After an incredible start to the Australian leg of the Championship Tour, which saw Australians Isabella Nichols and Jack Robinson claim victory at the Bells Beach Pro, our top surfers have brought that same energy and dominance to the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro presented by GWM.
Julian Wilson (AUS) is making his much-anticipated return in style, lighting up the opening Elimination Round with a 15.47 two-wave total and stamping his authority with a massive air-reverse that earned an 8.17. Fresh off winning the Trials, Wilson looks sharp and focused as he eyes a full-time CT comeback in 2026. He now faces current world No.1 Italo Ferreira (BRA) in Heat 9, in what’s shaping up to be a true heavyweight battle.
Wilson spoke on what it was like to return to the CT:
“It’s nice to be here again and feel at home in this very uncomfortable environment. I feel like yesterday I was just surfing into feeling my way back into this environment, then by the end, I was looking for opportunity, so I wanted to bring that in my heat today.”
The women’s draw is packed with Aussie talent and style, led by the return of 8X World Champion, Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), who is set to meet reigning World Champion Caity Simmers (USA) in Heat 5 of the Round of 16. If one thing is certain, it’s going to be a stylish matchup — and a battle of the contrasting generations, with six Gold Coast wins to Steph’s name.
Meanwhile, Isabella Nichols will look to keep her winning streak alive as she meets fellow Aussie and Trials winner Sophie McCulloch in Heat 7. 2X World Champion Tyler Wright faces off against Sally Fitzgibbons in Heat 8, rounding out a blockbuster day of all-Australian battles.
With big names returning, rising stars making statements, and a strong local crowd behind them, Australia’s best are charging through the draw, proving they’re the ones to watch on the Gold Coast.
Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM Women’s Round of 16 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) vs. Luana Silva (BRA)
HEAT 2: Caroline Marks (USA) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA)
HEAT 3: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Bella Kenworthy (USA)
HEAT 4: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) vs. Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW)
HEAT 5: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
HEAT 6: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Erin Brooks (CAN)
HEAT 7: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Sophie McCulloch (AUS)
HEAT 8: Tyler Wright (AUS) vs. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS)
Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM Men’s Round of 32 Matchups:
HEAT 1: Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Edgard Groggia (BRA)
HEAT 2: Connor O’Leary (JPN) vs. Alan Cleland (MEX)
HEAT 3: Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Crosby Colapinto (USA)
HEAT 4: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA)
HEAT 5: Ethan Ewing (AUS) vs. Morgan Cibilic (AUS)
HEAT 6: Seth Moniz (HAW) vs. Jackson Bunch (HAW)
HEAT 7: Barron Mamiya (HAW) vs. Callum Robson (AUS)
HEAT 8: Rio Waida (INA) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
HEAT 9: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Julian Wilson (AUS)
HEAT 10: Marco Mignot (FRA) vs. George Pittar (AUS)
HEAT 11: Miguel Pupo (BRA) vs. Ian Gentil (HAW)
HEAT 12: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) vs. Deivid Silva (BRA)
HEAT 13: Jordy Smith (RSA) vs. Imaikalani deVault (HAW)
HEAT 14: Cole Houshmand (USA) vs. Joao Chianca (BRA)
HEAT 15: Griffin Colapinto (USA) vs. Liam O’Brien (AUS)
HEAT 16: Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) vs. Ian Gouveia (BRA)
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