In a landmark announcement that highlights Brazil’s growing influence in global surf culture, the World Surf League (WSL) has confirmed that the 2025 WSL Finals will be held for the first time in Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro — making it the first non-U.S. venue to host the sport’s most prestigious event.
Set for September 2025, the Finals will bring together the top 5 men and top 5 women surfers from the Championship Tour to compete in a one-day, winner-takes-all format, with world titles on the line. The decision to bring the Finals to Brazil reflects the country’s surf dominance and the passionate fan base that has supported the “Brazilian Storm” era.
Why Saquarema?
Nicknamed the “Maracanã of Surf,” Praia de Itaúna in Saquarema is known for its powerful, consistent beach breaks and a crowd atmosphere unmatched anywhere else on the WSL tour.
WSL CEO Erik Logan explained:
“Saquarema is electric. From the waves to the fans, there’s nothing like it. It’s time the Finals reflect the global heartbeat of our sport — and right now, that heartbeat is in Brazil.”
The venue has been a regular stop on the WSL Championship Tour since 2017 and is widely praised by surfers for its variety, challenge, and energy.
A Homecoming for the Brazilian Storm
For a generation of Brazilian surfers, this is more than a scheduling decision — it’s a dream fulfilled. Legends like Gabriel Medina, Filipe Toledo, Ítalo Ferreira, and rising stars like João Chianca and Tatiana Weston-Webb will now have the chance to battle for world titles on home soil.
Filipe Toledo, two-time world champion, reacted:
“This is historic. To fight for a world title in front of Brazilian fans, at a wave like Saquarema — it gives me chills just thinking about it.”
Tatiana Weston-Webb added:
“The energy in Brazil is unmatched. It’s a statement that women’s surfing is thriving here too.”
Infrastructure and Investment
The Brazilian government and the state of Rio de Janeiro are investing in upgrades to Saquarema’s event infrastructure, including:
- Expanded viewing decks and grandstands
- Sustainable waste and water systems
- Enhanced transport and accommodation capacity
- Local economic initiatives tied to surf tourism
Organizers expect over 50,000 spectators over the Finals window, with a potential economic impact exceeding R$40 million for the region.
Cultural Impact and Global Spotlight
Beyond the competition, the WSL Finals will feature:
- Live concerts and cultural showcases of Brazilian music and art
- Environmental forums on ocean preservation
- Surf education clinics for local youth
- Collaborative exhibitions with Afro-Brazilian and Indigenous surf communities
Brazilian surf icon Carlos Burle is leading a legacy program tied to the event, aiming to use the platform to grow surfing across underserved coastal communities.
A New Era of Surfing
This decision also signals a shift in how surfing’s global narrative is written. For years, the sport’s epicenter was in California and Australia. Now, the WSL Finals in Brazil signals that the epicenter has moved, and the world is watching a new generation shape the sport from South America.
WSL officials confirmed that if successful, Brazil could host the Finals again in future seasons, possibly alternating with Trestles (USA) or Teahupo’o (Tahiti).
Conclusion: Surfing Comes Home
With the announcement of Saquarema as the host of the 2025 WSL Finals, Brazilian surfing receives more than recognition — it receives validation.
The waves, the fans, the champions — they all align on one stretch of beach. In September 2025, the world titles will be decided in Brazil, and the world will be watching.