DEF. Liam O’Brien (AUS) 14.33
HEAT 4: Seth Moniz (HAW) 15.70 DEF. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 13.50
HEAT 5: Jordy Smith (RSA) 13.93 DEF. Imaikalani deVault (HAW) 12.17
HEAT 6: Joel Vaughan (AUS) 11.97 DEF. Crosby Colapinto (USA) 11.50
HEAT 7: Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 12.17 DEF. Cole Houshmand (USA) 8.17
HEAT 8: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 14.70 DEF. Alan Cleland (MEX) 14.10Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Round of 32 Remaining Matchups [Heats 9 – 16]:
HEAT 9: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Xavier Huxtable (AUS)
HEAT 10: Matthew McGillivray (RSA) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA)
HEAT 11: Rio Waida (INA) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA)
HEAT 12: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Ian Gentil (HAW)
HEAT 13: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
HEAT 14: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA)
HEAT 15: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. George Pittar (AUS)
HEAT 16: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW)

Watch LIVE
The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy will hold a competition window through April 28, 2025. The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com, and the free WSL App. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

Women’s Round of 16 Called ON at Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy
Competition Commenced at 7:35 a.m. Thursday AEST at Winkipop (11:35am Wednesday in Hawaii)
Men’s Round of 32 Heats 1 – 12 to Follow
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Luana Silva (BRA) will take on Molly Picklum (AUS) in Heat 1 of the Round of 16 this morning at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy. Credit: WSL / Ed Sloane

BELLS BEACH, Victoria, Australia (Thursday, April 24, 2025) – Competition has been called ON at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Stop No. 5 of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). The Women’s Round of 16 will commence at 7:35 a.m. AEST, followed by the men’s Round of 32 heats 1 – 12. Competition will run at Winkipop today with the back-up site offering super clean surf in the three-to-four foot range which should continue through the bottom and top of the tides today.

The opening heat of the day will witness the current world No. 3 Molly Picklum (AUS) take on reigning WSL World Junior Champion Luana Silva (BRA) at Winkipop. The pair have a style that suits the waves here, which will make for an exciting matchup.

Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) comes into the Round of 16 off the back of a solid performance in the Elimination Round and will need to step it up again if she’s to overcome 2025 form surfer Gabriela Bryan (HAW) in Heat 5.

When the men’s competition gets underway, Heat 3 will be one to watch as Bells standouts Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) and Liam O’Brien (AUS) go head-to-head for a spot in the Round of 16 here at the Rip Curl Pro.

Rip Curl Trials Winner Morgan Cibilic (AUS) will need to bring his A-game when he comes up against reigning Bells winner Cole Houshmand (USA) in Heat 7 of the men’s Round of 32.

Watch the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

Set Your Fantasy Team for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy

WSL CT Fantasy Surfing is live for the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach. Create your leagues, invite friends, and build teams. WSL Fantasy will lock following the Elimination Rounds and at the start of the men’s Round of 32 and women’s Round of 16.

Learn more at CTFantasy.WorldSurfLeague.com.

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Luana Silva (BRA)
HEAT 2: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)
HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
HEAT 4: Bella Kenworthy (USA) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRC)
HEAT 5: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Nadia Erostarbe (ESP)
HEAT 6: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)
HEAT 7: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW)
HEAT 8: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Ellie Harrison (AUS)Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Round of 32 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Ryan Callinan (AUS)
HEAT 2: Connor O’Leary (JPN) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA)
HEAT 3: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Liam O’Brien (AUS)
HEAT 4: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 5: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs. Imaikalani deVault (HAW)
HEAT 6: Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS)
HEAT 7: Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Morgan Cibilic (AUS)
HEAT 8: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Alan Cleland (MEX)
HEAT 9: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Xavier Huxtable (AUS)
HEAT 10: Matthew McGillivray (RSA) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA)
HEAT 11: Rio Waida (INA) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA)
HEAT 12: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Ian Gentil (HAW)
HEAT 13: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
HEAT 14: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA)
HEAT 15: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. George Pittar (AUS)
HEAT 16: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW)

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

Off for Wednesday at Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy
Strong Onshore Winds Force Day Off at Bells Beach
Promising Forecast For Reminder of Event Window …April 18, through April 28.
Next Call: Thursday, April 23, at 7:15 AM for a Possible 7:35 AM Start (20 hours ahead…1135am Wednesday for Hawaii)

Pictured: 2023 Bells winner Ethan Ewing (AUS) will take on Ryan Callinan (AUS) in Heat 1 of the Round of 32 when competition resumes at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy. Credit: WSL / Ed Sloane

BELLS BEACH, Victoria, Australia (Wednesday, April 23, 2025) – Competition has been called OFF for the day at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Stop No. 5 of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). Strong onshore winds are making conditions less than desirable at Bells Beach, and with a promising forecast for the remainder of the window, another call will be made tomorrow, Thursday, April 23, at 7:15 a.m. AEST for a possible 7:35 a.m. Start.

