Brazil’s Gabriel Medina Claims Podium at 2025 Surf City El Salvador Pro
Three-time world champion Gabriel Medina made another strong statement on his return to full-time competition by finishing third at the 2025 Surf City El Salvador Pro, a key event on the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour, held at Punta Roca from May 31 to June 7, 2025.
After a rollercoaster 2024 season marked by injury setbacks and schedule gaps, Medina is showing renewed focus and form in the 2025 campaign—and is once again looking like a top contender heading into the WSL Finals later this year.
Road to the Semifinals
Gabriel Medina’s path to the podium in El Salvador included major wins over some of the sport’s best:
- Round of 16: Defeated Jordy Smith (ZAF) – total score 15.34
- Quarterfinals: Edged past Griffin Colapinto (USA) – 16.27 to 15.98
- Semifinals: Lost to Ethan Ewing (AUS) – 17.04 to 15.88
His semifinal heat against Ewing was one of the most exciting of the event, with Medina pulling off a massive aerial reverse and a deep barrel ride, but falling just short of the Australian’s power turns and wave selection.
A Season of Recovery and Redemption
After dealing with a shoulder injury and time off for mental recovery in 2024, Medina has approached the 2025 season with new energy. He’s surfing with:
- Improved fluidity and wave reading
- More calculated risk-taking
- Strong aerial game balanced with clean rail turns
Currently ranked No. 4 in the world, Medina is on pace to qualify for the Top 5 WSL Finals event in Trestles, California, where the world champion will be decided in September.
Brazilian Storm Still Blowing Strong
The “Brazilian Storm” — the wave of elite Brazilian surfers dominating the world tour — continues to thrive:
- Filipe Toledo reached the quarterfinals in El Salvador
- João Chianca returned after injury, finishing in the Round of 16
- Tatiana Weston-Webb placed fifth in the women’s division
Brazil has consistently placed multiple surfers in the WSL Top 10 each year since 2015, a testament to the nation’s deep talent pool and surf culture.
Eyes on Olympic Qualification
The 2025 WSL season also serves as a qualification pathway for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where surfing will be featured at Lower Trestles.
Medina, who missed Tokyo 2020 medals despite a strong performance, is aiming to return stronger and claim Brazil’s first Olympic surfing gold. His experience, versatility, and competition mindset give him an edge in the selection process.
Global Popularity and Cultural Impact
Medina’s influence goes far beyond the surf. He has:
- Over 10 million social media followers
- His own training facility in Maresias (São Paulo)
- A foundation supporting underprivileged youth through surf education
He’s also a fashion and lifestyle icon, bridging the worlds of sport and entertainment.
In a post-event interview, Medina said:
“I’m feeling strong, focused, and excited for what’s ahead. I want to bring a world title and an Olympic medal back to Brazil.”
Conclusion: Back in the Spotlight
Gabriel Medina’s podium finish in El Salvador proves he’s still one of the most dangerous surfers on the planet. With the WSL Finals and Olympic qualification in his sights, Brazil’s surf legend is far from finished—and the waves ahead look promising.