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World Surf League betting 2025

News/Tips
Schedule
Odds
Betting
Rules
History
Top Aus Surfers
Winners List

The World Surf League (WSL) is transforming surfing into one of the most exciting and fast-paced televised sports globally.

With its combination of unpredictable ocean conditions and elite athletes battling for supremacy, WSL has quickly become a thrilling avenue for sports bettors.

This guide explores everything you need to know about betting on the WSL, from its structure and betting types to tips for success and Australia’s legendary surfers.

Best Surfing Bookmakers

World Surf League Latest News & Tips


2025 World Surf League CT schedule and betting odds
World Surf League 2025 Schedule
News
WSL 2025 revealed! Snapper Rocks returns, Cloudbreak hosts Finals, and betting odds name Simmers & Toledo as top title contenders ...
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Simmers and Florence crowned 2024 World Surf League champions
Caitlin Simmers and Jon Jon Florence Claim The WSL Finals
Sports Betting Tips
Caitlin Simmers and John John Florence have claimed the 2024 World Surf League Championship Tour titles, making history and showcasing ...
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Erin Brooks & Griffin Colapinto claim historic WSL Fiji Pro win
Erin Brooks claims her first WSL CT event at Cloudbreak
News
Erin Brooks and Griffin Colapinto emerged victorious at the Corona Fiji Pro, marking a historic return to the iconic Cloudbreak ...
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Erin Brooks & Jack Robinson shine as WSL Fiji Pro Finals loom
Erin Brooks Shines In WSL Fiji Pro
News
Erin Brooks and Jack Robinson emerged as stars at the Surfing Fiji Pro, with Robinson securing a spot in the ...
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2025 World Surf League Championship Tour schedule & dates


The WSL CT dates and schedule for thew 2025 season is as follows:

Betting Odds for 2025 World Surf League

On the men’s side, Filipe Toledo leads the odds at $5.00 with the top WSL bookmakers, followed closely by John John Florence ($5.25) and Gabriel Medina ($6.00). Rising stars like Griffin Colapinto ($9.00) and Ethan Ewing ($10.00) also stand strong among the contenders.

WSL Men’s Odds as of December 14, 2024 – Courtesy of Neds

For the women’s championship, Caitlin Simmers is the early favorite at $3.50 with the top betting apps, followed by Caroline Marks at $4.30. Veterans Stephanie Gilmore ($11.00) and Tatiana Weston-Webb ($8.00) remain in the hunt, while emerging talents like Bella Kenworthy ($13.00) and Molly Picklum ($15.00) continue to make their mark.

Women’s WSL Odds as of December 14, 2024 – Courtesy of Neds

World Surf League betting

Surfing is not just an exhilarating sport to watch; it’s also an exciting betting market filled with unique opportunities. Here’s a breakdown of key betting options and tips to get the most out of wagering on WSL events:

Surfing betting types

Event Winner:
Wager on the surfer you believe will win a specific WSL event. This market is ideal for those who have done their research on form, conditions, and rankings.

Heat Winner:
Place a bet on which surfer will win an individual heat. This is a fast-paced option for bettors who enjoy quick outcomes and live betting.

Championship Futures
Predict which surfer will win the WSL Championship at the end of the season. Futures betting offers higher odds but requires long-term insight.

Tips for Betting on the World Surf League

Study the Conditions:
Wave conditions can drastically influence performance. Check the forecast for swells, wind, and tide changes before placing bets.

Know the surfers:

Research each surfer’s form, strengths, and track record at specific locations. Some surfers excel in heavy reef breaks like Teahupo’o, while others dominate point breaks like J-Bay.

Consider Underdogs:
Surfing is unpredictable, and lesser-known surfers often perform well in challenging conditions. This can lead to lucrative upset bets.

Track the rankings:
The WSL standings provide insight into which surfers are in form and who is fighting for critical points in the Championship Tour.

Top bookmakers for betting on the surfing

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World Surf League rules

Scoring System

Surfers are scored on a scale of 1 to 10 for each wave, with judges evaluating:

Degree of Difficulty:
Performing challenging maneuvers increases scores.

Innovation and Progression:
Unique and creative moves are rewarded.

Power:
Executing maneuvers with force and commitment.

Flow:
Linking moves seamlessly without hesitation.

Best Two Waves:
Only a surfer’s top two wave scores are combined for their total heat score, meaning strategic wave selection is critical.

Interference Penalties

Interference Calls:
If a surfer obstructs another’s ride or violates priority rules, they incur a penalty, typically resulting in a reduction of their second-best wave score.

Event Structure

Elimination Rounds:
Events start with non-elimination heats, progressing to elimination rounds where only the top-performing surfers advance.

