Cloud 9 in Siargao picked as new stop of 2026 Championship Tour

MANILA – The Philippines’ famous Cloud 9 in Siargao has been named the new stop of 2026 Championship Tour (CT) from Oct. 31 to Nov. 10, the World Surf League (WSL) announced on Wednesday (US time).

The WSL said the Philippines Pro presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) has been upgraded from a QS 6,000 International to a CT stop for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.

The WSL has added a location to the 2026 CT schedule to ensure at least 12 events can be delivered this season, should the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro be unable to run as scheduled. This new event ensures that the WSL can protect the integrity of the new CT format and calendar.

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“We’re excited to welcome the Philippines to the Tour. Thanks to the support of the Philippines Government,” WSL CEO Ryan Crosby said in a news release.

“Elevating Cloud 9 to CT status reflects both the quality of the wave and the strength of our partnership. It’s a deserving addition to the schedule that will challenge the world’s best surfers as the World Title race enters its final stages.”

Cloud 9 delivers a perfect right-hand tube, offering CT surfers one of the best barrels in the world.

The WSL said local wildcards will be awarded to the man and woman who win the exclusive Philippines Pro CT Trials event to be staged at Cloud 9 before the CT event.

“Going to a new location is always exciting,” said Leonardo Fioravanti, current CT World No. 1.

“I’ve seen some footage of Cloud 9, and it looks like a really fun slab barrel into a big air. I am really excited being a regular footer and getting barreled on my forehand, which kind of only happens when we go to Pipe Surfing Backdoor, so I think it’s gonna be super super exciting,” he added.

The Philippines has a strong track record of hosting elite professional surfing competitions.

The Siargao International Surfing Cup, first staged in 1996, is the longest-running international surfing event in the Philippines and has featured on the WSL Qualifying Series since 2014.

Alongside the CT event, the WSL is excited to announce a World Longboard Tour event in January 2027 at La Union, Philippines, cementing the Philippines as a global destination for all surfers.

“The Championship Tour belongs on the world’s greatest waves, and we are confident that Cloud 9 in Siargao, Philippines, is one of them,” PSC Chairman Patrick “Pató” Gregorio said.

“This will be a historic moment for Philippine surfing, and the CT will usher the sport into a new era. Let it inspire a new generation of athletes. Let the world discover not just our waves, but the vision, ambition, and heart of the Filipino people.”

“The waves have always been here,” said Presidential Son and PSC Sports Ambassador William Vincent “Vinny” Araneta Marcos. “The talent has always been here. Bringing the WSL Championship Tour to the Philippines is the perfect opportunity to finally show the world what Filipinos have known all along: the Philippines has everything the world is looking for. Siargao will be unforgettable.”

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As part of the WSL three-event post-season, the Philippines Pro presented by the PSC will feature 24 men and 16 women, where a reduced field of World Title contenders will have the opportunity to secure all-important rankings points before the season concludes at the Pipe Masters in December.

“It’s definitely a lot of events, but you have more chances at giving it your best,” continued Fioravanti. “For me personally, it’s been an exciting year. We have some time to rest and then get back into things. I’m super excited and cannot wait to go and get barreled at a new location. Let’s go!”

The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro has been moved to Nov. 25-29, a week before the Abu Dhabi F1 Race.

The MEO Rip Curl Pro Portugal dates have also been moved by six days, running Oct. 16 – 25, creating a window for the Philippines as Stop No. 11.

Updated calendar for the remainder of the 2026 WSL Championship Tour:–Stop No. 7 – Teahupo’o, Tahiti, French Polynesia: Aug. 8-18–Stop No. 8 – Cloudbreak, Fiji: Aug. 25 – Sept. 4–Stop No. 9 – Lower Trestles, San Clemente, Calif., USA: Sept. 11-20–Stop No. 10 – Peniche, Portugal: Oct. 16-25—Stop No. 11 – Cloud 9, Siargao Island, Philippines: Oct. 31-Nov. 10*–Stop No. 12 – Surf Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE: Nov. 25-29*–Stop No. 13 – Banzai Pipeline, Hawaiʻi, USA: Dec. 8-20***Events feature a reduced post-season field**Full CT field rejoins to compete for qualification and Pipe Masters title. (PR)

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