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WSL Grants Injury Wildcard, Confirms Gabriel Medina’s Return to 2026 Championship Tour

The three-time champion reclaims his CT place under a season-long points race that replaces the Finals format.

Overview

  • Medina secured his 2026 berth via a medical wildcard after missing the 2025 season following left-shoulder surgery and rehabilitation.
  • The WSL will run a points-based campaign in 2026, opening on April 1 at Bells Beach and finishing in December at Pipeline in Hawaii.
  • John John Florence, also a three-time world champion, was awarded a wildcard for 2026 after a one-year competitive break.
  • Medina stated he is aiming for a fourth world title and said the return to a points race favors his consistency.
  • Brazil’s confirmed CT lineup includes reigning champion Yago Dora along with Italo Ferreira, Filipe Toledo, Miguel Pupo, João Chianca and Alejo Muniz.