Ella McCaffray Claims Maiden East Coast Victory While Owen Moss Earns Emotional Third QS Win in Memory of Late Friend
The waves at Virginia Beach’s legendary 1st Street Jetty delivered championship-caliber action on Sunday as Ella McCaffray (USA) and Owen Moss (USA) emerged victorious at the 2025 Virginia Beach Pro Presented by Coastal Edge ECSC. The World Surf League (WSL) Qualifying Series (QS) 2,000 event concluded with solid two-to-three-foot conditions providing the perfect stage for Finals Day drama.
McCaffray’s East Coast Breakthrough Moment
The 22-year-old Ella McCaffray delivered a commanding performance to secure her third-career QS victory and first on the East Coast, defeating local favorite Lanea Mons (USA) in a thrilling women’s final. McCaffray’s diverse winning portfolio now spans from Indonesia’s powerful Nias to California’s Morro Bay, and now Virginia Beach’s consistent surf.
“I’m just so, so happy. I’m over the moon right now. It was really nice to have a hurricane swell, actually, and have waves,” said McCaffray following her victory. “It was nice to surf it out in the heats and have waves the whole week. I’m stoked to head back to the Outer Banks. That was my first QS a long time ago. I’m excited to be heading back there and hopefully keep the momentum going.”
The women’s final showcased contrasting styles as McCaffray’s powerful forehand attack consistently outmaneuvered Mons’s technical backhand approach. McCaffray opened with a critical 6.50, quickly backing it up to maintain pressure throughout the heat. Despite Mons’s strong 5.50 response, the Californian’s momentum proved unstoppable as she held firm through the final ten minutes to claim the title.
McCaffray’s path to victory included a blistering quarterfinal performance featuring a 14.00 heat total and an impressive 7.50 single-wave score against fellow California Challenger Series contender Eden Walla (USA). She then overcame rising regional talent Zoey Kaina(USA) to reach her second East Coast final.
Moss Claims Emotional Third QS Victory
North Carolina’s Owen Moss solidified his status as an East Coast QS legend with his third victory in two years, defeating California’s Dimitri Poulos (USA) in an emotionally charged final. The 21-year-old dedicated his win to his late friend Jacob Vindetti, adding deeper meaning to his championship celebration.
“I’m stoked. I won Cocoa Beach and then the Outer Banks last year, so I’m stoked to win all three on the East Coast. This means a lot more because it wasn’t just about me,” Moss explained. “It was more for Jacob, and this whole swell was ‘Jacob Swell,’ and his foundation is ‘Live Fearlessly,’ so that’ll keep living on, and this is for him.”
The men’s final delivered instant fireworks as both surfers opened with strong scores. Poulos initially held a narrow lead with a 10.17 heat total, but Moss’s excellent 8.17 shifted momentum decisively. The North Carolina native sealed victory with a powerful 6.13 in the final minutes, requiring Poulos to find an excellent score that never materialized.
Moss’s championship run included a buzzer-beater quarterfinal victory over Hayden Rodgers (USA) and a semifinal triumph against in-form Californian Cole McCaffray (USA), setting up his fifth-career East Coast QS final appearance.
Finalists Set Stage for Outer Banks Defense
Lanea Mons earned her second consecutive Virginia Beach Pro final appearance, positioning herself perfectly for her upcoming WRV Outer Banks Pro title defense. The 16-year-old’s consistent excellence throughout the event included a brilliant 14.50 semifinal heat total against standout Bailey Turner (USA).
“It’s super exciting to make another Final here. I wish I could have won, but I feel like I surfed a lot of really good heats before that,” said Mons. “It’s always nice to get started this year with a good result and take that momentum into more events. I’m really excited to go back to the Outer Banks, it’s one of my favorite places ever since I was a kid.”
Dimitri Poulos catapulted to No. 1 on the North America rankings while maintaining his No. 6 position on the Challenger Series in a Championship Tour qualification spot. His commanding Finals Day performances included victories over Jabe Swierkocki (USA) and Sebastian Williams (MEX) with an impressive 14.84 semifinal heat total.
“That was fun, and I’m stoked to come back here, make a couple heats and a few that I’m psyched on. It’s been a great year, and the best year of my life so far,” said Poulos. “At the end of the day, it’s surfing and anything can happen, but it’s been great to just focus on myself and what I can do.”
Rankings Shake-Up Ahead of Outer Banks
McCaffray’s victory propels her to the top of the North America rankings, while Moss jumps to No. 2 heading into his WRV Outer Banks Pro title defense. The back-to-back East Coast events create crucial momentum for Challenger Series qualification battles and regional championship pursuits.
The North America QS contingent now shifts focus to the iconic Outer Banks coastline for the WRV Outer Banks Pro Presented by Pacifico QS 2,000, running August 27-31. With defending champions Moss and Mons both carrying strong form, the East Coast’s most prestigious surfing event promises another week of compelling competition.
Event Highlights:
- Women’s Champion: Ella McCaffray (USA) – Third career QS win, first East Coast victory
- Men’s Champion: Owen Moss (USA) – Third QS win in two years, emotional dedication to Jacob Vindetti
- Conditions: Solid 2-3 foot waves at 1st Street Jetty
- Next Event: WRV Outer Banks Pro Presented by Pacifico (August 27-31)
World Surf League (WSL) News:
- Virginia Beach Pro: Top Seeds Dominate Storm Swell as Defending Champ Barton Posts Near-Perfect Debut
- Virginia Beach Pro Opens with Stellar Performances as Storm Threatens Competition
- Swell Builds for Virginia Beach Pro as Defending Champions Return
Stay Connected with Bad Dawg Sports Surfing Coverage
Bad Dawg Sports brings you comprehensive surfing coverage from competitions around the globe. From WSL Championship Tours to Qualifying Series events and everything in between, we deliver the insider perspectives and behind-the-scenes access others can’t tell you. Follow our surfing coverage throughout the season for exclusive insights and athlete interviews.
For more surfing news, analysis, and exclusive content, visit www.bad-dawgsports.com and subscribe to our newsletter for insider updates delivered straight to your inbox.
🍺 SURF SESSION FUEL: MICHELOB ULTRA
Watching championship surfing action or hitting the waves yourself? Make it legendary with Michelob Ultra – the superior light beer for superior surf fans. With only 95 calories and 2.6 carbs, it’s perfect for those dawn patrol sessions and post-surf celebrations.
Whether you’re streaming Finals Day action or celebrating at the beach, Michelob Ultra keeps you in the flow without weighing you down. Because champions deserve a champion beer.
Michelob Ultra. It’s Only Worth It If You Enjoy It.
Drink Responsibly. Must be 21+
Discover more from Bad Dawg Media Group
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
