Congratulations, Gabriela Bryan and Connor O’Leary!

Winning the Corona Cero Open J-Bay

Connor O’Leary Wins Career-First CT and Scores 10-Point Ride at J-Bay
Gabriela Bryan Earns Third CT Win in 2025
Runner-ups Molly Picklum and Yago Dora Top the Rankings Heading Into Lexus Tahiti Pro
Gabriela Bryan, Yago Dora, and Caity Simmers Clinch Spots in WSL Final 5

Pictured: Connor O’Leary (JPN) and Gabriela Bryan (HAW) celebrate their wins at the 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay. Credit: WSL / Kody McGregor

JEFFREYS BAY, Eastern Cape, South Africa (Friday, July 18, 2025) – Today, Gabriela Bryan (HAW) and Connor O’Leary (JPN) won the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, Stop No. 10 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2025 Championship Tour (CT). It was all-time Supertubes conditions, with solid four-to-six-foot surf in offshore wind, with the world’s best putting on a high-performance show in front of thousands of surf fans lining the beach. Molly Picklum (AUS) and Yago Dora (BRA) finished runners-up after producing some of the top performances throughout the week.

The next stop on the 2025 CT will be the Lexus Tahiti Pro, the final regular-season event before the one-day, winner-take-all Lexus WSL Finals in Cloudbreak, Fiji. Only the Top 5 men and Top 5 women on the world rankings will compete in the event. Following today’s competition, there are now four men’s spots and two women’s spots remaining. The seeding and final positions will all come down to the world-renowned Teahupo’o from August 7 through August 16, 2025.

Connor O’Leary Wins Career-First CT and Scores 10-Point Ride at J-Bay

Japan’s Connor O’Leary won his first-ever CT title at the 2025 Corona Cero Open J-Bay, a career-best result in his seven years on Tour. O’Leary burst onto the scene in his Rookie year in 2017, and his last Finals appearance was at the Fiji Pro of that year. This season, the 31-year-old from Cronulla had a run of ninth-place finishes and two Quarterfinal appearances, and has jumped to No. 11 on the rankings after his win, his best result for 2025.

“I don’t have any words,” said O’Leary. “I’m just so happy with how I performed today. [Richard] ‘Dog’ Marsh has been telling me that it’s coming this year, but it’s been hard to believe sometimes. All the stars aligned for this one, so I’m stoked. It felt good to have so many people cheering for me, and then to perform for them. I intended to do some of the best backhand surfing you’ve ever seen, and to compete with a fellow goofy in the Final, hopefully it inspires other goofy-foot surfers that they can compete against the best in perfect right-hand point breaks.”

O’Leary took the win over Yago Dora (BRA) in an all-goofy-foot battle at Supertubes. O’Leary’s flawless backhand attack saw him earn the event’s only 10-point ride (out of a possible 10) to knock out three-time J-Bay winner Filipe Toledo (BRA) in an exhilarating Semifinal clash to advance to his first Final for 2025.

O’Leary had a massive challenge ahead, with Dora seemingly unstoppable in J-Bay and in his third Final for the season. Locking into a classic leg burner, O’Leary scored an excellent 8.17 and 7.50 for a total of 15.67 (out of a possible 20) for the win.

Gabriela Bryan Earns Third CT Win in 2025

In her fourth Final appearance in 2025, World No. 2 Gabriela Bryan (HAW) earned her third CT win of the season and the fourth of her career in dramatic fashion, defeating World No. 1 Molly Picklum (AUS) by the narrowest of margins. After an early exit at the VIVO Rio Pro, Bryan lost the Yellow Leader Jersey to Picklum and flew out to South Africa to reset and get in a few extra reps at Supertubes.

“I don’t think it’s sunk in yet,” said Bryan. “I came here early, putting in a lot of time here, and it paid off. I’m so stoked. It’s been a dream of mine to win here at J-Bay. It’s an iconic wave and one of my favourites in the world. The Yellow Jersey comes with a lot of pressure, so I definitely had less pressure in that Final. I personally like chasing something that I want to go after. The only time I want to be wearing Yellow is the first event next year.”

Bryan clinched her place in the WSL Final 5 and will compete for the World Title in the Lexus WSL Finals Fiji. The 23-year-old dispatched two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) in the Quarterfinals, before taking out the 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) in the Semifinals.

“I can’t even believe it,” said Bryan. “From last year, where I think I missed out by one heat, and now to do it with one event left in the regular season. I get to go back to Fiji, one of my favorite places in the world, to compete for a World Title, it’s mind-blowing. It’s been a great day. I knew that waking up, that’s it’s going to be a huge day no matter what. I’m going to do everything I can to make it a great day. There are so many good things to take away, but I just tried to simplify things, because it’s so exhausting out there today, so I just focused on getting two good waves.”

