Photo by Kenny Morris/World Surf League
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 3: Sawyer Lindblad of the United States surfs in Heat 2 of the Quarterfinals at the Lexus US Open of Surfing on August 3, 2025 at Huntington Beach, California.
At just 19 years old, Sawyer Lindblad (USA) claimed her second US Open of Surfing title, joining an elite group of surfers who have won the event multiple times, including Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) and Kanoa Igarashi (USA). Lindblad’s first victory in 2023 helped launch her CT career, where she earned Rookie of the Year honors. Her 2025 win, however, carried a deeper sense of redemption after narrowly missing the Final 5 earlier this season.
“It feels pretty good. The first time I felt like I wasn’t expecting it, and this time I felt more pressure,” Lindblad said. “Tya [Zebrowski] was surfing super good, so congrats to her, and I’m just so grateful to have won here again with my family here. My first win got me onto the CT and set me up for my career, and this one just feels extra special, especially after not making the cut. This feels like good redemption.”
The women’s Final was a battle of event standouts, with 14-year-old Tya Zebrowski (FRA) taking an early lead. Zebrowski posted a 12.34 (out of a possible 20) in the first five minutes, but Lindblad responded with a powerful two-turn combo to earn a 6.50 and close the gap. A critical exchange at the 20-minute mark saw Lindblad take the lead with a 6.23, and she solidified her position with a 6.67 on a forehand closeout maneuver. Zebrowski’s final attempt, an ambitious air-reverse, fell short, and Lindblad claimed victory.
“All year I worked really hard, and it felt deflating when it wasn’t playing out in the competitions,” Lindblad added. “But this feels really good and like it pays off. Thank you to everyone for watching and supporting me, and thank you to my family for coming down with me every day.”
Lindblad’s path to the Final included standout performances against former CT surfer Sophie McCulloch (AUS) and 2026 CT requalifier Brisa Hennessy (CRC), showcasing her dominance on both her forehand and backhand.
Photo by Pat Nolan/World Surf League
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA - AUGUST 3: Levi Slawson of the United States surfs in the Final at the Lexus US Open of Surfing on August 3, 2025 at Huntington Beach, California.
Levi Slawson Completes Southern California Sweep
Encinitas, Calif., native Levi Slawson (USA) delivered a career-defining performance to win his first Challenger Series event, defeating Mateus Herdy (BRA) in a nail-biting men’s Final. Slawson, who has long been a standout in the Qualifying Series and Pro Junior circuits, now moves to No. 4 on the Challenger Series rankings, putting him in strong contention for 2026 CT qualification.
“I’ve worked so hard for these kinds of moments through my career, and I’ve watched the US Open my whole life,” Slawson said. “Being in the Final with Mateus was so hard. He’s such a good surfer, and you can’t really give him anything. In the end, that wave looked terrible, and he almost pulled it off. It’s just pouring out of me now. This whole week I’ve just been trying to keep my cool, and I’ve surfed here so many times. It’s really come down to me just focusing on myself, believing in myself, and trusting everything. I’m in disbelief.”
The men’s Final featured high drama, with Slawson opening strong on a massive air-reverse to score a 7.33. Herdy briefly took the lead with two smaller scores, but Slawson regained control with a 6.17 on a backhand combination. In the final moments, Herdy launched a critical air maneuver, but his 7.77 score fell just short of the 7.93 requirement, securing Slawson’s victory.
Tya Zebrowski and Mateus Herdy Shine as Rising Stars
Tya Zebrowski (FRA), just 14 years old, continues to make waves on the Challenger Series. Her runner-up finish in Huntington Beach propels her to No. 1 in the rankings, solidifying her as a frontrunner for CT qualification. Zebrowski’s road to the Final included a standout 9.00 ride in the Quarterfinals and a narrow Semifinal victory over Annette Gonzalez Extabarri (EUK).
“It feels so good. I’m just really happy to be No. 1 on the Challenger Series rankings now and really happy to make it to the Final,” Zebrowski said. “My goal this year is to qualify, and now I just want to stay in the Top 5 and realize my dream.”
Mateus Herdy (BRA), a perennial Challenger Series contender, also made a statement with his runner-up finish. Herdy’s aerial mastery was on full display throughout the event, including a 9.50 in the Quarterfinals. Now ranked No. 2, Herdy remains focused on securing his long-awaited CT qualification.
“I didn’t win, but I think surfing itself won,” Herdy said. “It was a great Final with Levi [Slawson]. I’ve been so close to qualifying so many times, and I don’t want to jinx it. I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing.”
What’s Next?
The 2025 Challenger Series continues with the Ericeira Pro in Portugal, running from September 29 to October 5. With major shifts in the rankings and rising stars like Zebrowski and Slawson making their mark, the race for CT qualification is heating up.