“The wind is howling onshore today, making conditions really tough, so we’re calling off the event for the day,” said WSL Deputy Commissioner, Renato Hickel. “We are seeing the winds become light and offshore from tomorrow, and the remainder of the window is looking promising, so we are hopeful to get competition back underway tomorrow and string a few days together coming into the weekend. The next few days look like being the best of the window.”

When competition resumes, two Australian hopefuls, Ethan Ewing (AUS) and Ryan Callinan (AUS), will go head-to-head in Heat 1 of the men’s Round of 32. Ewing is eyeing off another Bells win, whilst Callinan is in desperate need of a big result here at Bells to avoid the fast-approaching Mid-season Cut.

Current World No. 1 Italo Ferreira (BRA) looks to be continuing his strong form here at Bells and will need to bring his best to overcome local standout and Victoria Trials winner Xavier Huxtable (AUS) in Heat 9 of the Round of 32.

Good friends Isabella Nichols (AUS) and Erin Brooks (CAN) will match up in Heat 6 of the women’s Round of 16 when competition resumes for the first time since they contested a Challenger Series Final at North Narrabeen last year.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Round of 32 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Ryan Callinan (AUS)
HEAT 2: Connor O’Leary (JPN) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA)
HEAT 3: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Liam O’Brien (AUS)
HEAT 4: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 5: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs. Imaikalani deVault (HAW)
HEAT 6: Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS)
HEAT 7: Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Morgan Cibilic (AUS)
HEAT 8: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Alan Cleland (MEX)
HEAT 9: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Xavier Huxtable (AUS)
HEAT 10: Matthew McGillivray (RSA) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA)
HEAT 11: Rio Waida (INA) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA)
HEAT 12: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Ian Gentil (HAW)
HEAT 13: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
HEAT 14: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA)
HEAT 15: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. George Pittar (AUS)
HEAT 16: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW)Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Luana Silva (BRA)
HEAT 2: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)
HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
HEAT 4: Bella Kenworthy (USA) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRC)
HEAT 5: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Nadia Erostarbe (ESP)
HEAT 6: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)
HEAT 7: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW)
HEAT 8: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Ellie Harrison (AUS)

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

Men’s Opening Round Wraps In Challenging Conditions at Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy

Alan Cleland Jr. and Italo Ferreira Lead Men’s Opening Round

Event Hopefuls Bounce Back in Elimination Round

Mixed Results For Event Wildcards on Second Day of Competition

Ramzi Boukhiam Suffers Knee Injury and Withdraws From Event

Pictured: Trials winner Morgan Cibilic (AUS) was a standout today at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy today. Credit: WSL / Cait Miers

BELLS BEACH, Victoria, Australia (Tuesday, April 22, 2025) – The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, Stop No. 5 of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), recommenced today in chunky, wind-affected surf on the Bells Bowl. Competitors in the men’s Opening Round, along with the women’s and men’s Elimination Rounds, put on a show in the bumpy four-to-six-foot surf on the fifth day of the window.

Alan Cleland Jr. and Italo Ferreira Lead The Way in Men’s Opening Round

Fresh off his equal-best career result at the CT level, Alan Cleland Jr. (MEX) has put on a solid opening-round performance to book a spot in the Round of 32. Cleland came up against 2022 Bells winner and two-time World Champion Filipe Toledo (AUS), as well as CT Rookie Joel Vaughan (AUS), and made his intentions clear from the start, posting a 7.00 point ride on his first wave. He then backed it up with an excellent 8.17 with three super committed, critical turns, leaving him to end the heat with a 15.00 point two-wave total (out of a possible 20), the second-highest of the men’s Opening Round.

“Surfing against Joel [Vaughan], he’s one of my best friends, and then surfing against [Filipe] Toledo, he’s one of the best in the world, so I was super excited to get in the water,” Cleland said. “We’ve been waiting a couple of days, and the waves have been small. Luckily enough, the swell picked up, and it’s a bit windy, but the waves are super fun, and I’m just stoked to get a couple out there. I love this place, hanging out with all the locals. I went to a footy game last night. It’s just been rad. I’m stoked to be here and stoked to get some waves. I’m grateful for every opportunity. I’m grateful to wake up every morning and go surf. It’s such a good sport, and I’m just happy to do what I do. You just can’t ask for more when there are waves.”