World No. 1 Molly Picklum Retains Yellow Leader Jersey

World No. 1 Molly Picklum (AUS) will wear the Yellow Leader Jersey going into the last event of the regular season, the Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA. She overcame an in-form Isabella Nichols (AUS) in the Semifinals, getting one back after Nichols won their Semifinal clash in El Salvador earlier this year. Picklum, runner-up in 2023 to Lakey Peterson (USA), defeated Peterson in the Quarterfinals but had to settle for another runner-up in 2025 to Gabriela Bryan (HAW).

“It’s a one-of-a-kind wave,” said Picklum.”It definitely has a specific timing and rhythm to it. Last year I felt I could learn a lot about my surfing here, and this year I was just trying to hold the throttle down a bit more, and find that rhythm.”

Heading into this event, Picklum had clinched her spot in the WSL Final 5 early. Leading the pack going into Tahiti, the 22-year-old will be one to watch as she’s been known to charge waves of consequence, such as Teahupo’o and Cloudbreak, up next on the schedule.

Yago Dora Takes No. 1 Spot Heading Into Lexus Tahiti Pro

On the hunt for his third CT win of the season, Yago Dora (BRA) showed his affinity for the long-running walls of Supertubes, finding excellent scores in almost every heat at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay. On his way to the Final, Dora took out Griffin Colapinto (USA) in an exciting Semifinal and defeated Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) in the Quarterfinals.

With this result, Dora clinched his spot in the WSL Final 5, marking his first appearance in the Lexus WSL Finals to compete for the World Title.

Caity Simmers (USA) also secured her spot in the WSL Finals with her result today and the results of her competitors. With only two spots remaining for the women, it will all come down to the Lexus Tahiti Pro, which holds a competition window starting August 7, 2025.

For more information and highlights from the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Corona Cero Open J-Bay Women’s Final Results:
1 – Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 13.60
2 – Molly Picklum (AUS) 13.34Corona Cero Open J-Bay Men’s Final Results:
1 – Connor O’Leary (JPN) 15.67
2 – Yago Dora (BRA) 14.23Corona Cero Open J-Bay Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 13.53 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 12.90
HEAT 2: Molly Picklum (AUS) 13.64 DEF. Isabella Nichols (AUS) 12.00Corona Cero Open J-Bay Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Yago Dora (BRA) 16.76 DEF. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 16.33
HEAT 2: Connor O’Leary (JPN) 16.33 DEF. Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.83

Corona Cero Open J-Bay Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 15.33 DEF. Tyler Wright (AUS) 11.37
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) 11.83 DEF. Caitlin Simmers (USA) 9.67
HEAT 3: Molly Picklum (AUS) 15.84 DEF. Lakey Peterson (USA) 11.27
HEAT 4: Isabella Nichols (AUS) 14.50 DEF. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 12.37

Corona Cero Open J-Bay Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Yago Dora (BRA) 13.54 DEF. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 12.83
HEAT 2: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 15.03 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 14.13
HEAT 3: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 15.34 DEF. Marco Mignot (FRA) 12.23
HEAT 4: Connor O’Leary (JPN) 16.37 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 16.07

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com

Next Stop on 2025 CT: Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA
The next stop on the 2025 Championship Tour will be the Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA. The Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA will hold a competition window from Thursday, August 7, through Saturday, August 16, 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 Corona Cero Open J-Bay is proudly supported by Corona Cero, Kouga Municipality, Tsitsikamma Spring Water, Red Bull, YETI, Surfline, True Surf, and Sealand.For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfing. The WSL oversees surfing’s global competitive landscape and sets the standard for elite performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports. With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the protection of the ocean, equality, and the sport’s rich heritage, while championing progression and innovation.

Full story coming shortly
Finals Day Called was ON at Corona Cero Open J-Bay
Competition Started at 7:33 AM GMT+1 (733pm Thursday nite in Hawaii)
Finals Day Competition Order: Women’s and Men’s Quarterfinals, Women’s and Men’s Semifinals, Women’s and Men’s Finals
WSL Announces Format Updates for 2025 Lexus WSL Finals Fiji
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) will surf in Heat 4 of the women’s Quarterfinals against Isabella Nichols (AUS) at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay today. Credit: WSL / Alan van Gysen

JEFFREYS BAY, Eastern Cape, South Africa (Friday, July 18, 2025) – Finals Day at Stop No. 10 of 12 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2025 Championship Tour (CT), the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, is ON in solid six-to-eight foot surf that is expected to build throughout the day. The women’s Quarterfinals will get competition underway at 7:33 a.m. GMT+1 before the competition moves into the men’s Quarterfinals, women’s Semifinals, men’s Semifinals, and women’s and men’s Finals. All heats will be 35 minutes. As the penultimate stop on the regular season, a place in the Lexus WSL Final 5 is on the line, adding more pressure for those on the cusp of making the cutoff.

The race for the WSL Final 5 is heating up with the top eight women on the rankings still in contention in J-Bay. The women’s Quarterfinals will kick off with World No. 2 Gabriela Bryan (HAW) and two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS).

