Defending champions Owen Moss and Lanea Mons lead a stacked field at iconic Jennette’s Pier
Virginia Beach, VA — The World Surf League (WSL) North America Qualifying Series reaches its crescendo this week as the iconic WRV Outer Banks Pro Presented by Pacifico returns for its 11th edition since 2014. Running August 27-31 at the legendary Jennette’s Pier, this men’s and women’s QS 2,000 event promises to deliver career-defining moments as North America’s finest compete in the East Coast season finale.
The Outer Banks has long served as a launching pad for surfing careers, producing breakthrough victories and unforgettable performances that have shaped the trajectory of countless athletes. This year’s field represents the deepest talent pool in recent memory, with defending champions, rising stars, and seasoned veterans all vying for crucial Challenger Series qualification points.
Defending Champions Eye Historic Repeats
Leading the charge is Owen Moss (USA), who enters the competition riding an unprecedented wave of success. Fresh off his third consecutive East Coast QS victory, Moss has joined elite company alongside Michael Dunphy (USA) and Alyssa Spencer (USA) as one of only three surfers to sweep all three East Coast stops in Cocoa Beach, Virginia Beach, and the Outer Banks.
His recent Virginia Beach triumph has positioned him perfectly for a potential back-to-back Outer Banks victory, a feat that would cement his status as the dominant force in North American qualifying series competition.
On the women’s side, 16-year-old Lanea Mons (USA) returns to defend her title after a runner-up finish to Ella McCaffray in Virginia Beach. The Florida native, who finished No. 14 in the 2024 rankings, has proven she belongs among the QS elite despite her young age.
“It’s always nice to get started this year with a good result and take that momentum into more events,” Mons explained. “I’m really excited to go back to the Outer Banks, it’s one of my favorite places ever since I was a kid. I feel like that place is super special and I can’t wait.”
McCaffray Riding Momentum Wave
Perhaps no surfer enters the Outer Banks with more confidence than Ella McCaffray (USA). The 22-year-old from Encinitas, California, is coming off her third career QS victory and currently sits atop the North American rankings in her quest to rejoin the Challenger Series in 2026.
The Outer Banks holds special significance for McCaffray, as it was the site of her first QS final back in 2019, where she finished runner-up. Now, with years of experience and newfound momentum, she returns as one of the favorites.
“OBX was my first QS event and my first QS final! I haven’t been back in a few years, so I’m looking forward to getting reacquainted with Jennette’s Pier,” McCaffray said. “This is the best QS season start I’ve had, so I’m absolutely looking to capitalize on this momentum. Hopefully, we get some waves, and I’m looking forward to a great event!”
Stacked Field Ready for East Coast Finale
The competition extends far beyond the defending champions, with a formidable field of proven winners and emerging talents ready to make their mark. 2023 event victor and 2024 runner-up Sanoa Dempfle-Olin (CAN) returns seeking redemption, while multi-event winner Michael Dunphy (USA) looks to add another Outer Banks title to his impressive resume.
The 2024 finalists are back in force, including Cannon Carr (USA), Lucas Owston (USA), Wheeler Hasburgh (CAN), Eden Walla (USA), and Kylie Pulcini (USA), all hungry to improve on their previous performances and secure valuable ranking points.
High Stakes Competition
With Challenger Series qualification on the line, every heat carries significant weight. The East Coast leg has traditionally served as a crucial points-gathering opportunity for North American surfers, and the Outer Banks represents the final chance to make a statement before the season’s conclusion.
The competition window opens Wednesday, August 27, with event organizers convening at 7:30 a.m. EDT for a possible 8:00 a.m. EDT start. Conditions and scheduling will depend on the Atlantic’s cooperation, but the forecast suggests promising surf for the week ahead.
Live Coverage and Legacy
Fans can follow all the action live on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app once competition begins. The event’s rich history of producing breakthrough moments and career-defining performances makes it must-watch television for surfing enthusiasts.
As North America’s QS elite descend on the Outer Banks, the stage is set for another chapter in this storied event’s legacy. With defending champions, hungry challengers, and the iconic Jennette’s Pier providing the backdrop, the 2025 WRV Outer Banks Pro Presented by Pacifico promises to deliver the drama and excellence that have defined this event for over a decade.
World Surf League (WSL) News:
- Massive Surf and Weather Chaos Mark Opening Day of ABANCA Pantin Classic Galicia Pro
- McCaffray and Moss Triumph at Virginia Beach Pro in Spectacular East Coast Showdown
- 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
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