- WSL / Tostee
- WSL / Tostee

The Azores Airlines World Masters Championships are just around the corner! And because it's an event like no other, we thought we'd give Tour Manager Renato Hickel a buzz to find out exactly how the competition will unfold.

Turns out it's a 'Round-Robin' type of draw, meaning to simplify: within groups, each surfer will surf against everyone else, double the fun if you prefer! There are 12 Masters (aged 45 and above), 9 Grand Masters (aged 55 and over) and for the first time 6 women's Masters.

So basically a total of 33 qualifying heats before we turn to the usual man-on-man semis and final.

All three divisions have equal prize-money and each winner will take home US$18,000 and the prestigious World Titles, runner-ups US$10,000, equal thirds US$5,000 and the rest of the field US$4,000.

Check out all the event LIVE right here from September 18-23, 2018!

World Masters Championship: Event Format Explained
2:39
Commissioner Renato Hickel explains the 2018 Azores Airlines World Masters Championship event format taking place Sept 18-23.

More from Azores:
Pre-Event | Photo Gallery | Teaser
Profile: Layne Beachley | Profile: Fabio Gouveia

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