Heat 2 will see a classic goofy-versus-regular battle at Supertubes between 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) and 2024 World Champion Caity Simmers (USA).

World No. 1 Molly Picklum (AUS) will face 2023 J-Bay winner Lakey Peterson (USA) in Heat 3 of the Quarterfinals, while World No. 4 Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) will face World No. 5 Isabella Nichols (AUS) in Heat 4.

With Jordy Smith (RSA) and Italo Ferreira (BRA) out of the event, there will be a definite shift in the rankings, and a spot in the WSL Final 5 could be on the line. Yago Dora (BRA) will be in the first heat of the men’s Quarterfinals against an in-form Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA). Both Dora and Fioravanti have delivered some of the best performances of the event so far.

World No. 3 Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) faces Griffin Colapinto (USA), who is currently ranked No. 6. Every heat matters, and Colapinto could cause a big upset and potentially move into the WSL Final 5.

Rookie Marco Mignot (FRA) will face two-time World Champion Filipe Toledo (BRA) in Heat 3, and former event winner Ethan Ewing (AUS) will look to hold onto his position in the top five when he comes up against Connor O’Leary (JPN) who is surfing without any pressure on his shoulders to make the Final 5 cutoff.

Watch the Corona Cero Open J-Bay LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

WSL Announces Format Updates for 2025 Lexus WSL Finals Fiji

Today, the WSL announces format updates for the 2025 Lexus WSL Finals Fiji, held at Cloudbreak in Fiji from August 27 through September 4, 2025. If the No. 1 seed wins the first heat of the best-of-three World Title match, they will clinch the World Title without needing to surf a second or third heat. Additionally, the top-seeded surfer in all Matches will start with Priority.

These updates add new weight to the top ranking at the end of the regular season, offering the No. 1 seed a greater competitive advantage heading into the Finals.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Corona Cero Open J-Bay Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)
HEAT 2: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Caroline Marks (USA)
HEAT 3: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)
HEAT 4: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Isabella Nichols (AUS)Corona Cero Open J-Bay Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
HEAT 2: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA)
HEAT 3: Marco Mignot (FRA) vs. Filipe Toledo (BRA)
HEAT 4: Connor O’Leary (JPN) vs. Ethan Ewing (AUS)

Finals Day Lining up for Friday, July 18

Next Call: Friday, July 18 at 7:15 AM GMT+1 for a Possible 7:33 AM Start (Thursday eve 733pm HI time)

Pictured: Ethan Ewing (AUS) will surf in Heat 4 of the men’s Quarterfinals against Connor O’Leary (JPN) when the Corona Cero Open J-Bay resumes. Credit: WSL / Kody McGregor

Corona Cero Open J-Bay Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
HEAT 2: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA)
HEAT 3: Marco Mignot (FRA) vs. Filipe Toledo (BRA)
HEAT 4: Connor O’Leary (JPN) vs. Ethan Ewing (AUS)

JEFFREYS BAY, Eastern Cape, South Africa (Wednesday, July 16, 2025) – The World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) Stop No. 10, the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, has been called OFF for today, Wednesday, July 16, and tomorrow, Thursday, July 17, due to small surf and cross-shore wind. A big storm is tracking favorably for a potential Finals Day on Friday, July 18, with overhead surf and offshore wind. The next call will be on Friday, July 18 at 7:15 a.m. GMT+1 for a possible 7:33 a.m. start for Finals Day.

“We got updates on the swell for Friday and everything has improved in the last couple of days,” said Renato Hickel, WSL Deputy Commissioner. “The wind, swell direction, the arrival of the swell already on Thursday night, size and consistency is setting up for an epic day in J-Bay. We’re going to bite the bullet and wait to give the best possible chance to finish the event in epic conditions.”

When competition resumes, a stacked Quarterfinal awaits as the battle for the WSL Final 5 continues. World No. 1 Molly Picklum (AUS) is the only CT surfer so far to officially clinch her place in the Lexus WSL Finals to compete for the World Title at Cloudbreak, Fiji in September. This event will provide critical points for the four other competitors who are eager to lock their positions.

Gabriela Bryan (HAW) will open the women’s Quarterfinals in Heat 1 when she comes up against two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS). Picklum will meet defending event winner Lakey Peterson (USA) in Heat 3 of the Quarterfinals, and Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) will face World No. 5 Isabella Nichols (AUS) in Heat 4.

Yago Dora (BRA) will be in the first heat of the men’s Quarterfinals against an in-form Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA). World No. 3 Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) comes up against Griffin Colapinto (USA), in Heat 2.

Rookie Marco Mignot (FRA) will face three-time J-Bay winner Filipe Toledo (BRA) in Heat 3 and 2022 event winner Ethan Ewing (AUS) will come up against Connor O’Leary (JPN) in Heat 4.

