Caroline Marks and John John Florence Win Surf City El Salvador Pro

Caroline Marks Claims Back-to-Back Victories in El Salvador
John John Florence Scores Perfect 10 En Route to Event Win
Gabriela Bryan Pushes Progression To Earn Second-Place Result
Yago Dora Provides Aerial Masterclass in Runner-up Finish

Pictured: World Champions John John Florence (HAW) and Caroline Marks (USA) celebrate their wins at Stop No. 7 of 10 on the 2024 WSL CT, the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona. Credit: © WSL / Aaron Hughes

PUNTA ROCA, La Libertad, El Salvador (Sunday, June 9, 2024) – Today, Caroline Marks (USA) and John John Florence (HAW) won the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona, Stop No. 7 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2024 Championship Tour (CT). Marks and Florence emerged as the best of a stacked field in the three-to-four-foot waves at El Salvador’s Punta Roca, also known as La Punta or Punta Chilama.

Today’s results also affected the World Rankings seeing a shuffle within the Top 5 as Florence secured his place into the WSL Finals, and Marks moved to World No. 2 as she takes another step closer to defending her World Title. Brisa Hennessy (CRC) moves to No. 3, with Molly Picklum (AUS) and Johanne Defay (FRA) moving down one place but still among the Top 5. Jack Robinson (AUS) moved to No. 2, with Griffin Colapinto (USA), Ethan Ewing (AUS), and Jordy Smith (RSA) holding the remaining Top 5 spots.

Caroline Marks Claims Back-to-Back Victories in El Salvador

In 2023, Caroline Marks’ (USA) victory here catapulted her World Title dream back into reality before being crowned the 2023 WSL Champion. A successful run throughout the week in El Salvador returned Marks, 22, to the top of the podium for back-to-back wins at Punta Roca. Marks now sits just behind fellow American Caitlin Simmers on the rankings. Marks has two more events to hold her Top 5 position for the opportunity to defend her World Title.

“That feels really good, and El Salvador is always so good to me,” said Marks. “It kickstarted my campaign to win the World Title last year. I love Punta Roca. It was also really cool to have a Final with Gabby [Bryan]. She’s a really good friend of mine on Tour, and winning feels good. I’m really happy. That’s why I’m here. I want to win as many World Titles as I can, and I’m super aware of how hard it is to get one, but I just need to focus on myself and my performances. I would absolutely love to go back-to-back to be the World Champion, but for now, I’m just going to enjoy this.”

The Final heated up right away with Marks unleashing her signature backhand power to accrue a 7.00 (out of a possible 10) over 2022 Rookie of the Year Gabriela Bryan (HAW). A quick backup put Marks firmly in the lead, with Bryan’s minimal score line requiring a near-perfect 9.70 to overtake the defending event victor, Marks. Reigning WSL Champion Marks then utilized her priority to secure the best score heat with a 7.40 at the 14-minute mark, and put Bryan into a combination situation, meaning she needed two new scores to match Marks.

But, Bryan showed her resilience and got out of the combination situation before nearly taking the lead from Marks in the final moments, falling just 0.34 short of her requirement.

“The waves were amazing since the first day I got here,” said Marks. “Thank you, Surf City, for being so welcoming and all the fans and Punta Roca for providing all the waves. It was a dream week for me. It feels good to be back in winning form, and it sets me up really nicely for the rest of the year. I want to be back in the Finals.”

Gabriela Bryan Pushes Progression To Earn Second-Place Result

22-year-old Gabriela Bryan (HAW) put on a dominant showing throughout her run to the Final. The Kauai, Hawaii, competitor, Bryan, overpowered World Title contender Molly Picklum (AUS) in their Quarterfinal before Bryan returned to the water today and took down current World No. 1 Caitlin Simmers (USA). Though Bryan’s last attempt to take the podium fell under half a point short, she moves to Rio with renewed vigor. Bryan is knocking on the door of the WSL Final 5, now sitting at World No. 6.

“It feels super good, especially to back it up after Margaret River,” said Bryan. “I had a great week surfing insane waves with the girls and thank you to everyone for welcoming us. Congratulations to Caroline on an awesome Final. She’s been ripping, and it was super special to share that with her.”

John John Florence Scores Perfect 10 En Route to First CT Victory Since the Pipe in 2020

John John Florence (HAW) could not be stopped throughout this competition. Florence added another Perfect 10 to his list of running accolades in the Semifinals before winning his ninth CT event. Florence is now tied for the most Perfect 10-point rides, marking his 18th Perfect 10 on the CT.

Florence’s win today secures his place in the WSL Final 5. The two-time WSL Champion hasn’t competed in the WSL Finals since its inception and looks to retain the No. 1 spot heading to Lower Trestles. He currently holds a 10,740-point lead over No. 2 Jack Robinson (AUS).

“That’s for Darwin, oh my god, I’m so stoked,” said Florence, dedicating the win to his new-born son. “I’m just super stoked to win an event. In the end, I was thinking not another second, I gotta get the win in this one then, when he [Yaog Dora] got that 9, I just thought, ‘Oh no, there’s going to be sets,’ but then it just went flat. I can’t believe it. I’m just feeling so good with where I’m at right now, my headspace, everything. My wife back home, my wife and my son, my mom and brothers, just everyone. I can’t believe it.”

The men’s Final witnessed more jaw-dropping progression from both Florence and Yago Dora (BRA), with Florence taking command early to post a 16.33 (out of a possible 20) heat total. Florence’s wave selection kept him in form, but Dora fired back with more of his explosive tendencies and soared to a near-perfect 9.77 (out of a possible 10) under priority. The action-packed start slowed as conditions went silent heading into the final horn, and Florence emerged victorious for the first time since winning the CT at Pipeline in 2020.

