Three-time world champion Gabriel Medina of Brazil moved into second place on the World Surf League (WSL) world tour after winning the Cloud 9 event in the Philippines on Tuesday (Nov. 3), the penultimate stop before the title decider at Pipeline in Hawaii. In the final, Medina defeated Australian Jack Robinson to claim his first trophy of the season, following three runner-up finishes this year (Margaret River, Fiji, and Peniche). The Brazilian won with a total score of 16.93, compared with his opponent’s 14.50.
In addition to ending a nearly three-year winless streak in WSL events, Medina jumped from fifth to second place in the rankings, with 53,210 points, trailing only reigning champion and current leader Yago Dora (54,950). Italo Ferreira (third, with 49,335 points) and Miguel Pupo (fifth, with 45,270) also remain mathematically in contention for the world title at Pipeline. Among the Brazilians, American Griffin Colapinto (46,195) holds fourth place.
The top eight surfers in the rankings will begin their quest for the world title at Pipeline, entering the competition directly in Round 4. All surfers (men and women) who competed in the season will also take part in the decisive event. Unlike previous stages, where the maximum score was 10,000 points, the winners at Pipeline will earn 15,000 points. The 2026 WSL titles will be decided from December 8 to 20.
Source: Agência Brasil