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW
Corona Cero Open J-Bay Awaits Finals Day with Narrowed Field After Men’s Round of 16 Eliminations
Rookie Marco Mignot Takes Out World No. 1 Jordy Smith
Griffin Colapinto Gets One Back at Cole Houshmand in Epic Rematch
Yago Dora Continues Charge in J-Bay, Quarterfinals Bound
No Competition Tomorrow, Monday, July 14, or Tuesday, July 15
Next Call: Wednesday, July 16 at 7:45 AM GMT+1 for a Possible 8:03 AM Start (Tuesday ever 745 HI time)

Pictured: Griffin Colapinto (USA) won Heat 4 of the Round of 16 to advance to the Quarterfinals at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay today. Credit: WSL / Kody McGregor

JEFFREYS BAY, Eastern Cape, South Africa (Sunday, July 13, 2025) – The Corona Cero Open J-Bay, Stop No. 10 of the World Surf League (WSL) 2025 Championship Tour (CT), continued today to complete the men’s Round of 16 with three-to-five foot lines rolling through at Supertubes. With a dissipating swell, conditions slowed down throughout the morning, and organizers decided not to run the women’s Quarterfinals today. The competition has been called off for tomorrow, Monday, July 14, and Tuesday, July 15, and the next call will be made on Wednesday, July 16 at 7:45 a.m. GMT+1 for a possible 8:03 a.m. start.

Rookie Marco Mignot Takes Out World No. 1 Jordy Smith

Rookie Marco Mignot (FRA) delivered a devastating blow, taking out Jordy Smith (RSA) in front of his home crowd and stripping him of the Yellow Leader Jersey. Mignot stayed busy to build a solid score, while Smith opted to wait for a bigger set wave, which never arrived. Smith left it too late, needing a near-excellent score in the dying minutes, and Mignot advanced to his second Quarterfinal appearance on the CT.

“If you take on No. 1, and you beat him, it’s a bigger reward,” said Mignot. “I always want to surf against the best and push myself. These moments are special, to share it with Jordy the king of J-Bay, but I’m super happy to take the win. Before coming here, I was watching clips of Jordy, because I think he’s the best out here.”

Griffin Colapinto Gets One Back at Cole Houshmand in Epic Rematch

Drawing each other again but on a different continent, Griffin Colapinto (USA) and Cole Houshmand (USA) got a rematch in Supertubes after facing each other in the Final of the VIVO Rio Pro just over a week ago. Colapinto got to work quickly to build a score, and shut it down with a 7.50 (out of a possible 10) for his powerful turns and drawn-out carves on a big J-Bay wall. Colapinto is on the cusp of the WSL Final 5 cutoff and could enter the World Title conversation with a solid result in South Africa.

“It feels good,” said Colapinto. “This one matters to me because I want to make the Final 5. I think he’s stoked for me after winning Brazil, and he’s like a big brother to me, but I’m in that position now where every heat is important.”

Yago Dora Continues Charge in J-Bay, Quarterfinals Bound

Coming under pressure from João Chianca (BRA) in the first heat of the Round of 16, World No. 2 Yago Dora (BRA) started on the back foot. A quick equipment change saw a shift in momentum as Dora knew he had to get a big score on the board. Relying on his aerial prowess, Dora raced down the line, launching himself into the golden light of the morning and navigating the landing for an excellent 9.00.

“I broke the tip of my fin, and that was my magic board,” said Dora. “I didn’t want to change boards, so I just caught a wave in to change the fin. There was a long lull, so I tried to stay patient and wait for an opportunity. It was a weird wave, so I knew I would have to go big again. The second best feeling in surfing is flying through the air and landing in the flats, it’s so scary, so when you pull it off, it feels so good.”

With Smith knocked out of the event, Dora has moved into the No. 1 position, but Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) can still challenge him for the Yellow Leader Jersey in J-Bay as both advanced to the Quarterfinals.

For highlights and more information from today’s competition at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com

Corona Cero Open J-Bay Men’s Round of 16 Results:
HEAT 1: Yago Dora (BRA) 14.57 DEF. Joao Chianca (BRA) 13.67
HEAT 2: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 13.34 DEF. Jack Robinson (AUS) 9.76
HEAT 3: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 13.50 DEF. Crosby Colapinto (USA) 9.33
HEAT 4: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 14.37 DEF. Cole Houshmand (USA) 12.57
HEAT 5: Marco Mignot (FRA) 14.57 DEF. Jordy Smith (RSA) 11.17
HEAT 6: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 14.97 DEF. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 10.60
HEAT 7: Connor O’Leary (JPN) 12.83 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 12.33
HEAT 8: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 12.00 DEF. Jake Marshall (USA) 10.00Corona Cero Open J-Bay Men’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
HEAT 2: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Griffin Colapinto (USA)
HEAT 3: Marco Mignot (FRA) vs. Filipe Toledo (BRA)
HEAT 4: Connor O’Leary (JPN) vs. Ethan Ewing (AUS)Corona Cero Open J-Bay Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)
HEAT 2: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Caroline Marks (USA)
HEAT 3: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)
HEAT 4: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Isabella Nichols (AUS)