“That was tough and I got a little lucky in the end with it going flat,” said Florence. “I think I just feel light, and I feel good. My wife and I have our son, and it’s just been such a good year. Coming into the year, there’s so much going on: having a baby, the Olympics, the Tour, and everything. It was a lot, but it’s just been so much fun and better than I could’ve imagined. This will be my first time making it to the WSL Finals, but there’s still work to be done, and I want to be leading going into it and have the best chance possible.”

Yago Dora Provides Aerial Masterclass Toward Runner-up Finish

Yago Dora’s incredible performance in the Semifinals bested three-time WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) in dominant form. The now No. 8 Dora posted a near-perfect 9.33 and an excellent 8.33 to leave Medina chasing a combination situation for the majority of the heat.

“Thank you for everything, El Salvador, and for being here supporting me,” said Dora. “It was incredible. I’m really happy, this was a great event for me. I was feeling like I was going to win it, but then John [Florence] came up super strong, and I was just missing another wave in the end. I’m still proud of myself and the performance I put on. I want to thank my girlfriend and Jack [Robinson], Brisa [Hennessy], and Katie [Hennessy]. We had a lot of fun and let’s keep building on this.”

Medina has gained major ground in the last two events. Medina’s 3rd place finish vaults him up to No. 6 on the rankings, pushing him a step closer to the WSL Final 5. Medina’s signature surge in the back half of the season could get a major boost in his home country of Brazil before concluding the season in Fiji.

WSL CT Leaderboard Rankings Shift After Finals Day in El Salvador

The 2024 WSL Championship Tour uses a leaderboard system and rankings points for the nine ‘regular-season’ CT competitions. The tenth event on the Tour is the Lexus WSL Finals, the one-day, winner-take-all competition to decide the undisputed World Champions. As only the Top 5 men and Top 5 women on the CT rankings will compete in the WSL Finals, the points from the Surf City El Salvador Pro and the next two CT competitions in Rio and Fiji will be critical for each surfer’s World Title aspirations.

Caity Simmers (USA) is back to World No. 1 following her performance this week in El Salvador. Simmers placed in Equal 3rd after losing to Bryan but continued to showcase her progressive surfing with a fin-release hammer on the buzzer in Semifinal 1. Unfortunately, it fell just 0.40 shy of the requirement. Simmers will now head to the VIVO Rio Pro wearing the yellow Leader jersey to continue to fight for a spot in the WSL Final 5 and the top seed for the Lexus WSL Finals.

Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) lost in the Semifinals to Marks and earned a third-place finish. This placing moves her to No. 7 on the rankings. Should she repeat the success from El Salvador in Rio and Fiji, Sakura Johnson could be vying for the World Title in September.

Earlier today, Dora eliminated good friend Jack Robinson (AUS) in Quarterfinal 2. Robinson’s brilliant run helped him jump one spot and heads into the VIVO Rio Pro as World No. 2, though still nearly 11,000 points behind Florence.

Crosby Colapinto (USA) was the sole 2024 CT Rookie left in the draw today but was dispatched by eventual winner Florence. This year’s men’s Rookie of the Year race will be between Colapinto and Cole Houshmand (USA). Today’s result gives Colapinto a bigger lead as he jumps to World No. 10, with Houshmand holding on to No. 13.

Joao Chianca (BRA) returned to the CT for the first time this year as the event wildcard. Despite his elimination at the hands of Medina in Quarterfinal 1, the 23-year-old showed that he’s in solid form. He will return to full-time competition on the CT as the 2025 WSL Season Wildcard.

For highlights from today’s competition at the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Women’s Final Results:
1 – Caroline Marks (USA) 14.80
2 – Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 14.46Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Women’s Final Results:
1 – John John Florence (HAW) 16.33
2 – Yago Dora (BRA) 14.44

Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 13.50 DEF. Caitlin Simmers (USA) 13.10
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) 13.77 DEF. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 11.10

Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Yago Dora (BRA) 17.66 DEF. Gabriel Medina (BRA) 14.23
HEAT 2: John John Florence (HAW) 17.50 DEF. Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 14.43

Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.27 DEF. Joao Chianca (BRA) 10.24
HEAT 2: Yago Dora (BRA) 14.54 DEF. Jack Robinson (AUS) 11.50
HEAT 3: John John Florence (HAW) 15.17 DEF. Crosby Colapinto (USA) 9.67
HEAT 4: Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 15.17 DEF. Jordy Smith (RSA) 13.70

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

SUNDAY JUNE 9….Finals Day Called ON at Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona

IN PUMPING SURF….

Men’s Quarterfinals Start at 6:35 AM CST
Competition Schedule for Today, Winds Permitting: Men’s Quarterfinals, Women’s and Men’s Semifinals, Women’s and Men’s Finals
Watch the World’s Best Surfers Battle for the Event Titles at Punta Roca

Pictured: Gabriel Medina (BRA), three-time WSL Champion, is up first this morning against event wildcard Joao Chianca (BRA) in the Quarterfinals at the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona. Credit: © WSL / Aaron Hughes

PUNTA ROCA, La Libertad, El Salvador (Sunday, June 9, 2024) – Finals Day is ON at the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona, Stop No. 7 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2024 Championship Tour (CT). Three-to-four-foot waves at El Salvador’s high-performance, right-hand point break, Punta Roca (also known as La Punta or Punta Chilama), will see the final ten heats of the competition run today. The men’s Quarterfinals will start at 6:35 a.m. CST, followed by the women’s and men’s Semifinals and Finals with 35-minute heats. The WSL Commissioner’s Office will try to finish the competition today but will keep a close eye on the winds. Should the winds be too strong, they will reassess the call for a potential finish tomorrow morning.

