BALLITO, KwaDukuza, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa – A massive field of international men and women have arrived in South Africa for the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series Stop No. 2, the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill. The competition window opens on Monday, June 30 and holds a competition window through Sunday, July 6, 2025.
Jacob Willcox, Francisca Veselko Leading Challenger Series Rankings
Former Championship Tour (CT) competitor Jacob Willcox (AUS) returns to Ballito as No.1 on the 2025 Challenger Series rankings after taking out the win at the first stop, the Newcastle SURFEST. Willcox will look to capitalise on this momentum in his requalification campaign. It was the goofy-footer’s Quarterfinal appearance in Ballito in 2023 that helped him qualify for the CT the next year.
“Surfest was a really good warmup for this event,” said Willcox. “It was a great start to the year, but now I have to switch on to what’s happening here. There’s a lot of great surfers and hungry competitors at this event that want to take that top spot, so I’ll just keep pushing and hopefully I’ll be there at the end of the year.”
Portugal’s former World Junior Champion, Francisca Veselko won her first-ever Challenger Series title at the Newcastle SURFEST and has her eyes firmly set on making it to the Championship Tour in 2026. Veselko’s best result in Ballito was a ninth-place finish last year, losing out to eventual winner Bella Kenworthy (USA).
“There’s a lot on the line, and so much is still lying ahead,” said Veselko. “For sure, winning Newcastle was a big confidence boost for this event, but this is just the beginning. My goal is to keep the momentum, and the good feeling I have since that win. I want more for sure, I’m happy to be back in Ballito and I’m ready for the event.”
Sky Brown Receives Wildcard For First Challenger Series Debut
Two-time Olympic medalist and World Champion skateboarder Sky Brown (GBR) received the wildcard to compete in her first-ever Challenger Series at the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill.
The 16-year-old has enjoyed some success on the Asia QS circuit, but after sustaining a serious knee injury in 2024, she has taken the time to recover and rehabilitate before returning to professional competition.
“It’s my first time in Africa, and it’s a beautiful place,” said Brown. “I’ve been watching my friends compete in the Challenger Series and I always say I love surfing as much as I love skateboarding. We’ll see what happens, I’m excited and very honored to get the wildcard for this event.”
As he fights his way back to the Championship Tour through the Challenger Series, South Africa’s Matthew McGillivray from Jeffreys Bay, has received the event wildcard for Stop No. 10 of the CT, the Corona Cero Open J-Bay. Growing up in Jeffreys Bay and honing his skills on the famed right-hander of Supertubes, McGillivray has been getting plenty of practice in during the recent swell back home.
“It means the world, I was so stoked when I found out I’ll be surfing at home,” said McGillivray. “Growing up in Jeffreys Bay, it’s an event I watched since I was a little kid. It was always a dream of mine to surf in the contest and to get that chance again, it’s amazing.”
McGillivray has his sights set on returning to the top tier of competition after missing the Mid-season Cut. McGillivray launched his Challenger Series campaign in Newcastle with a stunning third-place finish, and will be eyeing a solid result in Ballito.
“Surfing is incredible, because you’re constantly challenged. From the ups and the downs, it teaches you so much. I’m embracing it all and I’m excited to be in Ballito.”
The first call for the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill will be on Monday, June 30, at 7:05 a.m. (GMT+1) for a possible 7:30 a.m. start.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
Watch LIVE
The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill runs from June 30 through July 6, 2025. The competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Also, check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners.
The Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill is supported by KwaDukuza Municipality, O’Neill, Surfing South Africa, Corona Cero, Red Bull, SMG – Yamaha.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.
About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfing. The WSL oversees surfing’s global competitive landscape and sets the standard for elite performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports. With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the protection of the ocean, equality, and the sport’s rich heritage, while championing progression and innovation.
For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com
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