WSL Opens 2026 With Points-Based Title Race as Medina Returns at Bells

Overview

• The World Surf League opened its 2026 season at Bells Beach with a return to a year-long points system that replaces the five-surfer Finals and drops the repechage second-chance round.
• The tour lists 12 events this year with the title to be decided at Pipeline in Hawaii, and the later start followed a roughly seven-month break that riders say helped rest and reset.
• Three-time champion Gabriel Medina rejoined competition after a left-shoulder tendon rupture, now coached by 2015 champion Adriano de Souza as he chases a fourth crown.
• Reigning champion Yago Dora begins his defense for Brazil, with Griffin Colapinto, Jack Robinson, and Ethan Ewing highlighted as leading challengers and John John Florence again absent.
• Coverage describes larger opening fields and later roster reductions, while ending repechage removes a safety net for early losses and could ease pressure on rookies in the first rounds.