HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif. – Competition resumes with building swell and championship dreams on the line
The waves are pumping and the stakes are rising at the Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico as Day 3 of competition gets the green light for a 7:05 a.m. PDT start. With three-to-four-foot surf building throughout the day, the world’s best Challenger Series athletes are set to battle through crucial elimination rounds that will separate championship contenders from also-rans.
Youth Meets Experience in Women’s Round of 32
The morning spotlight shines on Women’s Round of 32, Heat 5, where surfing’s future collides with proven championship pedigree. Leading the charge is 14-year-old French phenom Tya Zebrowski, currently sitting at Challenger Series No. 5, who returns to the iconic Huntington Beach lineup with the fearless approach that’s made her one of the sport’s most exciting rising stars.
Zebrowski faces a formidable field, including current Challenger Series No. 3 Yolanda Hopkins (POR), whose consistent performance this season has her firmly in Championship Tour qualification contention. Former CT competitor India Robinson (AUS) brings veteran savvy and the hunger of someone fighting to reclaim elite status, while Hawaii’s Vaihitimahana Inso represents the next generation of Pacific powerhouses ready to make their mark on the global stage.
The women’s field deepens with marquee matchups featuring 2024 Lexus US Open runner-up Bella Kenworthy (USA), who returns to the scene of her breakthrough performance with unfinished business. Former Championship Tour standout Alyssa Spencer (USA) and current No. 4 Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) headline a stacked field that includes perennial Challenger Series threat Teresa Bonvalot (POR).
Men’s Round of 32 Delivers Heavyweight Showdown
The men’s competition opens with a Heat 1 that reads like a Championship Tour alumni reunion. Former CT veterans Liam O’Brien(AUS), Morgan Cibilic (AUS), and local hero Kolohe Andino (USA) square off against proven CT wildcard threat Xavier Huxtable (AUS) in what promises to be one of the most competitive heats of the entire event.
This opening salvo sets the tone for a men’s field loaded with international talent, from Brazil’s Mateus Herdy and Samuel Pupo to Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi and Hawaii’s Eli Hanneman. Each heat represents a crucial step toward Championship Tour qualification, with every wave potentially determining careers and dreams.
Championship Implications Mount
With the Challenger Series season reaching its critical juncture, today’s results carry massive implications for 2026 Championship Tour qualification. The building surf conditions at Huntington Beach provide the perfect canvas for athletes to showcase the progressive surfing and competitive fire that separates the world’s best from the rest.
The progression from Round of 32 through Round of 16 will narrow the field to elite Quarterfinal matchups, where head-to-head battles will determine who advances toward the coveted Lexus US Open title and crucial Challenger Series points.
How to Watch
Catch every wave of the action LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com and on the free WSL app starting at 7:05 a.m. PDT. With competition running through Sunday, August 3, fans worldwide can witness championship dreams unfold in real-time from one of surfing’s most iconic venues.
The Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico continues to deliver world-class competition supported by premier partners including Lexus, Pacifico, YETI, Red Bull, and Visit Huntington Beach.
Competition window runs through Sunday, August 3, 2025. For complete heat draws, live scoring, and event updates, visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
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