Held at the world-class beachbreak of Supertubos, the Meo Rip Curl Pro Portugal has delivered the unparalleled athleticism, competitive drama and adventure of the world’s best surfers since 2009 and this season promises more of the same with the race for the world surfing crown as well as the battle for requalification.
John John Florence retains the frontrunner spot on the Jeep Leaderboard heading into Portugal and is the only surfer with the chance to claim his maiden WSL Title at the event.
Gabriel Medina, Matt Wilkinson, Jordy Smith, Kolohe Andino, Julian Wilson, Filipe Toledo, Kelly Slater and Adriano de Souza all still have a mathematical chance of winning the title.
“I’m super excited to be here,” Florence said. “The forecast is looking good and I know what this wave can do — we’ve seen it a few years back. I’m excited for getting barrelled and for a great event.”
Medina, currently at No. 2 on the Jeep Leaderboard, has closed the gap on Florence and now sits just 2,700 points behind the Hawaiian after a runner-up finish in France. If Medina makes it into the Quarterfinals at the Meo Rip Curl Pro Portugal the title race will automatically be sent to Hawaii.
“I’m very happy to be back in Peniche,” said Medina. “It’s a place I like and the waves are really good. I hope everyone has a good event. I’m feeling confident and I’ve had some good results at the past few events. After France I’m closer to the top and I’m going to give it my best.”
Filipe Toledo comes into the Meo Rip Curl Pro Portugal as defending event winner.
“It’s a pleasure to be here - it’s a beautiful place with great waves,” Toledo said. “It’s one of my favourite stops on tour and I feel very at home here. After last year when I won, this is a more special event for me so I’m happy. Feel like I’m surfing good and my goal here is to keep surfing well and making heats.”
Portugal’s Miguel Blanco and Frederico Morais have been allocated the wildcards to compete alongside the WSL Top 34 in the event.
“Thank you for the opportunity for being here,” said Morais. “It’s my third year here. I’m going to try and do the same thing as last year when I finished fifth. I’m going to take it heat by heat and just try and do my best.”
The Moche Rip Curl Pro Portugal will be broadcast live via webcast on WorldSurfLeague.com and on the WSL mobile app.