Tyler Wright (AUS) and Barron Mamiya (HAW) claimed victory at the 2025 Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI, the opening event of the World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT). The dramatic showdown on Oʻahu’s famous North Shore saw Wright outlast reigning World Champion Caitlin Simmers (USA) in the women’s Final, while Mamiya defended his title with a thrilling win over Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) in the men’s Final.
Wright Reclaims World No. 1 with Second Pipeline Win
Two-time World Champion Tyler Wright solidified her place as one of surfing’s all-time greats, earning her 17th CT victory and reclaiming the coveted Yellow Leader’s Jersey as World No. 1. Having previously won at Pipeline in 2021, Wright overcame immense challenges, including a tough 2023 season marred by injuries, to stand atop the podium once again.
"This is such a special win," an emotional Wright said. "I've been injured so many times, and to come back after a great off season and win here means so much."
Facing 19-year-old phenom Caitlin Simmers in the Final, Wright demonstrated the poise and experience that have defined her illustrious career. Despite an aggressive opening mistake that handed Simmers priority, Wright found a critical barrel at Backdoor midway through the heat, which secured the defining score.
Simmers, the reigning World Champion, praised Wright's performance while reflecting on her own run. "The Final didn’t deliver a barrel shootout, but Tyler is such a smart competitor," Simmers said. "She got the waves and deserved the win."
The day marked Wright’s third Finals appearance at Pipeline and capped a dominant campaign in which she also defeated Caroline Marks (USA) and Lakey Peterson (USA) in the Quarters and Semis, respectively.
Barron Mamiya Joins Pipeline’s Elite with Back-to-Back Wins
Barron Mamiya became the sixth man in history to win the event back-to-back, joining Hawaiian legends like Andy Irons and Rory Russell. With this victory, the 22-year-old now has three CT wins, all claimed at his home break on the North Shore, cementing his reputation as one of the best Pipeline surfers of his generation.
"Winning once is amazing, but going back-to-back cements you as one of the best ever here," Mamiya said. "That was my goal, and I’m grateful to have achieved it."
Mamiya’s road to victory was nothing short of spectacular. He opened the men’s Final with a powerful 8.17 at Pipeline, followed by an electrifying 9.80 at Backdoor, putting immense pressure on Fioravanti within the first six minutes. Though Fioravanti mounted an impressive comeback, including a 9.10 in the dying minutes, Mamiya’s higher single-wave score broke the tie, sealing his win.
The Hawaiian also impressed earlier in the day, delivering a near-perfect 18.90 total in the Semifinals to overcome 2019 World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA).
Fioravanti’s Heroic Runner-Up Performance
Leonardo Fioravanti showed tremendous heart in the Final, nearly overturning a massive combination deficit with a stunning series of Backdoor barrels. Despite falling just 0.01 short of the score needed to defeat Mamiya, the Italian leaves with his head held high after his second runner-up finish at Pipeline.
"Barron is one of the greatest Pipe surfers of all time," Fioravanti said. "I’m stoked with my performance. It’s tough to lose that close, but this motivates me even more for the rest of the season."
Women’s Semis Steal the Show
While the Finals delivered drama, the women’s Semifinal between Simmers and Molly Picklum (AUS) was hailed as an unforgettable Backdoor shootout. The heat featured jaw-dropping exchanges, with Simmers earning a 9.50—the highest women’s single-wave score of the event—and a combined 17.67 total to edge out Picklum.
Simmers entered the event as the defending champion and holder of the Yellow Leader’s Jersey. While her Finals loss to Wright ends her reign at No. 1, her dazzling performances at Pipeline reaffirmed her status as one of the sport’s brightest stars.
Rising Brazilians Shine on Finals Day
Brazilian surfers delivered standout performances in the men’s draw, with Italo Ferreira (BRA) battling Miguel Pupo (BRA) in a closely contested Quarterfinal before falling to Mamiya in the Semis. Meanwhile, Ian Gouveia (BRA) pulled off one of the most memorable moments of the event by defeating 11-time World Champion Kelly Slater (USA) in the Quarterfinals.
"To compete against Kelly Slater at Pipeline is a dream," Gouveia said after the heat, where his 8.00 Backdoor barrel proved the difference.