It was with excellent performance from several Brazilian athletes that the 2026 World Surfing season began. The opening stage of the championship, in Bells Beach, Australia, concluded this Saturday (11) with Miguel Pupo’s victory. In the decision, he triumphed over compatriot Yago Dora, current champion of the WSL (World Surfing League).
Three-time circuit champion, Gabriel Medina advanced to the semi-finals, beaten by Dora in a top-notch heat. Samuel Pupo stopped in the quarterfinals, but he wasn’t frustrated. The 25-year-old celebrated his 34-year-old brother’s triumph. “Whoever thought he was too old to be here… Now he’s wearing yellow lycra. It’s the best day of my life!”
To obtain the yellow uniform worn by the leader of the competition Miguel had a very solid stage. On the way to the decision, he left behind Australian Joel Vaughan (14.17 to 12.07), fellow Australian George Pittar (16.77 to 15.60), Hawaiian Barron Mamiya (12.50 to 11.10) and North American Griffin Colapinto (13.67 to 7.50).
In the final, it was Dora who came out ahead, with a wave rating of 6.17. Miguel remained patient and achieved two higher grades, 7.50 and 8.10. In the sum of the two best waves of each, Pupo won by 15.60 to 13.90. “It’s unbelievable. I have no words to describe this moment,” said the winner.
The experienced surfer, who has been on the circuit since 2011, had only won one elite stage in his entire career, in Teahupo’o, Tahiti, in 2022. Now, for the first time, he will surf in yellow, in the Margaret River stage, also in Australia. The competition window opens next Thursday (16).
In the women’s competition, the only Brazilian in action, Luana Silva, advanced to the quarterfinals, with significant victories. The 21-year-old defeated Australian Stephanie Gilmore, eight-time world champion, and fellow Australian Tyler Wright, two-time champion. She ended up falling in the quarterfinals, against Hawaiian Gabriela Bryan, who, in an inspired journey, took the stage.
