WSL 2026 Is Finally Here: New CT Format, Pipe Finale and Superstar Wildcards Explained

The 2nd of September, 2025, seems a long time ago. In that time, the earth has done a half lap of the Sun, Donald Trump removed two heads of state, and the Blue Ghost lander became the first commercial vehicle to soft-land on the Moon. 

That date was also when the last waves were ridden in a CT event. On that fateful day, Yago Dora and Molly Picklum claimed their maiden World Title in Fiji. No other champs in history have had to wait as long to start their defence.  

Now, into the last month of the elite surfing hiatus...