Australians dominate at Teahupo’o as championship race intensifies ahead of season finale in Fiji
Teahupo’o, Tahiti, French Polynesia – Australians Molly Picklum and Jack Robinson delivered commanding performances to claim victory at the Lexus Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA on Wednesday, capping off the regular season with spectacular surfing in pumping six-to-eight-foot tubes at one of the world’s most dangerous waves.
The final event of the 2025 Championship Tour regular season provided drama, heartbreak, and triumph as the WSL Finals field was finalized and Rookie of the Year honors were decided at the legendary Tahitian break.
Molly Picklum’s Dominant Display
Picklum’s victory over reigning World Champion Caitlin Simmers (USA) in the women’s final was nothing short of spectacular. The 22-year-old Australian posted one of the highest heat totals of the season with 17.26 points, completely outclassing Simmers, who managed just 4.94 in the lopsided affair.
The triumph marked Picklum’s second Championship Tour event win of 2025 and fourth overall, further cementing her position atop the women’s rankings heading into the WSL Finals in Fiji.
“I’m so stoked,” Picklum said. “What a special place, Tahiti. You feel all the energy. It’s just so nice. I’m staring at the mountains right now and staring into perfect blue. It’s where the dream comes alive. And Fiji next. I’m gonna enjoy it for what it is. I finished number one this year. It’s a massive step in the right direction.”
Path to Victory
Picklum’s road to the title included victories over two former event winners:
Vahine Fierro (FRA) – Local favorite eliminated in earlier rounds
Caroline Marks (USA) – Former champion dispatched en route to final
The Australian’s performance throughout the week showcased her mastery of Teahupo’o’s demanding conditions, threading barrel after barrel on some of the biggest waves of the day.
Jack Robinson’s Fairytale Finish
Robinson’s victory story paralleled his 2023 campaign, where he also needed to win the final regular-season event to secure his place in the Final 5. The 27-year-old Australian delivered when it mattered most, claiming his ninth Championship Tour event win and joining an elite group of multiple Tahiti Pro winners.
“Right where we’re meant to be,” Robinson said. “I just want to thank everyone who supports me. All love, you know. I’m just taking it in right now. I had a mission and I went for it. Very blessed to be going to Fiji.”
Championship Implications
Robinson’s victory catapulted him four places up the rankings to No. 4, bumping fellow Australian Ethan Ewing out of the Final 5. His path to victory included:
Semifinal: Defeated Crosby Colapinto (USA) with event-high heat total of 18.10. Final: Outdueled Griffin Colapinto (USA) 16.90 to 13.67
Final 5 Locked In
The men’s Final 5 for the Lexus WSL Finals Fiji has been determined:
Yago Dora (BRA) – No. 1 seed, one heat win from world title
Jordy Smith (RSA) – Maintains No. 2 position despite early exit
Griffin Colapinto (USA) – Jumped three spots with a runner-up finish
Jack Robinson (AUS) – Event winner secures Final 5 berth
Both American finalists secured crucial No. 3 seeds heading into Fiji:
Caitlin Simmers
Despite the final defeat, the reigning World Champion’s second Tahiti Pro final appearance guaranteed her the No. 3 seed for her title defense in Fiji.
“Molly [Picklum] and I, we’re just friends, she gives me advice on more than just surfing,” Simmers said. “I feel like I was just stupid and she was calculated. So that was kind of how it went. Molly ripped that one, and I had fun, too.”
Griffin Colapinto
The Californian’s runner-up finish marked his first Finals Day appearance in eight years of competing at Tahiti, moving him to No. 3 in the Final 5.
“I’m just super, super grateful,” Colapinto said. “It’s my eighth year coming to Tahiti and competing in this contest, and this is my first time making Finals Day. With everything on the line, it’s a big hump to get over.”
Rookie of the Year Honors
Men’s Rookie of the Year: Marco Mignot (FRA) The French surfer finished No. 16 on the rankings, the highest among the rookie class.
“I’m super happy to get Rookie of the Year,” Mignot said. “It’s been an amazing battle between Al [Cleland], Joel [Vaughan], and me. To win this was a goal that I wrote down at the start of the year, and I achieved it.”
