Corona Saquarema Pro Presented by Banco do Brasil Set to Host Final Challenger Series Event of 2024

PRAIA DE ITAÚNA, Saquarema, Brazil (Tuesday, October 8, 2024) - The final event of the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series season is gearing up for the Corona Saquarema Pro presented by Banco do Brasil at Praia de Itaúna, in Saquarema, Brazil from October 12 - 20, 2024. Being Stop No. 6, and last event of the year for the Challenger Series athletes, the top 10 men’s athletes and the top 5 women’s athletes will be determined on their coveted quest to become part of the 2025 Championship Tour (CT) class.

The thrilling 2024 Challenger Series season began with two events in Australia, followed by stops in South Africa, the United States, and Portugal. It all comes down to Brazil at Praia de Itaúna to see which names will guarantee their spots on the CT or will get another chance at the Challenger Series during the upcoming season.

The Final 2025 Championship Tour Spots to be Decided in Saquarema

Following conclusion of the EDP Ericeira Pro Presented by Estrella Galicia in Portugal, it’s still anyone’s game as the Challenger Series rankings are being shuffled with several athletes moving vertically in their positions. Samuel Pupo (BRA) qualified for the CT with his performance in Portugal. Fellow Brazilians Ian Gouveia (BRA) and Alejo Muniz (BRA) have also guaranteed their spots on the 2025 Championship Tour.

Similarly, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) made substantial progress in Portugal and has qualified for the 2025 CT class alongside up-and-comer Bella Kenworthy (USA) and Australian Isabella Nichols (AUS). Only two spots remain for the women and currently see Erin Brooks (CAN) and Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) in the final positions.

Fitzgibbons leads the women’s Challenger Series rankings and has requalified as a CT athlete. Fitzgibbons was part of the 2024 CT class, but was unable to make the Cut following the Western Australia Margaret River Pro. However, with her victory at the Lexus US Open of Surfing and the EDP Ericeira Pro, as well as solid results throughout the year on the Challenger Series, the Australian is back into the elite group of CT surfers.

By winning the EDP Ericeira Pro, Pupo was able to requalify for the 2025 CT class. Consistency was crucial during the Challenger Series season for Pupo with solid results in the events held in Australia and South Africa. Despite a slight dip in at the Lexus US Open of Surfing, Pupo guaranteed his presence on the CT with another solid performance in Portugal.

Julia Duarte and Nacho Gundesen Named as Banco do Brasil Event Wildcards

By sitting atop the parallel rankings of the Circuito Banco do Brasil de Surfe, as part of the WSL South America regional calendar, Julia Duarte (BRA) and José “Nacho” Gundesen (ARG) have been awarded wildcard entries into the Corona Saquarema Pro Presented by Banco do Brasil.

The women’s invitation went to Duarte, even though she sat at third place in the rankings. Since the rankings leader Laura Raupp (BRA) and Daniella Rosas (PER) at No. 2 are both on the Challenger Series, Duarte was allocated the spot in Saquarema.

“I was thrilled and left speechless when I heard the news. It’s always been a dream of mine to be on the CT and participating in the Challenger Series event is an important step to achieving that,” said Duarte. “I feel very confident competing in Saquarema, I’ve already had good results there and look forward to showing what I can do in the water.”

Gundesen showed consistency in all of the Circuito Banco do Brasil de Surfe events in 2024 and held the rankings lead in a very tight race against José Francisco (BRA) which went to the final heat at the Qualifying Series event in Maresias, São Paulo. The Argentinian, who currently resides in Florianopolis, Brazil is also very familiar with the waves at Praia de Itaúna and is grateful for the opportunity to compete at the Corona Saquarema Pro.

“I think it's really cool. I think it's well-deserved to have won this invitation since I’ve been competing in practically all the Banco do Brasil events,” said Gundesen. “Banco do Brasil is doing its part, holding a lot of contests this year, which keeps us in the rhythm of competition and preparing for the Challenger Series, which is everyone's goal. So I’m excited to be a part of the event in Saquarema.”