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW

Men’s Round of 16 Called ON at Corona Cero Open J-Bay

Men’s Round of 16 Started Sunday at 7:33 AM GMT+1 (12 hours ahead of Hawaii…or 733pm Saturday)

Women’s Quarterfinals on Standby to Possibly Run Today

Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Jack Robinson (AUS) will surf in Heat 2 of the men’s Round of 16 against Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay. Credit: WSL / Kody McGregor

JEFFREYS BAY, Eastern Cape, South Africa (Sunday, July 13, 2025) – The World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) Stop No. 10, the Corona Cero Open J-Bay has been called ON in fun three-to-five foot surf. The men’s Round of 16 will start competition at 7:33 a.m. GMT +1 with 35-minute heats. The women’s Quarterfinals are on standby.

In an all-Brazilian matchup, World No. 2 Yago Dora will take on João Chianca in the first heat of the men’s Round of 16. Dora’s dynamic and creative approach to Supertubes in his Opening Round saw him earn a 9.33 (out of a possible 10), making a statement that he’s one to watch at J-Bay.

Jack Robinson (AUS) and Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) produced two big performances in their Opening Round and will meet each other in Heat 2 of the Round of 16.

World No. 3 Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) wants to be back in the WSL Finals for a chance to compete for the World Title, but he’ll need to overcome Crosby Colapinto (USA) in Heat 3, who is surfing without the Final 5 pressure on his shoulders.

After a stumble in the Opening Round, World No. 1 Jordy Smith (RSA) had to battle through the Elimination Round to keep his spot in the competition, but continued to show why he is World No. 1 with the highest single-wave score of the event so far, a near-perfect 9.43. Smith will meet Marco Mignot (FRA) in Heat 5 of the Round of 16.

Watch the Corona Cero Open J-Bay LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

Corona Cero Open J-Bay Men’s Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA)
HEAT 2: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
HEAT 3: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Crosby Colapinto (USA)
HEAT 4: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Cole Houshmand (USA)
HEAT 5: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA)
HEAT 6: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Filipe Toledo (BRA)
HEAT 7: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Connor O’Leary (JPN)
HEAT 8: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Jake Marshall (USA)Corona Cero Open J-Bay Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)
HEAT 2: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Caroline Marks (USA)
HEAT 3: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)
HEAT 4: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Isabella Nichols (AUS)

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com

LATEST UPDATES BELOW
Action-Packed Day2 Sees First Eliminations at Corona Cero Open J-Bay
World No.1 Jordy Smith Goes Excellent In Exciting All-South-African Matchup
World Champions Caity Simmers, Caroline Marks, and Tyler Wright Advance
Local Wildcard Matthew McGillivray Skydives Into J-Bay For Debut Heat

Pictured: Jordy Smith (RSA) scored an excellent 9.43 (out of a possible 10) to win his Elimination Round heat at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay today. Credit: WSL / Kody McGregor

JEFFREYS BAY, Eastern Cape, South Africa (Saturday, July 12, 2025) – The Corona Cero Open J-Bay, Stop No. 10 of 12 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2025 Championship Tour (CT), continued with an exciting day of action with classic four-to-six foot conditions at the world-renowned Supertubes. Day 2 of the competition saw the event’s first eliminations with the competition of the men’s Opening and Elimination Round, and the women’s Elimination Round.

As the penultimate stop of the CT’s regular season, the Corona Cero Open J-Bay is a massive opportunity for surfers to make moves into the WSL Final 5 to have a chance to compete for the World Titles at Cloudbreak, Fiji. The next rounds of the event will heat up this race after seeing surfers currently sitting in the Top 5 and surfers just below all through to the next round. There’some big movers when the men’s Round of 16 and women’s Quarterfinals commence. The next call will be tomorrow, Sunday, July 13, at 7:15 a.m. GMT+1 for a possible 7:33 a.m. start.

World No. 1 Jordy Smith Goes Excellent In Exciting All-South-African Matchup

The crowds lined the beach as World No. 1 Jordy Smith (RSA) and local wildcard Luke Thompson (RSA) paddled out for their matchup in the men’s Elimination Round. It was fireworks from the start, with Thompson getting the better of Smith in the first exchange. Smith accepted the challenge and went full throttle on a long Supertubes runner to score an excellent 9.43 (out of a possible 10) with a couple of massive turns. Thompson found another gear to go excellent himself, but the ‘Big Bru’ did enough to get the win with a total of 16.43 (out of a possible 20).