2018 Bells winner and current World No. 1 Italo Ferreira (AUS) came out firing in Heat 6 of the men’s Opening Round, delivering both the highest single-wave score and heat total of the day. Looking in top form, Ferreira attacked one of the bigger sets with power and precision, earning a 7.17 before locking in an impressive 8.15 to secure his win. Local wildcard Xavier Huxtable (AUS) also progressed to the Round of 32 with a solid performance. Ferreira’s backhand looked ominous as he blasted massive turns on solid sections, remaining fans of his capabilities in the bigger sets.

“That was a great heat, I tried to find the good walls,” Ferreira said. “I know there are a lot of opportunities there, but it’s kind of hard to find the best ones. I was lucky that I had a good opportunity in the beginning to score 7 points, and then after that, 8 points on the other one. It’s always fun competing at Bells, I always feel excited to find a good wall and go hard, and I’m stoked.”

Ramzi Boukhiam Suffers Knee Injury and Withdraws From Event

At the end of Heat 6, an exchange between Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) and Xavier Huxtable (AUS) saw the pair waiting on the shoreline to hear scores and see who would be sent to the Elimination Round. As Boukhiam waited in shallow water on the rock shelf, his leg slipped into a hole, and a wave pushed him forward, causing an injury to his knee that required him to be carried off the beach by an ATV. After the initial assessment, Boukhiam withdrew from the event as he would be unable to surf his Elimination Round heat. He went to the hospital for further scans and assessment, and WSL will have an update on his condition soon.

Event Hopefuls Bounce Back in Elimination Round

Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) bounced back from a disappointing Opening Round heat with an emphatic performance in the Elimination Round at Bells to overcome Olympians Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) and Vahine Fierro (FRA). Sakura Johnson looked right at home in the Bells Bowl, carving and punching her way to an 11.84 two-wave total to progress with Erostrabe, while Fierro was eliminated in equal 17th place.

“It’s always frustrating to end up in the Elimination Round,” Sakura Johnson said. “But, I think I needed that, I think I needed another shot out here at Bells just to get on top of a few things. It’s always interesting coming up against rookies because you don’t really know what to expect at a new location, so I’m happy to have performed and find a bit of a rhythm out here. I know it’s a wave I could do well at.”

In the last two years, Matthew McGillivray (RSA) has finished in fifth and third place here at Bells, and given his runner-up finish at El Salvador just a week ago, it was a shock to see him in the Elimination Round today. The South African got his 2025 Bells campaign back on track in Heat 1 of the Elimination Round, posting a 14.57 two-wave total to claim an impressive win over Jackson Bunch (HAW) and Edgard Groggia (BRA). McGillivray’s fins-free explosive approach made for one of the most exciting performances of the day. McGillivray will take on Griffin Colapinto (USA) in the Round of 32 when the competition resumes.

“The Elimination Round is pretty stressful,” McGillivray said. “I didn’t get a good start in my Opening Round Heat, which just threw me off and had me waiting a lot of minutes. Coming into that heat, I really wanted to get a good start and a quick one. I seem to get good momentum when I get a couple of waves early, and there were plenty of waves in the heat, so we all had a lot of opportunity, which was good. It will be fun to match up with Griffin again. He’s such a gnarly competitor and someone that inspires me and pushes me, so it will be great to come up against him.”

Marco Mignot (FRA) and Seth Moniz (HAW) were able to sneak through their elimination round heat to defeat Deivid Silva (BRA), who was eliminated in equal 33rd place. It was one of the tightest heats, with less than 1.50 points separating all three surfers.

The last heat of the day saw Brazilian trio João Chianca (BRA), Alejo Muniz (BRA), and Ian Gouveia (BRA) fight for a spot in the Round of 32. Muniz looked to find a groove at Bells to take the win while Chianca progressed in second place, leaving Gouveia to be eliminated and now shift his focus to the Gold Coast.

Caitlin Simmers and Barron Mamiya Make the Mid-season Cut

With today’s results, Caity Simmers (USA) and Barron Mamiya (HAW) have each secured their spot on the CT beyond the Mid-season Cut as they progress into the Round of 16 and Round of 32, respectively.