The first men’s Quarterfinal will host the all-Brazilian battle between three-time WSL Champion Gabriel Medina and event wildcard Joao Chianca. Chianca returned back to the CT with a big upset over World No. 3 Griffin Colapinto (USA) and will be out to repeat that success against Medina. Medina currently sits at World No. 7, and the losses of three of the five top-ranked surfers in the earlier rounds could open the door should he achieve a strong result today.

Best friends Jack Robinson (AUS) and Yago Dora (BRA) will face each other in Quarterfinal 2 today at Punta Roca. Robinson and Dora recently faced each other in the Elimination Round of the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro, where Dora eliminated Robinson, who was the defending event winner in Tahiti. Now in El Salvador, the two will meet again for the opportunity to win the event title. Should Dora win this heat, this would mark his best placing since winning the 2023 VIVO Rio Pro.

2024 CT Rookie Crosby Colaptino (USA) will look to upset the competition in his Quarterfinal 3 heat against World No.1 John John Florence (HAW). Crosby’s best result this season was a Semifinal finish in Portugal, and with a mix of 9th and 17th place results, he’ll be out to surpass his career-best today.

South Africa will see its two standout competitors, Matthew McGillivray and Jordy Smith, go head-to-head in Quarterfinal 4. Smith is well within the World Title conversation at No. 5 on the rankings, but McGillivray is eager to surpass his best result this season, a third place at Bells Beach.

The women’s Semifinals will host two major matchups of surfing’s next generation, with all four competitors still in the draw, only being 22 years or younger.

In the Semifinals, now World No. 1 Caity Simmers (USA) will face Gabriela Bryan (HAW) in the opening heat. Bryan had a commanding win against Molly Picklum (AUS) yesterday with her impressive power surfing for an 8.33 (out of a possible 10). She’ll now take on Simmers in a rematch of their Bells Beach Quarterfinal earlier this year.

Defending event winner Caroline Marks (USA) will face Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) in Semifinal 2. This season Sakura Johnson has had a strong winning streak over Marks, with the win in the Quarterfinals at Pipe and in the Semifinals at Sunset. Marks will now look to take one back to secure her first Final of the year.

Watch the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Joao Chianca (BRA) vs. Gabriel Medina (BRA)
HEAT 2: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Yago Dora (BRA)
HEAT 3: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Crosby Colapinto (USA)
HEAT 4: Matthew McGillivray (RSA) vs. Jordy Smith (RSA)Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Women’s Semifinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Gabriela Bryan (HAW)
HEAT 2: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Caroline Marks (USA)For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

- Women’s Semifinalists Decided at Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona
- Bettylou Sakura Johnson Overpowers World No. 1 Brisa Hennessy, Yellow Leader’s Jersey Changes Hands
- Caroline Marks Handles the Pressure While Caitlin Simmers Surges Back into Finals Day
- Gabriela Bryan Positions Herself Closer to WSL Final 5 Contention

Pictured: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) moves up the rankings to World No. 6 after taking down Molly Picklum (AUS) in the Quarterfinals at the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona. Credit: © WSL / Aaron Hughes

PUNTA ROCA, La Libertad, El Salvador (Saturday, June 8, 2024) – A short, but heavily-implicated day of competition got underway at the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona, Stop No. 7 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2024 Championship Tour (CT). The Women’s Quarterfinals took over Punta Roca this morning with all of the Top 5 contenders returning to the lineup with three-to-four-foot conditions before the wind and tide put the competition on hold to eventually off for the day. Now, the WSL Final 5 conversation is wide open after today’s results.

Bettylou Sakura Johnson Overpowers World No. 1 Brisa Hennessy, Yellow Leader’s Jersey Changes Hands

Brisa Hennessy (CRC) entered El Salvador with the yellow Leader’s jersey by the narrowest of margins, and an intense Quarterfinal awaited against Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW). Sakura Johnson seemed unphased taking on the World No. 1 and delivered a powerful performance on her forehand attack to accrue a 13.26 heat total (out of a possible 20) to eliminate Hennessy, who earned an 11.43.

“Brisa [Hennessy] in yellow, she’s an incredible surfer, and just going into that heat I knew I had to be smarter,” said Sakura Johnson. “She got me in the first heat of the first round, and I wanted to get her back, so I’m happy to be into the Semis. I wanted to keep it super simple. Me and Ross [Williams] were just talking and said to be super picky, be smart, and surf like I didn’t have any pressure. The last couple of events were definitely some rough patches, and I’m happy to be patching that back up and focusing on my boards.”

Gabriela Bryan Positions Herself Closer to WSL Final 5 Contention

A decimating performance from Gabriela Bryan (HAW) provided an early shakeup to the Top 5 picture after eliminating current No. 3 Molly Picklum (AUS). Bryan’s excellent 8.33 (out of a possible 10) sealed her second-consecutive Semifinal appearance and moved her to No. 6 on the rankings as she looks to break into the World Title race.

“I just wanted to win the first exchange and start off on a positive note, which I’m happy I did,” said Bryan. “I got those two 6-point rides back-to-back, and after that, I had to wait because I wanted a better score. I’m really glad it worked out and that I didn’t slip off on that last 8. These are the days we dream about going out as professional surfers going out with Molly, same age, out surfing the world’s best waves.”

Caroline Marks Handles the Pressure, While Caitlin Simmers Surges Back into Finals Day

All eyes were on Quarterfinal 4, featuring a heavyweight matchup between current No. 4 Johanne Defay (FRA) and reigning WSL Champion and defending event winner. Caroline Marks (USA). Marks’ form was on point in the Elimination Round, and she continued to push her performance when it mattered most, utilizing her powerful backhand attack. Now, Marks begins to make her move further into the Top 5 and a chance to defend her El Salvador title.