“We both started out pretty good,” said Smith. “I really just wanted to find a bomb and shut down the heat. Sure enough, I got that wave and rode it almost into my living room! It’s incredible the support down here. That’s what it’s all about: to inspire South Africa and the next generation coming through. I told Luke that I’ll see him here in 12 months’ time, and I really hope his dream comes true.”

World Champions Caity Simmers, Caroline Marks, and Tyler Wright Advance

Reigning World Champion Caity Simmers (USA) survived the dreaded Elimination Round, coming up against local wildcard Sarah Baum (RSA). Coming off an early exit at the VIVO Rio Pro, Simmers has been tapping into the support from her family, who are traveling with her in South Africa.

“I kind of have a weird relationship with this wave,” said Simmers. “I just tried to put that behind me and have fun surfing. My whole family is here so it definitely helps to switch off. I got to watch my brother win the US Surfing Championships back home, and now he’s here with me. He’s been surfing better than me out here, and he definitely pushes me to be better.”

2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) continues her run of good results in J-Bay with another Quarterfinals appearance after she eliminated 2024 World Junior Champion Luana Silva (BRA) in Heat 2.

A clutch performance from two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) saw her advance over rookie Erin Brooks (CAN) to round out the Quarterfinals. Wright was trailing Brooks, when she found a medium-sized wave and surfed it all the way down the point to get a 7.07 and edge out Brooks.

Yago Dora Puts on Backhand Clinic, Punts for 9.33

World No. 2 Yago Dora (BRA) put on a show at Supertubes in his Opening Round heat, showcasing his good read of the waves to connect big, flowing turns and finding a solid section to punt a massive frontside rotation, earning an excellent 9.33. Dora is nipping at the heels of Jordy Smith (RSA) for the No. 1 spot and will be a force to be reckoned with in J-Bay.

“I was kind of scared to hit the ramp, because the wave was solid and I had so much speed,” said Dora. “I had the best feeling in surfing, just floating in the air and landing into the flats. You can really get creative on this wave, it’s the perfect wave, but the lines are always changing a little bit, so it’s still unpredictable and you have to adapt quickly.”

Joining Dora in the Round of 16 are Brazil’s Filipe Toledo, Italo Ferreira and Joao Chianca. Toledo won his Opening Round heat to go straight through to the Round of 16, while Ferreira and Chianca had to face the Elimination Round, overcoming Matthew McGillivray (RSA) and Joel Vaughan (AUS), respectively.

Current World No. 6 Griffin Colapinto (USA), No. 7 Jack Robinson (AUS), and No. 8 Barron Mamiya (HAW) are also through to the next round and will be ones to watch in the Final 5 battle after their respective heat wins today. Colapinto and Mamiya fought through the Elimination Round to dispatch Alejo Muniz (BRA) and Seth Moniz (HAW), respectively, while Robinson got the early win in the Opening Round with a strong 14.83 two-wave total (out of a possible 20).

Local Wildcard Matthew McGillivray Skydives Into J-Bay For Debut Heat

South Africa’s madman Matthew McGillivray (RSA) dropped into Jeffreys Bay in style, skydiving from 7,500 feet in his wetsuit and rash vest, ready to paddle out for his Opening Round heat. McGillivray, a former CTer, is known for his extreme sports hobbies outside of surfing, such as skydiving and base jumping.

Unfortunately, Italo Ferreira (BRA) eliminated McGillivray from the competition in Heat 3 of the Elimination Round.

For highlights and more information from today’s competition at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com

Corona Cero Open J-Bay Men’s Opening Round Results:
HEAT 1: Jake Marshall (USA) 9.23 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 6.10, Seth Moniz (HAW) 3.94
HEAT 2: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 13.83 DEF. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 8.83, Joel Vaughan (AUS) 8.00
HEAT 3: Yago Dora (BRA) 15.83 DEF. Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 8.70, Connor O’Leary (JPN) 7.64
HEAT 4: Crosby Colapinto (USA) 13.36 DEF. Jordy Smith (RSA) 12.00, Luke Thompson (RSA) 8.74
HEAT 5: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 11.53 DEF. Marco Mignot (FRA) 11.43, Cole Houshmand (USA) 8.00
HEAT 6: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 16.13 DEF. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 15.67, Rio Waida (INA) 12.50
HEAT 7: Jack Robinson (AUS) 14.83 DEF. Joao Chianca (BRA) 12.90, Miguel Pupo (BRA) 12.06
HEAT 8: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 13.50 DEF. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 11.26, Alan Cleland (MEX) 10.46Corona Cero Open J-Bay Women’s Elimination Round Results:
HEAT 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) 13.00 DEF. Sarah Baum (RSA) 7.83
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) 11.16 DEF. Luana Silva (BRA) 10.10
HEAT 3: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 10.50 DEF. Francisca Veselko (POR) 9.30
HEAT 4: Tyler Wright (AUS) 12.57 DEF. Erin Brooks (CAN) 12.44Corona Cero Open J-Bay Men’s Elimination Round Results:
HEAT 1: Jordy Smith (RSA) 16.43 DEF. Luke Thompson (RSA) 15.96
HEAT 2: Marco Mignot (FRA) 12.23 DEF. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 8.80
HEAT 3: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 13.53 DEF. Matthew McGillivray (RSA) 9.20
HEAT 4: Cole Houshmand (USA) 12.86 DEF. Rio Waida (INA) 12.57
HEAT 5: Griffin Colapinto (USA) 11.83 DEF. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.20
HEAT 6: Joao Chianca (BRA) 11.00 DEF. Joel Vaughan (AUS) 10.77
HEAT 7: Barron Mamiya (HAW) 12.30 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 7.76
HEAT 8: Connor O’Leary (JPN) 13.50 DEF. Alan Cleland (MEX) 8.66Corona Cero Open J-Bay Women’s Quarterfinal Matchups:
HEAT 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)
HEAT 2: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Caroline Marks (USA)
HEAT 3: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Lakey Peterson (USA)
HEAT 4: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Isabella Nichols (AUS)Corona Cero Open J-Bay Men’s Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA)
HEAT 2: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
HEAT 3: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Crosby Colapinto (USA)
HEAT 4: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Cole Houshmand (USA)
HEAT 5: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA)
HEAT 6: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Filipe Toledo (BRA)
HEAT 7: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Connor O’Leary (JPN)
HEAT 8: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Jake Marshall (USA)

