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. 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 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.
Final 2025 Championship Tour Spots to be Decided in Saquarema
With the EDP Ericeira Pro Presented by Estrella Galicia in Portugal, still underway, 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. Similarly, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) is making substantial progress in Portugal and is on the threshold of qualifying for the 2025 CT class.
Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) at the 2024 EDP Ericeira Pro - WSL
Fitzgibbons currently leads the women's Challenger Series rankings and has her eyes on requalification 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 solid results throughout the year on the Challenger Series, the Australian is on the cusp of her entry back into the elite group of CT surfers.
Samuel Pupo (BRA) at the 2024 EDP Ericeira Pro. - WSL
By reaching the Round of 16 at 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 the United States, Pupo guaranteed his presence on the Championship Tour 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 Jose "Nacho" Gundesen (ARG) have been awarded wildcard entries into the Corona Saquarema Pro Presented by Banco do Brasil.
Julia Duarte (BRA) earned a wildcard invitation for the 2024 Corona Saquarema Pro. - WSL
The women's invitation went to Duarte, even though she sat at third place in the rankings. However with rankings leader Laura Raupp (BRA) and Daniella Rosas (PER) at No. 2 both already 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."
Nacho Gundesen at the 2023 Corona Saquarema Pro. - WSL
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."
WATCH LIVE The Corona Saquarema Pro presented by Banco do Brasil will be held from October 12 through October 20, 2024, at Praia de Itaúna, Saquarema, Brazil. The competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Also check local listings for coverage from the WSL's broadcast partners. For all results, photos, video highlights and press releases, log on to worldsurfleague.com.
The Corona Saquarema Pro is proudly supported by Corona, Banco Do Brasil, Vivo, Natura Kaiak, Mãe Terra, The City of Saquarema, the Rio de Janeiro State Secretary of Sports and Leisure, Apple Watch with additional support from InterTV and Waves.com.br