“That was a huge heat with where the rankings are at, and every heat is a big heat when you’re looking at the end of the year,” said Marks. “I’m super aware of how important each heat, each moment is and I was really excited to surf that heat. Unfortunately, the wind and the tide got a little funky, but we had some nice sets to start, and I’m just stoked I was in rhythm with the priority.”

World No. 2 Caity Simmers (USA) kicked off the day with a win over No. 7 Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) in Quarterfinal 1. Following Hennessy’s loss, Simmers heads to Rio wearing the yellow Leader’s jersey once again after losing it to Hennessy following Tahiti.

The next call will be tomorrow, Sunday, June 9, at 6:15 a.m. CST for a possible 6:35 a.m. start.

For highlights from today’s competition at the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 13.83 DEF. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 10.10
HEAT 2: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 15.16 DEF. Molly Picklum (AUS) 12.10
HEAT 3: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 13.26 DEF. Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 11.43
HEAT 4: Caroline Marks (USA) 11.93 DEF. Johanne Defay (FRA) 11.84Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Women’s Semifinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Gabriela Bryan (HAW)
HEAT 2: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Caroline Marks (USA)Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Joao Chianca (BRA) vs. Gabriel Medina (BRA)
HEAT 2: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Yago Dora (BRA)
HEAT 3: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Crosby Colapinto (USA)
HEAT 4: Matthew McGillivray (RSA) vs. Jordy Smith (RSA)For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Watch LIVE
The Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners. For fans watching in the United States, coverage of the competition’s Quarterfinals and beyond will continue co-exclusively on WorldSurfLeague.com and ESPN+.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW….

Quarterfinals Called ON at Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona
Women’s Quarterfinals Started at 6:35 AM CST (2:35am HI Time)
Potential Finals Day Today, Decision To Come During Men’s Quarterfinals
Women’s and Men’s Semifinals, and Women’s and Men’s Finals on Standby
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy will face Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) in Quarterfinal 3 today at the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona. Credit: © WSL / Aaron Hughes

PUNTA ROCA, La Libertad, El Salvador (Saturday, June 8, 2024) – The Quarterfinals are ON at the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona, Stop No. 7 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2024 Championship Tour (CT). The high-performance, right-hand point break of Punta Roca, also known as La Punta or Punta Chilama, will host three-to-four-foot conditions for the women’s and men’s Quarterfinals. During the men’s Quarterfinals, the WSL Commissioner’s Office will determine if today’s competition will continue into the women’s and men’s Semifinals and Finals. The competition will start at 6:35 a.m. CST with 35-minute heats.

Up first in today’s Quarterfinals will be Caity Simmers (USA) taking on Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA). With Weston-Webb sitting in seventh place on the rankings, a win over World No. 2 Simmers could put her within striking distance of the WSL Final 5. The Brazilian has yet to move past the Semifinals this season and will hope for the breakthrough to the Finals today in El Salvador.

World No. 1 Brisa Hennessy (CRC) will face Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) in Heat 3 of the Quarterfinals. Hennessy has yet to fall below the Semifinals this season (with the exception of an early injury withdrawal in Portugal), but Sakura Johnson will be out to disrupt Hennessy’s consistent streak in their matchup today.

The first men’s Quarterfinal will host the all-Brazilian battle between three-time WSL Champion Gabriel Medina and event wildcard Joaoa Chianca. Chianca returned back to the CT with a big upset over World No. 3 Griffin Colapinto (USA) and will be out to repeat that success against Medina. Similar to Weston-Webb, Medina currently sits at World No. 7, and the losses of three Top 5 ranked surfers yesterday could open the door should he achieve a strong result in the Finals Series.

Watch the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA)
HEAT 2: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Gabriela Bryan (HAW)
HEAT 3: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW)
HEAT 4: Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Caroline Marks (USA)Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Joao Chianca (BRA) vs. Gabriel Medina (BRA)
HEAT 2: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Yago Dora (BRA)
HEAT 3: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Crosby Colapinto (USA)
HEAT 4: Matthew McGillivray (RSA) vs. Jordy Smith (RSA)

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

Upsets Unravel to Disrupt Men’s Final 5 Race, Quarterfinalists Determined at Stop No. 7

Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona:

Men’s Top 5 in Flux Following Colapinto, Ewing, and Ferreira Eliminations
John John Florence Continues to Shine, Retains No. 1 Position
Joao Chianca Returns to Championship Tour Form
Gabriel Medina and Yago Dora Put World Title Race on Notice
El Salvador’s Bryan Perez Delivers Massive Upset

Pictured: Bryan Perez (SLV) soared his way into history as the first El Salvadorian to win a Championship Tour heat with an incredible performance in the first Elimination Round matchup today at the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona. Credit: © WSL / Aaron Hughes

PUNTA ROCA, La Libertad, El Salvador (Friday, June 7, 2024) – The Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona is down to the Quarterfinals after completing the men’s Elimination Round and Round of 16 in three-to-four-foot conditions at Punta Roca. As Stop No. 7 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2024 Championship Tour (CT), this competition will provide critical points for the race to the WSL Final 5, where the top 5 ranked women and men will compete for the World Titles in the one-day, winner-take-all competition, the Lexus WSL Finals, in September.

Today’s heats saw some big shakeups to the men’s Final 5 standings with No. 3 Griffin Colapinto (USA), No. 4 Ethan Ewing (AUS) and No. 5 Italo Ferreira eliminated after today’s heats ahead of the Quarterfinals.

El Salvador’s Bryan Perez Upsets Competition with Win Over World No. 5 and World Champion Italo Ferreira

In a shocking start to the men’s Elimination Round at the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona, local wildcard Bryan Perez (SLV) eliminated World No. 5 Italo Ferreira (BRA). Ferreira, the 2019 World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, was fresh off a victory at the SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro last week. Perez clinched the heat win with a massive air that scored an impressive 8.83 (out of a possible 10) in front of his hometown crowd. The loss could be a big setback for Ferreira, who had just climbed into the Top 5 after Tahiti. He will now have a lot of ground to make up in Brazil and Fiji after the rest of the men’s top 5 are still in the competition, along with No. 6 Jordy Smith (RSA).