PRIOR UPDATES BELOW
Men’s Opening Round and Elimination Rounds were Called ON at Corona Cero Open J-Bay
Men’s Opening Round Started at 7:33 a.m. GMT+1 (Saturday) and 730pm Friday HI time…
Women’s and Men’s Elimination Rounds To Follow
Corona Studios’ ‘Feeling J-Bay’ Film Celebrates Iconic Surf Town
Watch LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com

Pictured: Rookie Erin Brooks (CAN) will surf in the women’s Elimination Round today against two-time World Champion Tyler Wright (AUS) at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay. Credit: WSL / Alan van Gysen

JEFFREYS BAY, Eastern Cape, South Africa (Saturday, July 12, 2025) – Competition is ON at the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) Stop No. 10, the Corona Cero Open J-Bay. The swell has filled in overnight to produce pumping four-to-six foot surf at Supertubes. The men’s Opening Round will start competition at 7:33 a.m. GMT +1 with 30-minute heats, followed by the women’s and men’s Elimination Rounds. The format and times of the Elimination Rounds will be determined after the men’s Opening Round.

World No. 4 and 2019 Open J-Bay runner-up, Italo Ferreira (BRA), will open the men’s Opening Round in Heat 1 with Jake Marshall (USA) and Seth Moniz (HAW).

World No. 1 Jordy Smith (RSA) will surf against local wildcard Luke Thompson (RSA) and Crosby Colapinto (USA) in Heat 4.

Ethan Ewing (AUS), who won in 2022 and came runner-up in 2023, will be a serious threat at Supertubes with his style perfectly suiting this right-hand point. Ewing will feature in Heat 5 against Cole Houshmand (USA) and Marco Mignot (FRA).

Three-time J-Bay winner Filipe Toledo (BRA) will be in the last heat of the men’s Opening Round with Barron Mamiya (HAW) and Alan Cleland (MEX).

In the women’s Elimination Round, reigning World Champion Caity Simmers (USA) will come up against local event wildcard Sarah Baum (RSA) in Heat 1. 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA) will meet 2024 World Junior Champion Luana Silva (BRA) in Heat 2.

World No.4 Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) will face event wildcard Francisca Veselko (POR) in Heat 3, and Australia’s Tyler Wright (AUS) will come up against Erin Brooks (CAN) in Heat 4.

Watch the Corona Cero Open J-Bay LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com.

Corona Studios’ ‘Feeling J-Bay’ Film Celebrates Iconic Surf Town

Jeffreys Bay is the subject of Corona Studios’ new film, ‘Feeling J-Bay’, a short documentary to celebrate one of the world’s most iconic surf destinations. Directed by Peri vP and featuring voices and visuals from across the town’s past and present, including surf industry pioneer Cheron Kraak, professional surfers Jordy Smith and Mikey February, it shares what happens when nature, identity, and community come together.

“With this film, the goal really was to capture the feeling of J-Bay from different perspectives,” said Peri. “It’s an ode to the magic and intrigue of this iconic wave and the community around it.”

