Challenger Series Heats Up at EDP Ericeira Pro Presented by Estrella Galicia

RIBEIRA D’ILHAS, Ericeira, Portugal (Monday, September 23, 2024) - The World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series (CS) heads to the penultimate stop at the EDP Ericeira Pro Presented by Estrella Galicia from September 29 - October 6, 2024 in Portugal. As Stop No. 5 on the 2024 Challenger Series, this event could see multiple qualification scenarios unfold as surfers fight for a spot on the Championship Tour (CT).

Following the CT’s Mid-season Cut, the Challenger Series started in Australia with the first two events on the Gold Coast and in Sydney. The next stop was in Ballito, South Africa, followed by the Lexus US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California. Following the Ericeira Pro, the Challenger Series will conclude at the Corona Saquarema Pro in Brazil.

Sally Fitzgibbons and Samuel Pupo Lead Rankings Heading into Penultimate Stop

Rankings leader Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) could serendipitously clinch her spot on the CT in Portugal after requalifying for the Tour in Portugal last year. Fitzgibbons has surfed her way into every Finals Day on the Challenger Series this year and claimed her second US Open title after 13 years, solidifying her position at the top of the rankings.

“I just love putting the jersey on,” said Fitzgibbons. “I’m so inspired by this new generation of surfers. Representing my community, my family values, it’s everything. Surfing has become my life, you just keep showing up because you never know what can happen.”

Despite an early loss at the Lexus US Open, Samuel Pupo (BRA) held on to No. 2 on the rankings behind Ian Gouveia (BRA). Gouveia’s excellent start to the year and win in Ballito propelled him to the top, requalifying for the CT after six years. As the first to clinch his spot, Gouveia opted not to compete in Portugal.

Qualification at Stake for CT Hopefuls in Portugal

The second to last stop is crucial for those on the cusp of qualification, and Europe has a way of serving up surprises. With the Lexus US Open of Surfing done and dusted, the biggest movers and shakers on the rankings included winner Alan Cleland Jr. (MEX) who leapfrogged 42 spots up to No. 9 and runner-up Marco Mignot (FRA), who snuck into the top 10 after moving up 26 places.

From surfing perfect barrels in Tahiti at his first Olympics, to dominating the Huntington Beach break, Cleland secured his first-ever Challenger Series win and is within reach of CT qualification.

“It’s crazy having such a rough start to the year and ending up in the final at the US Open with my good friend Marco,” said Cleland. “It was so good to get the rhythm and momentum going, it feels amazing to be here. It’s amazing to think how far we’ve come.”

The women’s race for qualification is agonizingly close. A win in Ballito and runner-up finish at the Lexus US Open sees Bella Kenworthy (USA) firmly in second place, with Isabella Nichols (AUS) right on her heels. Young phenom Erin Brooks (CAN), the winner of the first Challenger Series on the Gold Coast is in fourth, with Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) moving up into the top 5 after her third-place finish in California.