“I knew I was going to be with one of the best surfers in the world, and I just went in wanting to catch the best waves and do my surfing,” said Perez. “I just focused on my surfing and wasn’t thinking about what he was doing on the wave, but it was super fun. It’s amazing to see this happening, and I’m super grateful to be here with my family and the people of El Salvador supporting me. It’s beautiful to see the country support me and it’s just another day in paradise.”

Perez grew up steps away from Punta Roca and learned to surf here. His victory marks the first win by an El Salvadorian surfer on the Championship Tour and is the biggest win of his career so far.

But, World No. 1 John John Florence (HAW) put a halt to Perez’s historical run in the Round of 16 as the El Salvadorian pushed Florence to bring out his excellent form. Florence posted an 8.93 to take control of the heat and will hold onto the yellow Leader’s jersey moving into Rio, the next stop on the CT.

“That heat was slower than I anticipated and my first wave was a mistake, but it ended up being one of scores, so it worked out,” said Florence. “Kicking out of that and then seeing him on that set and it looked like the biggest, cleanest wall and everyone is cheering for every turn thinking it’s a 10, I’m done. It was really about just holding it together until they dropped the scores. It feels good having confidence and being in the No. 1 position. Quarters is awesome and I’m stoked, but I’m here to win and have fun.”

Medina and Dora World Title Race on Notice

Another dominant showing from Gabriel Medina (BRA) vaulted him five spots on the rankings and within striking distance of the Top 5. The three-time WSL Champion’s backhand outmatched that of an in-form Ryan Callinan (AUS), who posted a 15.00 two-wave total (out of a possible 20) to Medina’s 16.17. Medina will now advance to the Quarterfinals for a second consecutive event.

“It feels good to make that one, it was really hard,” said Medina. “Me and Ryan [Callinan] always have good heats. I like the way he surfs, I’m a big fan of him, and he’s always so humble. It’s good to have surfers like that. I’m feeling the rhythm and I just want to make heats and surf. The waves are good, and when it comes, it’s really fun. Hopefully, it’s a little more consistent tomorrow, but it looks good, so that’s good for us.”

Earlier today, Callinan also scored an 8.17 to eliminate Liam O’Brien (AUS) in a rematch of the same Elimination Round at this event last year.

Always a threat to the Top 5, Yago Dora (BRA) is finding his feet in the back half of the season and put on an aerial showcase in his Round of 16 heat with Jake Marshall (USA). Dora’s variety and commitment in the air earned a 16.50 heat total and helped push him to No. 10 the rankings heading into the Quarterfinals.

“That’s just what I’ve been trying to do and I just dont want to think to much, and just enjoy the fun waves we’re getting,” said Dora. “It’s the kind of surfing I like to do. Getting a bunch of opportunities, going big and building my scores. I had a tough start to the season and didn’t really feel like myself but now I feel like I’m finding myself again.”

Joao Chianca Returns to Championship Tour Form

Joao Chianca (BRA) returned to CT competition for the first time since his injury in January and showed that he is still a major threat. Chianca’s combination of power and a full rotation earned an excellent 8.50 over Barron Mamiya (HAW). Chianca missed the first half of the season, but he will be back on the CT full-time as the WSL Season Wildcard in 2025.

“It’s so good to be back and I want to say thanks to everyone, my sponsors, and everyone who has been putting in prayers and good energy for me,” said Chianca. “It’s been a long way, and it’s been really hard every day. It’s really good to be back in the water at the CT level. It’s the highest level, and it’s so stacked, and I just feel really blessed right now.”

Chianca then had to overcome World No. 2 Griffin Colapinto (USA) and the heat unraveled with a costly, non-priority interference for Colapinto, meaning he lost half of his backup score. But Colapinto fought back, sending it for a 9.43 and keeping himself in the heat despite Chianca’s 14.50 heat total. Colapinto’s last effort fell short of the 9.77 required, and Chianca’s incredible return to the CT continues to the Quarterfinals where he will face Gabriel Medina (BRA).

Crosby Colaptinto (USA), Griffin’s younger brother, was able to break past the Round of 16 with his win over Indonesia’s Rio Waida in commanding form to earn a 16.67 (out of a possible 20) heat total. The 2024 CT Rookie pushes back against fellow San Clemente competitor Cole Houshmand on the CT rankings in their Rookie of the Year fight. Colapinto will now match up with World No. 1 Florence in Quarterfinal 3.

A big showing from Matthew McGillivray (RSA) made his presence known among the world’s best heading into the Quarterfinals, posting a 16.40 heat heat total over World No. 3 Ethan Ewing (AUS) and furthering the upset narrative in the Round of 16. McGillvray’s fellow South African, CT veteran, Jordy Smith also marched into the Quarterfinals and also jumped into the No. 5 position with his Round of 16 victory.

The next call will be tomorrow, Saturday, June 8, at 6:15 a.m. CST for a possible 6:35 a.m. start.

