Injury sidelines Medina as 2025 WSL Championship kicks off
Three-time World Champion Gabriel Medina will miss the opening three events of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) after undergoing surgery for a pectoral injury.
The Brazilian surfing legend, known for his explosive style and unmatched competitive drive, sustained the injury while surfing near his home in Maresias, Brazil.
“I am very sad to have to pull out of the start of the 2025 season,” Medina said.
“I have spent the past few months training and surfing incredible waves all over the world to be ready to fight for another World Title. I am focused on recovering as quickly as I can and will return to competition as soon as I am able. However, I am grateful to receive the wildcard for 2026 to allow the necessary time to heal.”
Despite his setback, Medina’s determination to recover and return stronger remains clear.
At 31, the three-time World Champion has already secured a legacy as one of the sport’s greats, and his absence in the first three events will be felt throughout the competitive field.
The top surfing bookmakers are still delayed on updating the betting markets and have Medina as a $15 chance to claim the 2025 WSL Men’s Championship.
In Medina’s absence, Ian Gentil of Hawaii will step in as a WSL replacement surfer for the Lexus Pipe Pro, the Abu Dhabi Pro, and the Rip Curl Pro Portugal.
Gentil, the 2023 Rookie of the Year, has shown tremendous promise and will look to capitalise on this opportunity to compete at the elite level.
The WSL’s announcement also included wildcards for the Lexus Pipe Pro, with legends Kelly Slater and Moana Jones Wong joining the draw.