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World Surf League betting 2025
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.
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World Surf League Latest News & Tips
2025 World Surf League Championship Tour schedule & dates
The WSL CT dates and schedule for thew 2025 season is as follows:
- Stop No. 1: Banzai Pipeline, Hawaii, USA – January 27 – February 8
- Stop No. 2: Surf Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE – February 14 – 16
- Stop No. 3: Peniche, Portugal – March 15 – 25
- Stop No. 4: Punta Roca, El Salvador – April 2 – 12
- Stop No. 5: Bells Beach, Victoria, Australia – April 18 – 28
- Stop No. 6: Snapper Rocks, Queensland, Australia – May 3 – 13
- Stop No. 7: Margaret River, Western Australia, Australia – May 17 – 27
- Stop No. 8: Lower Trestles, San Clemente, Calif., USA – June 9 – 17
- Stop No. 9: Saquarema, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – June 21 – 29
- Stop No. 10: Jeffreys Bay, South Africa – July 11 – 20
- Stop No. 11: Teahupo’o, Tahiti, French Polynesia – August 7 – 16
- Stop No. 12: WSL Finals, Cloudbreak, Fiji – August 27 – September 4
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
- Filipe Toledo Win $5.00
- John John Florence Win $5.25
- Gabriel Medina Win $6.00
- Italo Ferreira Win $8.00
- Griffin Colapinto Win $9.00
- Ethan Ewing Win $10.00
- Jack Robinson Win $12.00
- Joao Chianca Win $17.00
- Yago Dora Win $19.00
- Kanoa Igarashi Win $26.00
- Jordy Smith Win $36.00
- Leonardo Fioravanti Win $51.00
- Rio Waida Win $51.00
- Crosby Colapinto Win $71.00
- Marco Mignot Win $81.00
- Samuel Pupo Win $101.00
- George Pittar Win $101.00
- Jake Marshall Win $101.00
- Ryan Callinan Win $126.00
- Ramzi Boukhiam Win $151.00
- Barron Mamiya Win $176.00
- Cole Houshmand Win $176.00
- Alejo Muniz Win $201.00
- Connor O’Leary Win $201.00
- Liam O’Brien Win $226.00
- Miguel Pupo Win $226.00
- Joel Vaughan Win $301.00
- Jackson Bunch Win $301.00
- Imaikalani deVault Win $351.00
- Deivid Silva Win $351.00
- Matthew McGillivray Win $351.00
- Seth Moniz Win $376.00
- Ian Gouveia Win $501.00
- Edgard Groggia Win $501.00
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
- Caitlin Simmers Win $3.50
- Caroline Marks Win $4.30
- Tatiana Weston-Webb Win $8.00
- Stephanie Gilmore Win $11.00
- Bella Kenworthy Win $13.00
- Molly Picklum Win $15.00
- Brisa Hennessy Win $17.00
- Johanne Defay Win $21.00
- Vahine Fierro Win $26.00
- Tyler Wright Win $31.00
- Lakey Peterson Win $41.00
- Sawyer Lindblad Win $51.00
- Gabriela Bryan Win $61.00
- Sally Fitzgibbons Win $71.00
- Bettylou Sakura Johnson Win $71.00
- Isabella Nichols Win $81.00
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.
- Event Winner:
-
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.
- Study the Conditions:
Top bookmakers for betting on the surfing
World Surf League rules
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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.
- Degree of Difficulty:
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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.
- Interference Calls:
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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.
- Elimination Rounds:
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).
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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.
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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:
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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