Main Surf Championships Every Fan Should Know

If you love surfing, following the world’s top surf competitions is a must. They’re where the sport’s biggest moments happen — from historic upsets to flawless barrels — and they showcase the athletes pushing the limits of what’s possible on a wave.

This guide breaks down the major surf championships every fan should know. Whether you’re new to the scene or deep into tour stats, these events offer the best window into the competitive soul of surfing.

The Must-Know Surf Competitions

From iconic breaks to elite world titles, here are the top contests and circuits that define pro surfing.

1. World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour

The WSL Championship Tour is the pinnacle of competitive surfing. It spans elite events across the globe — from Pipeline to J-Bay — and crowns the world champion each year.

Divided into Men’s and Women’s Championship Tour
Only the top-ranked surfers qualify each season
Tour ends with a top-5 Final at Lower Trestles
Stars include Carissa Moore, Filipe Toledo, and Gabriel Medina

2. WSL Challenger Series

The Challenger Series is the proving ground for surfers trying to qualify for the Championship Tour. It features high-stakes events with fierce competition.

Pathway for young, hungry athletes
Global stops at world-class waves
Top finishers qualify for the next CT season
Often features breakthrough performances

3. Big Wave World Championships

The Big Wave World Tour highlights the most fearless surfers in the world — those who paddle or tow into giants like Nazare, Mavericks, and Jaws.

Events are called on short notice when swell aligns
Athletes are judged on commitment and size of wave
Separate titles for men and women
Requires special safety teams and logistics

4. ISA World Surfing Games

Organized by the International Surfing Association (ISA), this event brings together national teams from around the world in a team-based format — and now serves as an Olympic qualifier.

One of the oldest running international contests
Includes surfers from 40+ countries
Promotes Olympic and amateur surfing
A celebration of global surf culture

5. Red Bull Magnitude & Specialty Events

Events like Red Bull Magnitude and the Eddie Aikau Invitational focus on honor, heritage, and incredible swell windows — often in big wave conditions and invite-only formats.

Not points-based — judged on performance, not ranking
Often feature local legends and wild card entries
Highlight heritage spots like Waimea Bay
Red Bull Magnitude focuses on women’s big-wave achievements

Do Surfers Travel for These Events?

Yes — most major surf competitions involve travel. Many tours take place at multiple locations around the globe, while others are based at one specific spot per year. Here’s how each championship works in terms of where it’s held and how surfers move through the season:

WSL Championship Tour: A multi-stop global tour — surfers travel from break to break across continents all year.
WSL Challenger Series: Multiple international events — competitors must travel to earn points toward CT qualification.
Big Wave World Championships: Held at big-wave spots like Nazare, Mavericks, and Jaws — events are called when swell conditions are right, so travel is last-minute and essential.
ISA World Surfing Games: One location per year — surfers travel once to compete as part of national teams.
Red Bull Magnitude & Specialty Events: Single-location, invite-only events — often based on heritage or big swell windows.

Further Insights: How to Follow and Watch

You can follow all major events through the WSL app, YouTube livestreams, or Red Bull TV. Most events are free to watch and include expert commentary, replays, and heat breakdowns.

Social media is also huge — many surfers post their own behind-the-scenes stories, training clips, and free surfs during tour stops. If you’re a fan, it’s never been easier to stay connected in real time.

Real-Life Tip

If you’re planning a surf trip, time it with one of these events. Even as a spectator, the energy is unforgettable — and watching pros surf a break you’ve paddled out at adds a whole new layer of inspiration.

Takeaway

Competitive surfing captures the full spirit of the sport — talent, courage, creativity, and connection to the ocean. These events are more than contests; they’re the pulse of global surf culture. Whether you surf or just love to watch, tuning in is always worth it.