The World Surf League (WSL) Corona Saquarema Pro presented by Banco do Brasil can potentially begin tomorrow at Praia de Itaúna, in Saquarema, Brazil for Stop No. 6 of 6 on the 2024 Challenger Series. With an event holding a competition window from October 12 - 20, it's the last chance for qualification to become part of the 2025 Championship Tour (CT). Stakes are high as seven spots remain in the men's division, while only two positions are available for the women's field.
Last Chance for 2025 Championship Tour Qualification in Last Event of 2024 Challenger Series
Going into Brazil, the men's Challenger Series rankings are led by Samuel Pupo (BRA), Ian Gouveia (BRA) and Alejo Muniz (BRA), who have all qualified for the CT following the conclusion of the EDP Ericeira Pro in Portugal. After an eight-year hiatus, Muniz has officially qualified for the 2025 CT season and was visibly emotional with his opportunity to be back on Tour.
"Going into Portugal I knew I had a chance to qualify, and I've been working hard every single day since I fell off Tour eight years ago and my only thoughts were getting back on Tour," said Muniz. "So I was already feeling emotional, but after officially qualifying, I couldn't contain my tears and it was great to have all my friends there, so it was extra special for me."
Rounding out the current top 10 in the rankings are Miguel Pupo (BRA), George Pittar (AUS), Edgard Groggia (BRA), Jackson Bunch (HAW), Michael Rodrigues (BRA), Joel Vaughan (AUS) and Alan Cleland (MEX), but it's anyone's game as a significant shakeup in the rankings can still take place.
The women's field is vying for the final two spots available for CT qualification. Rankings leaders Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Bella Kenworthy (USA), and Isabella Nichols (AUS) have all stamped their tickets as part of the 2025 CT class. The current Top 5 in the rankings also include Erin Brooks (CAN) and Nadia Erostarbe (EUK).
The CT qualification line is bottlenecked with talented surfers that can potentially jump into the Top 5 and include international athletes such as Vahine Fierro (FRA), Yolanda Hopkins (POR), Bronte Macaulay (AUS), as well as local surfer Luana Silva (BRA), and the 2022 Corona Saquarema Pro event winner Alyssa Spencer (USA).
Luana Silva (BRA) needs a solid result at the Corona Saquarema Pro for CT qualification. - WSL
In 2023, Silva missed CT qualification by one position during an emotionally draining event in Saquarema. However, she was able to join the 2024 CT class following the retirement of five-time World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist Carissa Moore (HAW). Silva is focused on an impactful performance in Brazil to guarantee her 2025 CT qualification.
"It feels great to be back in Saquarema," said Silva. "Brazil is my second home, I always love coming back here. I love the city, I love the people, the food is amazing and so are the waves, so it really feels like home. I know I've got a shot at qualifying for the CT. I don't want to put a ton of pressure on myself, but I'm going to do my best and try to get back on Tour."
Opening Call Set for 7:00 AM (GMT-3) at Praia de Itaúna
The official call for the Corona Saquarema Pro at Praia de Itaúna is set for tomorrow at 7:30 a.m. (GMT-3), with a possible 7:35 a.m. start. In the men's draw, Heat 1 of the Round of 80 will see Owen Moss (USA) matched up against Jackson Baker (AUS), Vitor Ferreira (BRA), and Valentin Neves (BRA), the son of former CT athlete and Saquarema legend Leo Neves.
For the women, Heat 1 will see Portuguese surfer Teresa Bonvalot (POR) face Mafalda Lopes (POR), Nora Liotta (HAW) and local surfer Kayane Reis (BRA) in the Round of 48. Followed by Heat 2 featuring an international field consisting of Sol Aguirre (PER), Nanaho Tsuzuki (JAP), Vera Jarisz (ARG), and Malia Lima (HAW).
