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Sally Fitzgibbons (USA) and Alan Cleland Jr (MEX) won the World Surf League (WSL) Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico, Stop No. 4 of the 2024 Challenger Series. Two-to-three-foot, inconsistent swell was no issue for Fitzgibbons and Cleland on Finals Day as they overpowered the famed Huntington Beach lineup to secure wins over Bella Kenworthy (USA) and Marco Mignot (FRA) in their respective Finals. A shuffle in the rankings provided an array of upsets and elation throughout the week of competition. As the race for the 2025 Championship Tour (CT) qualification comes to the final two events, up-and-comers and veterans are both in the running on the Challenger Series leaderboard.
Sally Fitzgibbons Secures Second US Open of Surfing Win
In a remarkable Lexus US Open of Surfing run, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) pushed her way to back-to-back Final showings in Huntington Beach. She is now ranked No. 1 on the Challenger Series' rankings. The 33-year-old was undeniable throughout the week following her induction to the Huntington Beach Walk of Fame.
“It’s a very special place and a very special beach,” said Fitzgibbons. “I just love that I can keep showing up, you never know what’s around the corner. You just have to believe, 'You know what it could be my day,' and 'Why not?' It’s just so special.”
Fitzgibbons surged through Finals Day, beginning with a dynamic Quarterfinal win over Sophia Medina (BRA). Fitzgibbons then defeated now No. 5 Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) in the Semifinals before her Final heat with Southern California’s own Bella Kenworthy (USA). She continues to showcase her best in Huntington Beach with her second US Open of Surfing title.
“I've just stopped connecting things, I've stopped connecting the dots,” added Fitzgibbons. “I'm just enjoying this right now. It's like climbing a mountain for each individual event. There's so many amazing surfers in this draw, and I just want to tell them to keep going.”
The women’s Final unfolded between Fitzgibbons and 17-year-old Bella Kenworthy (USA). Kenworthy earned her second-consecutive Final appearance on the 2024 Challenger Series. A quick start witnessed minimal scoring opportunity before Kenworthy found a better wave to earn a 6.93 (out of a possible 10). The Southern California crowd appreciated Kenworthy’s efforts, but Fitzgibbons responded with a 6.43 of her own by her signature power turns. Fitzgibbons' 20-plus years of competitive experience showed as she took off on a solid wave and earned a 5.63 for the lead with six minutes left.
The ocean remained quiet heading into the final minutes, and Fitzgibbons held firm as Kenworthy could not secure another scoring opportunity. This returns Fitzgibbons to the podium in Huntington Beach for the first time since 2011.
Alan Cleland Makes History with Mexico's First-Ever US Open of Surfing Title
A highly-anticipated breakthrough for Alan Cleland Jr (MEX) sent him soaring up 41 spots in the rankings to No. 10. Cleland secured his first-ever Finals appearance and Challenger Series win. His success today began in a Quarterfinal clash with 2024 CT Rookie and last year's event runner-up,Crosby Colapinto (USA). He went on to eliminate 2022 World Junior Champion Jarvis Earle (AUS) in the Semifinals. This marks the first time a Mexican surfer has won the US Open of Surfing. Cleland looks to further his successes by becoming the first Mexican to qualify for the CT.
“I don’t even have words to describe how I feel right now; it’s just crazy to have so much support from my home country and friends,” said Cleland. “It’s something I never really lived up to. I haven’t really won any big competitions, this is only my second WSL win. To be representing this flag, and all these people out here supporting me, it’s beautiful, and I’m just really happy.”
The men’s Final featured a pair of first-time Challenger Series finalists with Cleland and Marco Mignot (FRA) after incredible performances leading up to their showdown. Mignot kicked off the Final in powerful form, posting a 7.33 on his opening ride, putting pressure on Cleland. Cleland was able to respond with multiple forehand hits of his own, posting a 6.00, to take a slim lead over Mignot.
The 2022/2023 WSL Europe Qualifying Series (QS) winner, Mignot, wasn’t done and regained the lead before the ocean went flat for nearly 15 minutes. Huntington Beach provided one last opportunity for a patient Cleland, and he delivered a brilliant combination of major turns. He needed a 6.61, and garnered a 6.70 to become the first Mexican to claim a US Open of Surfing title.
“To stay composed that whole time, just believing in myself and that there was going to be a wave,” added Cleland. “Then, just hearing thirty seconds and the people on the pier yelling that a wave is coming, I surfed that wave with no time left, and now that I’m here, I’m just rattled.”
2024 Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico Women’s Final Results:
1 - Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 12.06
2 - Bella Kenworthy (USA) 11.96
2024 Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico Men’s Final Results:
1 - Alan Cleland Jr (MEX) 12.70
2 - Marco Mignot (FRA) 12.60
The next stop on the 2024 WSL Challenger Series will be the EDP Ericeira Pro, which holds a competition window from September 29 to October 6, 2024. The competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app.