Logie and O'Brien to Join Defending Champ Dorian in The Maldives

The pristine waters of the Maldives - WSL

Momentum is building for world's most luxurious surfing contest, The Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy with the first two contestants of the 2016 event being announced.

South Africa's Travis Logie and Pipeline specialist Jamie O'Brien will join the 2015 event champion Shane Dorian in the pristine waves on offer in the Maldives. Event co-ordinator, Mark Winson of Tropicsurf is excited with the first two fresh competitors that have been announced and believes this well-rounded draw could lead to one of the most exciting events yet.

Shane Dorian finding shade Sultans Point - WSL

"With a freesurfer, an all-rounder and a big wave slayer announced so far, we're already in for an epic battle this August," Winson said. "We still have three contestants yet to be announced so I think the 2016 instalment of the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy is going to be one to watch."

WSL deputy Commissioner Travis Logie (ZAF) will put the competitive jersey on for the first time since he retired from the WSL Championship Tour (CT) at the end of the 2014 season. Logie, who won the 2002 ISA World Surfing Games for his beloved South Africa has been a fan of the Champions Trophy Event for several years and is stoked he'll be able to mix it with the rest of the field in paradise.

WSL Deputy Commissioner Travis Logie can't wait to get his competitive groove on - WSL / Kelly Cestari

"Shauna (Logie's Wife) and I are so excited to be invited to this event at the Four Seasons," Logie said. "I've followed the Champions Trophy online for years and can't wait to get amongst those perfect Maldivian waves myself. Hopefully I can give Shane and Jamie some stiff competition in the line-up too."

Apart from in 2004 being the youngest surfer to ever take out the most iconic event in surfing, the Pipe Masters, Jamie O'Brien is best known for his progressive free surfing. Whether it's taking the biggest beasts at his beloved Pipe or throwing his fins to the wind a Rocky's, there is a reason this North Shore local is one of the biggest name in our Sport. One of O'Brien's best attributes is his ability to have fun no matter what, which will see him fit in at the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy event perfectly.

Jaimie O in his natural habitat, the Pipe barrel - WSL / Kelly Cestari

"I can't wait to surf in the Champions Trophy with Shane and Travis," O'Brien said. "This event looks like everyone is always enjoying themselves and that's what life is about."

Winning the Four Season Surfing Champions Trophy means you win the honour of returning to the event the following year. Returning this year is 2015 Champion and big wave hell-man Shane Dorian

Last year's event Champion Shane Dorian will be back to defend his title in 2016 - WSL

"Lisa and I can't wait to return to the Maldives to enjoy the chilled out vibe of the Champions Trophy," Dorian said. "It's such a unique concept with fun waves and great company and definitely one of the highlights of our year."

Kuda Hurra boardwalk - WSL

About the event: Unique in many ways, the Surfing Champions Trophy determines heat times based on age and tests skill across three divisions: single-fin, twin-fin, and thruster. Places are granted by invitation-only to six world champions in a battle for inner-circle kudos and a US$25,000 prize pot. The event is hosted aboard Four Seasons Explorer - the Maldives' ultimate surf vessel. Fans can get up close to the action with onboard VIP passes, while the ‘surf tour' experience continues with shoulder-rubbing events back at Four Seasons Resort Kuda Huraa, which plays host to the contest's competitors, judges and Tropicsurf partners.