WSL Announces 2026 Championship Tour Schedule Changes, Adds Philippines Pro Event

The World Surf League (WSL) has announced significant adjustments to its 2026 Championship Tour (CT) schedule, including the addition of the Philippines Pro at Cloud 9 in Siargao Island, according to a statement from the organization. The event, upgraded from a QS 6,000 to full CT status, will take place from October 31 to November 10, 2026, and is designed to provide critical ranking points for world title contenders ahead of the season’s conclusion in December.

Addition of Philippines Pro to 2026 CT Calendar

The Philippines Pro, hosted by the Philippine Sports Commission, marks a historic milestone for the WSL. The event will feature a reduced field of 24 men and 16 women, with winners earning points toward the world title. WSL CEO Ryan Crosby highlighted the significance of the addition, stating, “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.”

The decision to include the Philippines Pro comes amid ongoing geopolitical uncertainties, particularly the conflict in the Middle East. The Surf Abu Dhabi Pro, originally scheduled for November 25–29, 2026, has been postponed to the same dates, with potential cancellation depending on the situation. The WSL emphasized that the addition of the Philippines event ensures a minimum of 12 completed CT stops, safeguarding the tour’s format.

Geopolitical Adjustments and Event Revisions

To accommodate the new Philippine stop, Portugal’s MEO Rip Curl Pro has been moved forward to October 16–25, 2026. The revised schedule includes 13 events, with the final stop at Banzai Pipeline, Hawaii, from December 8–20. If the Abu Dhabi event is canceled, the world title will count a surfer’s best nine results instead of the usual 10.

Local leaders in the Philippines have praised the move. Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick “Pató” C. Gregorio stated, “The Championship Tour belongs on the world’s greatest waves, and we are confident that Cloud 9 in Siargao, Philippines, is one of them. This will be a historic moment for Philippine surfing and the CT will usher the sport into a new era.”

What’s Next for the WSL?

The 2026 CT schedule, as of now, includes stops in Tahiti, Fiji, California, Portugal, the Philippines, Abu Dhabi, and Hawaii. The WSL has not yet commented on potential further changes, but the organization remains focused on maintaining the integrity of the tour. Surfers and fans will be closely watching to see how the revised calendar affects the world title race.