The Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico roars into Day 2 with competition called ON for a 7:05 a.m. PDT start at Huntington Beach. Stop No. 3 of the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series promises fireworks as top seeds make their highly-anticipated debuts in improved two-to-four-foot conditions.
Men’s Round of 64 Features Championship Tour Veterans
The men’s Round of 64 opens with an explosive Heat 1 featuring former Championship Tour (CT) competitors Liam O’Brien (AUS) and Maxime Huscenot (FRA) battling former US Open Semifinalist Nolan Rapoza (USA) and Round of 80 standout Wesley Leite (BRA).
Star-Studded Field Ready to Strike
Current Challenger Series No. 1 Jacob Willcox (AUS) leads a heavyweight lineup of former CTers including:
- Two-time US Open champion Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) hunting for his third title
- Defending champion Alan Cleland Jr. (MEX)
- 2023 winner Eli Hanneman (HAW)
- George Pittar (AUS), Ian Gouveia (BRA), Michael Rodrigues (BRA)
- Ryan Callinan (AUS) and Samuel Pupo (BRA)
Women’s Round of 32 Showcases Elite Talent
The women’s competition brings out the Challenger Series’ upper echelon, headlined by defending two-time US Open winner Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) facing fellow Australian Ellie Harrison (AUS) alongside Round of 48 success stories Daniella Rosas (PER) and Sarah Baum (RSA).
2026 CT Requalifiers Eye History
Four 2026 Championship Tour requalifiers are primed to make their mark:
- Vahine Fierro (FRA)
- Sawyer Lindblad (USA)
- Brisa Hennessy (CRC)
- Bella Kenworthy (USA)
Southern California’s own Kirra Pinkerton (USA) joins former CTers Sophie McCulloch (AUS) and Macy Callaghan (AUS) making their debuts in the prestigious event.
Key Matchups to Watch
Men’s Heat 8 features two-time champion Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) against Ian Gentil (HAW), Keijiro Nishi (JPN), and Peterson Crisanto (BRA) in what promises to be a tactical battle.
Women’s Heat 1 pits defending champion Sally Fitzgibbons against a hungry field including breakthrough performer Daniella Rosas (PER).
Competition Details
The event holds a competition window through Sunday, August 3, 2025, with live coverage available on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Improved swell conditions provide optimal two-to-four-foot waves for both divisions.
With former world champions, defending titlists, and rising stars all converging at Huntington Beach, Day 2 of the Lexus US Open of Surfing promises to deliver world-class action as the Challenger Series continues its crucial role in professional surfing’s pathway to the Championship Tour.
Discover more from Bad Dawg Sports - Global Sports Coverage & Analysis
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