Finals:
The last heat determines the event winner. For the Championship Tour, the season ends with a Finals Day format where the top five surfers compete for the world title.

History of Surfing


The roots of professional surfing trace back to 1976 with the formation of the International Professional Surfers (IPS) by Hawaiian surfers Fred Hemmings and Randy Rarick. This governing body laid the groundwork for competitive surfing as we know it today.

Over the years, the structure evolved into the Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) and later rebranded in 2015 to become the World Surf League (WSL).

Evolution of Professional Surfing

  • 1976 – The Beginning: The IPS was the first organisation to standardise professional surfing competitions, bringing global attention to the sport.
  • 1983 – ASP Takes Over: The ASP replaced the IPS and introduced a more structured and competitive tour format, attracting top surfers and sponsors.
  • 2015 – The Birth of WSL: With a focus on global broadcasting and fan engagement, the ASP transitioned into the WSL. This marked a new era for surfing, integrating cutting-edge technology like real-time scoring and drone footage to enhance viewer experience.

    • The World Surf League today

  • The WSL organises 12 Championship Tour (CT) events annually, including the one day WSL Finals.
  • Competitions take place at some of the world’s most iconic surf spots, including Pipeline (Hawaii), Teahupo’o (Tahiti), and Bells Beach (Australia).
  • Headquarters are based in Los Angeles, California, with regional offices worldwide to support its growing international audience.

    • Australia’s best ever surfers


    Australia is a sun kissed nation that is famous for its beaches; which lends itself greatly to the professional surfing circuit. Some of the greatest ever surfers have come from the land down under so we thought it would be appropriate to run through some of the stars that have pioneered this sport in Australia.

    Mark Occhilupo - surfing betting
    Mark Occhilupo is universally regarded as one of Australia’s best surfers. He is seen in action here in 1987.

    Mark Occhilupo:
    One of the most popular surfers of all-time, the man they call ‘Occy’ revolutionised the sport as a cocky teenager, but a battle with drugs and depression saw Occhilupo fail to reach the lofty heights he looked set to reach. After two years out of the sport Occy returned in 1999 to win his maiden surf title at the age of 33, cementing his legacy as one of the country’s finest ever.

    Mick Fanning:
    A three-time world champion (2007, 2009, 2013), Mick Fanning is one of the most decorated surfers in history. While his talent in the water is undeniable, he is equally famous for his encounter with a shark during the 2015 J-Bay Open, which he miraculously survived. Fanning’s legacy extends beyond his competitive achievements, as he remains a prominent ambassador for the sport.

    Layne Beachley:
    While others may lay claims to being the most popular surfers in Australian sporting history, few can rival the feats of Layne Beachley. The Manly product has won an incredible seven world championships – the most of any woman in world surifing history – and in 2004 Beachley competed in the men’s competition. Beachley’s impact on the sport has been so profound that she is now one of the four vice presidents of the International Surfing Association.

    Stephanie Gilmore:
    Stephanie Gilmore is Australia’s modern surfing icon and one of the greatest surfers of all time. With an astonishing eight world titles (the most by any woman in history), Gilmore’s smooth style and tactical brilliance have earned her global admiration. Since winning her first world title as a rookie in 2007, she has remained at the forefront of women’s surfing, solidifying her status as an Australian and global legend.

    Mark Richards:
    He may not be a household name, but Mark Richards has serious claims to be recognised as one of the true trailblazers of the sport that helped drag the sport out of the periphery and into the mainstream. Mark Richards dominated professional the sport from 1979 to 1982, winning four consecutive world titles. His professional attitude towards the sport and clean-cut good looks helped propel surfing to being accepted as a legitimate sport.