Mixed Results For Event Wildcards on Second Day of Competition

Rip Curl Trials Winner Morgan Cibilic (AUS) showed some of the form that saw him finish No. 5 in the world back in 2021 as he posted a two-wave total of 14.06 to overcome Bells standout Ethan Ewing (AUS). Cibilic’s speed and finesse on the rail were on point and saw him book a spot in the Round of 32 along with Ewing, while their opponent, Seth Moniz (HAW), contested the Elimination Round and was able to progress into the Round of 32.

“It’s always good to come back down to Bells, it’s so nice down here, I love it,” Cibilic said. “I know we haven’t had amazing waves yet, but it looks like it’s going to get fun throughout the contest, so I’m stoked just to be here. Pushing yourself here [at Bells] with the world’s best, there’s nothing better than that to get you ready for the year ahead. Hopefully, I can go deep in this event and set myself up for a good year this year.”

Victorian Trials Winners Xavier Huxtable (AUS) and Carly Shanahan (AUS) had mixed results for the local crowd. Huxtable progressed into the Round of 32, while Shanahan was defeated by Olympic Gold Medalist and 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA), and World Junior Champion Luana Silva (BRA), who was in searing form in the Elimination Round.

For highlights from today’s competition at the Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Presented by Bonsoy, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Opening Round Results:
HEAT 1: Crosby Colapinto (USA) 12.84 DEF. Rio Waida (INA) 10.20, Imaikalani deVault (HAW) 8.07
HEAT 2: Samuel Pupo (BRA) 12.00 DEF. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 8.20, Joao Chianca (BRA) 7.77
HEAT 3: Jordy Smith (RSA) 12.54 DEF. George Pittar (AUS) 10.77, Edgard Groggia (BRA) 8.87
HEAT 4: Ian Gentil (HAW) 13.07 DEF. Yago Dora (BRA) 10.13, Ian Gouveia (BRA) 9.90
HEAT 5: Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 14.06 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 12.97, Seth Moniz (HAW) 8.67
HEAT 6: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 15.67 DEF. Xavier Huxtable (AUS) 11.44, Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) 11.00
HEAT 7: Jack Robinson (AUS) 12.93 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 12.56, Marco Mignot (FRA) 11.23
HEAT 8: Connor O’Leary (JPN) 10.76 DEF. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 9.16, Deivid Silva (BRA) 8.70
HEAT 9: Jake Marshall (USA) 13.80 DEF. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 10.53, Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.43
HEAT 10: Alan Cleland (MEX) 15.00 DEF. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 10.34, Joel Vaughan (AUS) 7.67
HEAT 11: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 13.37 DEF. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 10.33, Jackson Bunch (HAW) 8.67
HEAT 12: Cole Houshmand (USA) 10.33 DEF. Liam O’Brien (AUS) 10.33, Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 9.46Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Elimination Round Results:
HEAT 1: Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 14.53 DEF. Jackson Bunch (HAW) 12.97, Edgard Groggia (BRA) 10.50
HEAT 2: Joel Vaughan (AUS) DEF. Imaikalani deVault (HAW) , Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) INJ
HEAT 3: Marco Mignot (FRA) 10.67 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 10.60, Deivid Silva (BRA) 10.53
HEAT 4: Alejo Muniz (BRA) 11.63 DEF. Joao Chianca (BRA) 10.00, Ian Gouveia (BRA) 9.44Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Men’s Round of 32 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Ryan Callinan (AUS)
HEAT 2: Connor O’Leary (JPN) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA)
HEAT 3: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Liam O’Brien (AUS)
HEAT 4: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 5: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs. Imaikalani deVault (HAW)
HEAT 6: Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS)
HEAT 7: Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Morgan Cibilic (AUS)
HEAT 8: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Alan Cleland (MEX)
HEAT 9: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Xavier Huxtable (AUS)
HEAT 10: Matthew McGillivray (RSA) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA)
HEAT 11: Rio Waida (INA) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA)
HEAT 12: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Ian Gentil (HAW)
HEAT 13: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
HEAT 14: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA)
HEAT 15: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. George Pittar (AUS)
HEAT 16: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW)Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Elimination Round Results:
HEAT 1: Luana Silva (BRA) 11.00 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 8.93, Carly Shanahan (AUS) 5.83
HEAT 2: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 11.84 DEF. Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) 8.00, Vahine Fierro (FRA) 7.80Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach Women’s Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Luana Silva (BRA)
HEAT 2: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)
HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
HEAT 4: Bella Kenworthy (USA) vs. Brisa Hennessy (CRC)
HEAT 5: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Nadia Erostarbe (ESP)
HEAT 6: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)
HEAT 7: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW)
HEAT 8: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Ellie Harrison (AUS)