For highlights from today’s competition at the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Men’s Elimination Round Results:
HEAT 1: Bryan Perez (SLV) 15.33 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 12.40
HEAT 2: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 13.00 DEF. Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) 11.57
HEAT 3: Joao Chianca (BRA) 13.50 DEF. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 10.50
HEAT 4: Rio Waida (INA) 13.84 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 11.93
HEAT 5: Connor O’Leary (JPN) 14.50 DEF. Cole Houshmand (USA) 12.57
HEAT 6: Crosby Colapinto (USA) 14.00 DEF. Imaikalani deVault (HAW) 9.33
HEAT 7: Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 13.96 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 13.93
HEAT 8: Ryan Callinan (AUS) 14.27 DEF. Liam O’Brien (AUS) 11.23Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Men’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Joao Chianca (BRA) 14.50 DEF. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 13.48
HEAT 2: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 16.17 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 15.00
HEAT 3: Jack Robinson (AUS) 14.33 DEF. Connor O’Leary (JPN) 11.43
HEAT 4: Yago Dora (BRA) 16.50 DEF. Jake Marshall (USA) 10.93
HEAT 5: John John Florence (HAW) 13.26 DEF. Bryan Perez (SLV) 13.00
HEAT 6: Crosby Colapinto (USA) 16.67 DEF. Rio Waida (INA) 9.00
HEAT 7: Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 16.40 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 13.76
HEAT 8: Jordy Smith (RSA) 12.74 DEF. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 9.36Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Joao Chianca (BRA) vs. Gabriel Medina (BRA)
HEAT 2: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Yago Dora (BRA)
HEAT 3: John John Florence (HAW) vs. Crosby Colapinto (USA)
HEAT 4: Matthew McGillivray (RSA) vs. Jordy Smith (RSA)Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA)
HEAT 2: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Gabriela Bryan (HAW)
HEAT 3: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW)
HEAT 4: Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Caroline Marks (USA)
PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

Men’s Elimination Round and Round of 16 Called ON at Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona
Competition Started at 7:05 AM CST with 35-Minute Heats (4 hours ahead of us…305am)
No Women’s Competition Today
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Event wildcard Bryan Perez (SLV) will be against World No. 5 Italo Ferreira (BRA) in Heat 1 of the men’s Elimination Round at the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona, starting at 7:05 a.m. CST today. Credit: © WSL / Aaron Hughes

PUNTA ROCA, La Libertad, El Salvador (Friday, June 7, 2024) – Stop No. 7 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2024 Championship Tour (CT), the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona, is ON with three-to-four-foot surf at Punta Roca, also known as La Punta or Punta Chilama. The men’s Elimination Round will start at 7:05 a.m. CST, followed by the men’s Round of 16, all with 35-minute heats. There will be no women’s competition today.

Up first this morning will be local hero Bryan Perez (SLV) facing 2024 SHISEIDO Tahiti Pro winner Italo Ferreira (BRA) in Heat 1 of the men’s Elimination Round. This is Perez’s third time competing as a wildcard in the Surf City El Salvador Pro, and a win today would mark his career-best result on the CT and cause a massive upset to the competition, as Ferreira currently sits in 5th on the rankings.

Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) achieved the best result of his career so far last week in Tahiti but now finds himself back in the dreaded Elimination Round. He will be against Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) in Heat 2 for a chance to stay in Stop No. 7.

2024 CT rookies and good friends Cole Houshmand (USA) and Crosby Colapinto (USA) will be fighting for their place in the Round of 16 today as they take on Connor O’Leary (JPN) and Imaikalani deVault (HAW) in Heats 5 and 6, respectively.

Heat 8 will see an All-Australian matchup with Ryan Callinan and Liam O’Brien. This is the same matchup as last year in El Salvador, where Callinan and O’Brien came up against each other in the Elimination Round. O’Brien got the win last time and continued on in the competition to earn one of his best results here in El Salvador, a third-place finish in 2023 when he was defeated by Griffin Colapinto (USA). Callinan will look to get one back on his good friend in their matchup today.

Watch the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Men’s Elimination Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Bryan Perez (SLV)
HEAT 2: Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
HEAT 3: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA)
HEAT 4: Rio Waida (INA) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 5: Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Connor O’Leary (JPN)
HEAT 6: Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Imaikalani deVault (HAW)
HEAT 7: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Matthew McGillivray (RSA)
HEAT 8: Ryan Callinan (AUS) vs. Liam O’Brien (AUS)Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA)
HEAT 2: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Gabriela Bryan (HAW)
HEAT 3: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW)
HEAT 4: Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Caroline Marks (USA)

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW FROM DAY1

Power and Progression Set the Standard on Opening Day at Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona

Top 5 Women Advance to Quarterfinals
Caroline Marks and Tatiana Weston-Webb Pull Through First Eliminations
World No. 1 John John Florence Flourishes in Punta Roca Return
3X World Champion Gabriel Medina Makes His Statement, Top 5 Raise the Standard

Pictured: World No. 1 Brisa Hennessy (CRC) won her Opening Round heat against Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) and Leilani McGonagle (CRC) at the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona today. Credit: © WSL / Aaron Hughes

PUNTA ROCA, La Libertad, El Salvador (Thursday, June 6, 2024) – Opening day of the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona, Stop No. 7 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2024 Championship Tour (CT), kicked off with the women’s and men’s Opening Rounds and women’s Elimination Round at Punta Roca (also known as La Punta or Punta Chilama). Solid, four-to-six-foot wave faces provided a canvas for competitors to showcase their progression and power. The women’s Elimination Round witnessed World Title contenders battling to stay in the Final 5 race, while the men’s elimination heats are set to begin when competition resumes.

World No. 1 Hennessy Pushes the Pace, Continues Consistent Form

World No. 1 Brisa Hennessy (CRC) enters the Punta Roca arena fresh off a historic runner-up showing in Tahiti and looks to hold the yellow Leader’s jersey. Hennessy’s forehand attack overtook a last-minute surge from proven CT contender Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW). Now, Hennessy advances directly into the Quarterfinals and looks for a fifth Semifinal showing in 2024, while Sakura Johnson and event wildcard Leilani McGonagle (CRC) battled in the Elimination Round.