TEAHUPOʻO, TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA – AUGUST 13: Marco Mignot of France surfs in Heat 4 of the Round of 16 at the Lexus Tahiti Pro on August 13, 2025 at Teahupoʻo, Tahiti, French Polynesia.(Photo by Brent Bielmann/World Surf League)
Women’s Rookie of the Year: Erin Brooks (CAN) The 18-year-old Canadian finished No. 8 on the rankings with two semifinal appearances and a wildcard event victory.
TEAHUPOʻO, TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA – AUGUST 8: Erin Brooks of Canada prior to surfing in Heat 1 of the Opening Round at the Lexus Tahiti Pro on August 8, 2025 at Teahupoʻo, Tahiti, French Polynesia.(Photo by Beatriz Ryder/World Surf League)TEAHUPOʻO, TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA – AUGUST 8: Erin Brooks of Canada prior to surfing in Heat 1 of the Opening Round at the Lexus Tahiti Pro on August 8, 2025 at Teahupoʻo, Tahiti, French Polynesia.(Photo by Beatriz Ryder/World Surf League)
Championship Standings Shakeup
Several notable developments emerged from the final regular-season event:
Major Eliminations:
Yago Dora (BRA) and Jordy Smith (RSA) both fell to Tahitian wildcards in the Round of 16
Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) knocked out of Final 5 contention
Ethan Ewing (AUS) bumped from Final 5 by Robinson’s victory
Complete Final Results
Women’s Final:
Molly Picklum (AUS) – 17.26
Caitlin Simmers (USA) – 4.94
Men’s Final:
Jack Robinson (AUS) – 16.90
Griffin Colapinto (USA) – 13.67
TEAHUPOʻO, TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA – AUGUST 13: Molly Picklum of Australia after winning the Final at the Lexus Tahiti Pro on August 13, 2025 at Teahupoʻo, Tahiti, French Polynesia.(Photo by Brent Bielmann/World Surf League)
TEAHUPOʻO, TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA – AUGUST 13: Molly Picklum of Australia and WSL Champion Caitlin Simmers of the United States after the Final at the Lexus Tahiti Pro on August 13, 2025 at Teahupoʻo, Tahiti, French Polynesia.(Photo by Beatriz Ryder/World Surf League)
TEAHUPOʻO, TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA – AUGUST 13: Jack Robinson of Australia and Griffin Colapinto of the United States after the Final at the Lexus Tahiti Pro on August 13, 2025 at Teahupoʻo, Tahiti, French Polynesia.(Photo by Beatriz Ryder/World Surf League)
TEAHUPOʻO, TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA – AUGUST 13: L-R: Griffin Colapinto of the United States, WSL Champion Caitlin Simmers of the United States, Jack Robinson of Australia and Molly Picklum of Australia after the Final at the Lexus Tahiti Pro on August 13, 2025 at Teahupoʻo, Tahiti, French Polynesia.(Photo by Beatriz Ryder/World Surf League)
TEAHUPOʻO, TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA – AUGUST 13: Jack Robinson and Molly Picklum of Australia after winning the Final at the Lexus Tahiti Pro on August 13, 2025 at Teahupoʻo, Tahiti, French Polynesia.(Photo by Brent Bielmann/World Surf League)
TEAHUPOʻO, TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA – AUGUST 13: Drummers during the presentation of the Lexus Tahiti Pro on August 13, 2025 at Teahupoʻo, Tahiti, French Polynesia.(Photo by Beatriz Ryder/World Surf League)
Looking Ahead to Fiji
The Lexus WSL Finals Fiji will determine the 2025 World Champions in a winner-takes-all format at Cloudbreak from August 27 through September 4.
Key Storylines:
Yago Dora enters as the No. 1 seed, one heat win from his first world title
Molly Picklum seeks to join Australia’s legacy of World Champions
Caitlin Simmers aims to defend her world title
Jack Robinson and Griffin Colapinto look to capitalize on momentum
The stage is set for an epic conclusion to the 2025 Championship Tour season, with both Australian and American surfers positioned to claim world titles at one of surfing’s most challenging venues.
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