    World Surf League Championship Tour Champions

    Year Men’s Champion Points Women’s Champion Points
    2024 John John Florence [3] (HAW) 49,530 Caitlin Simmers (USA) 52,930
    2023 Filipe Toledo [2] (BRA) 58,300 Caroline Marks (USA) 59,870
    2022 Filipe Toledo (BRA) 54,690 Stephanie Gilmore [8] (AUS) 46,370
    2021 Gabriel Medina [3] (BRA) 43,400 Carissa Moore [5] (HAW) 37,700
    2020 Cancelled due to COVID-19 pandemic
    2019 Italo Ferreira (BRA) 59,740 Carissa Moore [4] (HAW) 59,940
    2018 Gabriel Medina [2] (BRA) 62,490 Stephanie Gilmore [7] (AUS) 61,175
    2017 John John Florence [2] (HAW) 58,100 Tyler Wright [2] (AUS) 54,400
    2016 John John Florence (HAW) 59,850 Tyler Wright (AUS) 72,500
    2015 Adriano De Souza (BRA) 57,700 Carissa Moore [3] (HAW) 66,200
    2014 Gabriel Medina (BRA) 62,800 Stephanie Gilmore [6] (AUS) 64,200
    2013 Mick Fanning [3] (AUS) 54,400 Carissa Moore [2] (HAW) 59,500
    2012 Joel Parkinson (AUS) 58,700 Stephanie Gilmore [5] (AUS) 48,400
    2011 Kelly Slater [11] (USA) 68,100 Carissa Moore (HAW) 55,000
    2010 Kelly Slater [10] (USA) 69,000 Stephanie Gilmore [4] (AUS) 7,284
    2009 Mick Fanning [2] (AUS) 7,140 Stephanie Gilmore [3] (AUS) 6,169
    2008 Kelly Slater [9] (USA) 8,042 Stephanie Gilmore [2] (AUS) 7,188
    2007 Mick Fanning (AUS) 8,136 Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 6,708
    2006 Kelly Slater [8] (USA) 8,124 Layne Beachley [7] (AUS) 6,374
    2005 Kelly Slater [7] (USA) 7,962 Chelsea Georgeson (AUS) 7,080
    2004 Andy Irons [3] (HAW) 7,824 Sofia Mulanovich (PER) 5,484
    2003 Andy Irons [2] (HAW) 8,964 Layne Beachley [6] (AUS) 3,696
    2002 Andy Irons (HAW) 8,102 Layne Beachley [5] (AUS) 3,200
    2001 C. J. Hobgood (USA) 3,094 Layne Beachley [4] (AUS) 1,760
    2000 Sunny Garcia (HAW) 7,270 Layne Beachley [3] (AUS) 5,730
    1999 Mark Occhilupo (AUS) 7,120 Layne Beachley [2] (AUS) 8,080
    1998 Kelly Slater [6] (USA) 6,398 Layne Beachley (AUS) 7,920
    1996 Kelly Slater [4] (USA) 9,540 Lisa Andersen [3] (USA) 12,750
    1995 Kelly Slater [3] (USA) 6,040 Lisa Andersen [2] (USA) 12,920
    1994 Kelly Slater [2] (USA) 6,660 Lisa Andersen (USA) 7,650
    1993 Derek Ho (HAW) 5,510 Pauline Menczer (AUS) 7,080
    1992 Kelly Slater (USA) 7,765 Wendy Botha [4] (AUS) 10,205
    1991 Damien Hardman [2] (AUS) 12,854 Wendy Botha [3] (AUS) 7,424
    1990 Tom Curren [3] (USA) 17,612 Pam Burridge (AUS) 14,440
    1989 Martin Potter (UK) 20,665 Wendy Botha [2] (AUS) 14,380
    1988 Barton Lynch (AUS) 17,475 Freida Zamba [4] (USA) 7,960
    1987/88 Damien Hardman (AUS) 13,690 Wendy Botha (RSA) 8,220
    1986/87 Tom Curren [2] (USA) 13,115 Freida Zamba [3] (USA) 9,230
    1985/86 Tom Curren (USA) 11,490 Freida Zamba [2] (USA) 5,320
    1984/85 Tom Carroll [2] (AUS) 9,460.38 Freida Zamba (USA) 3,400
    1983/84 Tom Carroll (AUS) 6,830 Kim Mearig (USA) 3,125
    1982 Mark Richards [5] (AUS) 6,917 Debbie Beacham (USA) 3,059.14
    1981 Mark Richards [4] (AUS) 6,211.52 Margo Oberg [3] (USA) 3,850
    1980 Mark Richards [3] (AUS) 6,890 Margo Oberg [2] (USA) 2,000
    1979 Mark Richards [2] (AUS) 6,781.14 Lynne Boyer [2] (USA) 3,722.50
    1978 Wayne Bartholomew (AUS) 5,749.25 Lynne Boyer (USA) 3,986.14
    1977 Shaun Tomson (RSA) 5,948.3 Margo Oberg (USA) 4,850
    1976 Peter Townend (AUS) 5,593 – –
    1975 Mark Richards (AUS) – – –
    1974 Reno Abellira (USA) – – –
    1973 Ian Cairns (AUS) – – –
    1972 Jimmy Blears (USA) – Sharon Webber (USA) –
    1970 Rolf Aurness (USA) – Sharon Webber (USA) –
    1968 Fred Hemmings (USA) – Margo Godfrey (USA) –
    1966 Nat Young (AUS) – Joyce Hoffman (USA) –
    1965 Felipe Pomar (PER) – Joyce Hoffman (USA) –
    1964 Midget Farrelly (AUS) – Phyllis O’Donnell (AUS) –
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