“It was firing out there, and it was really special to be out there with no one else in glassy conditions,” said Hennessy. “How much more could we ask for? It feels really special to be in Central America, and I’m just feeling that good energy, that pura vida energy. The yellow jersey comes with so many challenges and I think it can really either lift you up or drag you down. Wearing it definitely feels heavier, but I just think about what the color yellow means to me and it’s positivity and brightness, and I feel like El Salvador brings that.”

All Top 5 Women Through to Quarterfinals, Strengthening Their World Title Campaigns

Good friends Caity Simmers (USA) and Molly Picklum (AUS) are both through to the Quarterfinals after their opening-round wins today. Simmers, who is the current World No. 2, took down Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) and Lakey Peterson (USA) in Heat 3. Simmers, aiming to improve on her previous best result of 9th in El Salvador, showed she’s ready for the task of securing the win. Meanwhile, in Heat 4, World No. 3 Picklum advanced by defeating 2024 CT Rookie Sawyer Lindblad (USA) and Gabriela Bryan (HAW) with a women’s Opening Round best, 13.90 heat total (out of a possible 20). Both Simmers and Picklum move forward, strengthening their World Title campaigns as they look to clinch a spot in the WSL Final 5.

“We’re in pumping Punta Roca, and there’s a lot of fun waves but I feel like there’s different sections and zones to the point that I want to try and tap into,” said Picklum. “I just wanted to lean on my surfing, and that’s why I was trying a couple of airs. I think in the heat I identified a few double-ups that I wasn’t really going for, but there are so many different sections to the wave it’s so long so we’ll see. I really want to surf though.”

Current No. 4 Johanne Defay (FRA) was dealt an early elimination in Tahiti but returned to her impressive form on the outstretched wall of Punta Roca. Defay’s decimating forehand faced a pair of WSL Champions, two-time WSL Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) and reigning WSL Champion Caroline Marks (USA), and handled the challenge with a 13.33 heat total. Marks’ 7.50 (out of a possible 10), the best wave of the heat, put her back in the heat with only six minutes remaining, and a priority error from Defay provided Marks an opportunity to strike. But, the ocean went silent as Marks and Wright faced the Elimination Round.

First Eliminations Dealt, Marks and Weston-Webb Thrive

A tough start to her event title defense sent Caroline Marks (USA) to the Elimination Round, where she bounced back in powerful form, accruing a solid 7.67, to eliminate event wildcard Leilani McGonagle (CRC). Plus, recent Tahiti standout Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) also regained her rhythm in the face of elimination with an excellent showing over rookie sensation Sawyer Lindblad (USA) in their all-goofy foot bout.

“I had an interesting heat this morning; I was just in really bad priority rhythm, made some priority mistakes, and that set me up for a seven-minute heat,” said Marks. “I really wanted to avoid that in that heat, and the waves have gotten a lot better. It got more consistent, and the tide helped it, so we had a really consistent heat, and we had a lot of fun. I just wanted to surf and not sit there too long. El Salvador has treated me well, and this was my first event back after taking some time off, my first event win back to start my World Title campaign.”

Today’s Elimination Round also saw two-time WSL Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) defeated by Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) in Heat 4, and Gabriela Bryan (HAW) take down event wildcard Lakey Peterson (USA) in Heat 3.

World No. 1 Florence Flourishes in Punta Roca Return

An incredible showing from current World No. 1 and two-time WSL Champion, John John Florence (HAW), elevated the standard with an excellent 16.33 heat total. Florence’s signature combination of power and aerial tendencies led to an 8.50 over local wildcard Bryan Perez (SLV) and Australia’s Liam O’Brien in an intense final exchange. Perez was able to showcase his prowess at home, posting an impressive 7.70 on his final attempt, and will now look to carry that form into the Elimination Round while Florence goes straight to the Round of 16.

“The waves are pumping when they come in right now even with the long waits, but it was nice to start that heat with a high seven,” said Florence. “Liam got that 6.20 and I was too deep, and that was my one mistake, but I got lucky on that last wave, it was a fun wave. It’s pretty good for airs right now if you can find the section. First heat is always a little nerve-racking but it’s nice to start with some good scores and start with a heat like that. If I was surfing with my brothers and no one else out I’d be so fired up and it’d be so hard to contain myself.”

Medina Makes His Statement, While Top 5 Contenders Raise the Standard

The men’s hunt for a Final 5 spot turned up a notch in the El Salvador heat with 2023 World Title contender Jack Robinson (AUS) taking control of his debut with an excellent 8.33. Current World No. 3 Robinson will be joined by No. 2 Griffin Colapinto (USA) and No. 4 Ethan Ewing (AUS). But they have three-time WSL Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA) pushing the scale for a 15.90 heat total to put the field on notice. Medina’s ability to turn on in the back half of the season was on full display with his backhand attack and a spot into the Round of 16 over No. 5 Italo Ferreira (BRA), who will have to deal with the Elimination Round when the competition resumes.

“I’m happy to be in El Salvador, and I’m happy with my performance, and the waves are incredible,” said Medina. “It got slow in the end, but the beginning was incredible. It’s all about the feeling. You see the wave and decide to go, and that’s all I was trying to do is pick the right ones. I felt like I got the ones that had more wall and a win is a win.”

The next call for the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona will be tomorrow, Friday, June 7, at 6:30 a.m. CST for a possible 7:05 a.m. start.