Added Attractions Welcome Fans for Opening Weekend
In addition to all the action in the water, the Corona Saquarema Pro will have a full line-up of activations for the fans on the beach to celebrate the national holiday in Brazil of Children's Day. A slate of family-friendly activities will include the first-ever Saquá Run & Fun 5km race and children's race. The race will conclude with a family-friendly concert with a performance by Rockin' Kidz.
Saturday will feature the first-ever My Hero - Generations Heat, where four WSL athletes and their parent/coaches will invert roles and see the athletes being the coaches, while their parent will compete in a heat. The four-person heat will be led by the athletes Tainá Hinckel (BRA), Laura Raupp (BRA), Heitor Mueller (BRA) and Raoni Monteiro (BRA).
On the beach, the Brazilian pastime of "altinha", the sport where a circle of people try to keep a soccer ball up as long as possible, will be celebrated with the inaugural Altinha Challenge where teams of four representing cities from the Saquarema region will compete in a two-day contest to see who will become the altinha champs at the Corona Saquarema Pro.
To top off the weekend celebrations, on Sunday, October 13, an acrobatic air show provided by Esquadrilha CEU will provide excitement as the low-flying squadron will delight the crowds with a series of stunts and maneuvers above Praia de Itaúna.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com
Corona Saquarema Pro Presented by Banco Do Brasil Women's Round of 48 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Teresa Bonvalot (POR) vs. Mafalda Lopes (POR) vs. Nora Liotta (HAW) vs. Kayane Reis (BRA)
HEAT 2: Sol Aguirre (PER) vs. Nanaho Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Vera Jarisz (ARG) vs. Malia Lima (HAW)
HEAT 3: Eweleiula Wong (HAW) vs. Taina Hinckel (BRA) vs. Talia Swindal (USA) vs. Alexia Monteiro (BRA)
HEAT 4: Francisca Veselko (POR) vs. Leilani McGonagle (CRC) vs. Daniella Rosas (PER) vs. Taís Almeida (BRA)
HEAT 5: Amuro Tsuzuki (JPN) vs. Janire Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) vs. Jessie Van Niekerk (RSA) vs. Camila Sanday (PER)
HEAT 6: Sara Wakita (JPN) vs. Rosie Smart (AUS) vs. Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) vs. Julia Duarte (BRA)
HEAT 7: Anon Matsuoka (JPN) vs. Minami Nonaka (JPN) vs. Saffi Vette (NZL) vs. Sophia Goncalves (BRA)
HEAT 8: Zoe Benedetto (USA) vs. Ariane Ochoa (EUK) vs. Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (CAN) vs. Monik Santos (BRA)
Corona Saquarema Pro Presented by Banco Do Brasil Men's Round of 80 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Owen Moss (USA) vs. Jackson Baker (AUS) vs. Valentin Neves (BRA) vs. Vitor Ferreira (BRA)
HEAT 2: Luel Felipe (BRA) vs. Cody Young (HAW) vs. Alex Ribeiro (BRA) vs. Ryan Kainalo (BRA)
HEAT 3: Heitor Mueller (BRA) vs. Rinta Oooto (JPN) vs. Lucas Vicente (BRA) vs. Eric Bahia (BRA)
HEAT 4: Gabriel Andre (BRA) vs. Guilherme Ribeiro (POR) vs. Joaquim Chaves (POR) vs. Lucas Chianca (BRA)
HEAT 5: Shion Crawford (HAW) vs. Joh Azuchi (JPN) vs. Leo Casal (BRA) vs. Nacho Gundesen (ARG)
HEAT 6: Mihimana Braye (FRA) vs. Cauã Costa (BRA) vs. Caio Costa (BRA) vs. Kaue Germano (BRA)
HEAT 7: Ryan Huckabee (USA) vs. Tully Wylie (AUS) vs. Paul Sampson (RSA) vs. Daniel Templar (BRA)
HEAT 8: Kauli Vaast (FRA) vs. Kai Martin (HAW) vs. Gabriel Klaussner (BRA) vs. Rickson Falcao (BRA)
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.
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, and with additional support from InterTV and Waves.com.br