Watch the full film now on Corona’s YouTube . For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com

Corona Cero Open J-Bay Men’s Opening Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Seth Moniz (HAW)
HEAT 2: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Joel Vaughan (AUS) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
HEAT 3: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Connor O’Leary (JPN) vs. Matthew McGillivray (RSA)
HEAT 4: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs. Crosby Colapinto (USA) vs. Luke Thompson (RSA)
HEAT 5: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Marco Mignot (FRA)
HEAT 6: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Rio Waida (INA)
HEAT 7: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA)
HEAT 8: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Alan Cleland (MEX)Corona Cero Open J-Bay Women’s Elimination Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Sarah Baum (RSA)
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Luana Silva (BRA)
HEAT 3: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Francisca Veselko (POR)
HEAT 4: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)

Watch LIVE
The Corona Cero Open J-Bay holds a competition window through Sunday, July 20, 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
Picklum, Bryan, Nichols, and Peterson Find Success on Opening Day of Corona Cero Open J-Bay
Molly Picklum Flies Through Opening Round with 9.33 and Spot in the WSL Final 5
Isabella Nichols Feeling Right at Home, Debut Heat Win at Supertubes
Gabriela Bryan and Lakey Peterson Bypass Elimination Round and Lock in Quarterfinals

Pictured: Molly Picklum (AUS) scored an excellent 9.33 (out of a possible 10) in her Opening Round heat at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay today. Credit: WSL / Kody McGregor

JEFFREYS BAY, Eastern Cape, South Africa (Friday, July 11, 2025) – The Corona Cero Open J-Bay, Stop No. 10 on the World Surf League (WSL) 2025 Championship Tour (CT), kicked off its opening day in three-to-five foot surf at Supertubes. The women’s Opening Round was completed today and started in cleaner conditions, but then saw a more challenging lineup with strong West winds and a delayed swell, leading to an early finish to today’s competition. With the swell expected to fill in overnight, the next call will be tomorrow at 7:15 a.m. GMT+1 for a possible 7:33 a.m. start.

Molly Picklum Flies Through Opening Round with 9.33 and Spot in the WSL Final 5

World No. 1 Molly Picklum (AUS) officially clinched a spot in the WSL Final 5, securing her place for the Lexus WSL Finals to compete for the World Title at Cloudbreak, Fiji in September.

“I got a good result from Brazil leading into this,” said Picklum. “I’m stoked it’s confirmed. The girls are so good, and they’re going to keep pushing. I’d love to get my chances higher by going into Fiji in the number one spot.”

Picklum got off to a great start in Jeffreys Bay, finding the flow at Supertubes to weave together a creative combination of powerful turns and smooth transitions. Picklum, finding extra motivation in the Yellow Leader Jersey, cranked out an excellent 9.33 (out of a possible 10), matching the power and tempo of the wave with three solid turns and taking the win with a total of 16.83 (out of a possible 20).

“I had priority when that wave came, so I’m stoked,” said Picklum. “It’s so nice when the ocean does that for you. It’s one of those nice elements of our sport, you don’t know if you’re going to have priority when the best wave comes.”

Isabella Nichols Feeling Right At Home, Debut Heat Win At Supertubes

After suffering an early exit at the VIVO Rio Pro, Isabella Nichols (AUS) came straight to J-Bay to get in as many reps as she could. It showed, with the current World No. 5 stitching together a winning heat with a combined total of 14.00 to send Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) and Luana Silva (BRA) to the Elimination Round.

“I’ve been spending a lot of time out here after I got knocked in Brazil,” said Nichols. “I guess it’s paying off. I feel really comfortable here, I feel like I’m home. I have Dylan Lightfoot in my corner, and he understands all the intricacies of this wave, and it helps so much.”

In a last-minute exchange, World No. 2 Gabriela Bryan (HAW) found excellence in her Opening Round (Heat 3) to take the win ahead of Tyler Wright (AUS) and event wildcard Francisca Veselko (POR). Bryan scored an 8.00 with her trademark powerful snaps and pushing hard on her turns to get the score to jump into first and skip the Elimination Round.

The ocean slowed down for the last heat of the day, which saw 2023 Open J-Bay winner Lakey Peterson (USA) win a low-scoring affair ahead of World Champions Caroline Marks (USA) and Caitlin Simmers (USA).

The next call will be on Saturday, July 12, at 7:15 a.m. GMT+1 for a possible 7:33 a.m. start.

For highlights and more information from today’s competition at the Corona Cero Open J-Bay, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.

Corona Cero Open J-Bay Women’s Opening Round Results:
HEAT 1: Isabella Nichols (AUS) 14.00 DEF. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) 12.83, Luana Silva (BRA) 9.43
HEAT 2: Molly Picklum (AUS) 16.83 DEF. Erin Brooks (CAN) 9.27, Sarah Baum (RSA) 3.07
HEAT 3: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 12.33 DEF. Tyler Wright (AUS) 7.50, Francisca Veselko (POR) 5.70
HEAT 4: Lakey Peterson (USA) 9.43 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 6.50, Caitlin Simmers (USA) 4.77

Corona Cero Open J-Bay Women’s Elimination Round Matchups:
HEAT 1: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Sarah Baum (RSA)
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Luana Silva (BRA)
HEAT 3: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Francisca Veselko (POR)
HEAT 4: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)