For highlights from today’s competition at the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Women’s Opening Round Results:
HEAT 1: Johanne Defay (FRA) 13.33 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 12.43, Tyler Wright (AUS) 10.57
HEAT 2: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 12.80 DEF. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 12.20, Leilani McGonagle (CRC) 8.40
HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 12.16 DEF. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 10.40, Lakey Peterson (USA) 6.36
HEAT 4: Molly Picklum (AUS) 13.90 DEF. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 12.93, Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 12.36Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Men’s Opening Round Results:
HEAT 1: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 12.73 DEF. Rio Waida (INA) 9.93, Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 8.10
HEAT 2: Jack Robinson (AUS) 13.60 DEF. Connor O’Leary (JPN) 13.27, Crosby Colapinto (USA) 9.66
HEAT 3: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 14.43 DEF. Ryan Callinan (AUS) 10.84, Joao Chianca (BRA) 9.93
HEAT 4: John John Florence (HAW) 16.33 DEF. Liam O’Brien (AUS) 13.56, Bryan Perez (SLV) 13.20
HEAT 5: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.40 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 13.93, Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 13.37
HEAT 6: Jordy Smith (RSA) 10.60 DEF. Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) 10.57, Seth Moniz (HAW) 9.57
HEAT 7: Jake Marshall (USA) 13.17 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 13.04, Imaikalani deVault (HAW) 8.84
HEAT 8: Yago Dora (BRA) 16.64 DEF. Cole Houshmand (USA) 10.84, Barron Mamiya (HAW) 5.90Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Women’s Elimination Round Results:
HEAT 1: Caroline Marks (USA) 14.50 DEF. Leilani McGonagle (CRC) 12.03
HEAT 2: Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 13.43 DEF. Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 10.33
HEAT 3: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 14.33 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 13.44
HEAT 4: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 13.97 DEF. Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.00Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Men’s Elimination Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Bryan Perez (SLV)
HEAT 2: Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
HEAT 3: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA)
HEAT 4: Rio Waida (INA) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 5: Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Connor O’Leary (JPN)
HEAT 6: Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Imaikalani deVault (HAW)
HEAT 7: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Matthew McGillivray (RSA)
HEAT 8: Ryan Callinan (AUS) vs. Liam O’Brien (AUS)Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA)
HEAT 2: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Gabriela Bryan (HAW)
HEAT 3: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW)
HEAT 4: Johanne Defay (FRA) vs. Caroline Marks (USA)For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

FIRST UPDATE BELOW

Opening Day of Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Called ON
Women’s Opening Round Starts at 7:30 AM CST (4 hours ahead of Hawaii or 3:30am HI time)
Men’s Opening Round and Women’s Elimination Round to Follow
Select Your Surf City El Salvador Pro Picks Now for WSL CT Fantasy
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com
Or on YOUTUBE here

Pictured: Tyler Wright (AUS), Leilani McGonagle (CRC), Brisa Hennessy (CRC), and Caity Simmers (USA) surfed alongside and inspired the next generation of El Salvador surfers at WSL Rising Tides yesterday at the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona. Credit: © WSL / Aaron Hughes

PUNTA ROCA, La Libertad, El Salvador (Thursday, June 6, 2024) – Opening day of the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona, Stop No. 7 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2024 Championship Tour (CT), is ON starting at 7:30 a.m. CST. El Salvador’s Punta Roca, also known as La Punta or Punta Chilama, will host the world’s best surfers in clean three-to-four-foot surf for the women’s Opening Round, men’s Opening Round, and women’s Elimination Round today. All heats will be 35 minutes.

Up first this morning in the Opening Round will be the defending event winner and reigning World Champion, Caroline Marks (USA), up against current World No. 4 Johanne Defay (FRA) and two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS).

Current World No. 1 Brisa Hennessy (CRC) will face event wildcard Leilani McGonagle (CRC) and Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) in Heat 2. Hennessy has been in top form all season, and after her runner-up finish in Tahiti, she will look for an early win to continue her momentum in El Salvador.

On the men’s side, 2023 world runner-up Ethan Ewing (AUS) will face Rio Waida (IDN) and Matthew McGillivray (RSA) in Heat 1 of the men’s Opening Round. Ewing currently sits in fourth on the CT rankings. A 5th place result is Ewing’s best placing in El Salvador, and he’ll be out to beat that result to move up on the rankings this week.

Heat 4 will see World No. 1 John John Florence (HAW) up against Australia’s Liam O’Brien and local hero Bryan Perez (SLV). Perez grew up just steps away from Punta Roca. Perez noted that he’s taking each heat as an opportunity to prove himself amongst the world’s best surfers, including Florence, who is one of his biggest inspirations.

Watch the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

Select Your Surf City El Salvador Pro Picks Now for WSL CT Fantasy

After the Mid-season Cut, CT Fantasy teams will lock and scoring will begin upon the start of the event, the Opening Round, instead of the end of the Elimination Round. Sign up, create your team, and start playing now.

Players can register now at ctfantasy.worldsurfleague.com and on the free WSL app.

Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Women’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Johanne Defay (FRA), Caroline Marks (USA), Tyler Wright (AUS)
HEAT 2: Brisa Hennessy (CRC), Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW), Leilani McGonagle (CRC)
HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA), Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA), Lakey Peterson (USA)
HEAT 4: Molly Picklum (AUS), Gabriela Bryan (HAW), Sawyer Lindblad (USA)Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Men’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Ethan Ewing (AUS), Rio Waida (IDN), Matthew McGillivray (RSA)
HEAT 2: Jack Robinson (AUS), Crosby Colapinto (USA), Connor O’Leary (JPN)
HEAT 3: Griffin Colapinto (USA), Ryan Callinan (AUS), Joao Chianca (BRA)
HEAT 4: John John Florence (HAW), Liam O’Brien (AUS), Bryan Perez (SLV)
HEAT 5: Italo Ferreira (BRA), Gabriel Medina (BRA), Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
HEAT 6: Jordy Smith (RSA), Ramzi Boukhiam (MOR), Seth Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 7: Jake Marshall (USA), Kanoa Igarashi (JPN), Imaikalani deVault (HAW)
HEAT 8: Barron Mamiya (HAW), Cole Houshmand (USA), Yago Dora (BRA)For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.