WA’s Jacob Willcox is riding a wave of momentum into Stop No. 2 of the WSL Challenger Series, the Ballito Pro, held on South Africa’s east coast from June 30 to July 6.
After a commanding performance at the Newcastle Surfest, where he took out the event and jumped to the top of the Challenger Series rankings, Willcox returns to Ballito full of confidence and in career-best form.
The Ballito Pro is one of the most anticipated events on the Challenger Series calendar, attracting a heavy field of world-class surfers, including former CT competitors Matthew McGillivray, Liam O’Brien and Samuel Pupo. With only a handful of events to bank the points needed for Championship Tour qualification, every heat counts, and Willcox will be looking to back up his Aussie success with another big result.
With his eyes firmly set on requalifying for the CT in 2026, the Margaret River local has proven he has what it takes to go all the way. All eyes will be on Ballito to see if Willcox can keep the jersey on his back and extend his lead on the rankings leaderboard.
Read the full media statement below.
The World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series contenders are heading to South Africa’s east coast for Stop No. 2, the Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill. The competition window runs from June 30 through July 6, 2025. After an electrifying start to the season at the Newcastle SURFEST, the stage is set for more epic matchups between the rising stars and returning Championship Tour (CT) competitors.
Contenders Eyeing Qualification for 2026 Championship Tour
The Challenger Series is the ultimate battleground for Championship Tour qualification, with 80 men and 48 women all fighting for the same goal, to earn a spot on the 2026 CT. The competition could not be heavier, with former CT’ers like Matthew McGillivray (RSA), Liam O’Brien (AUS), Samuel Pupo (BRA), Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Macy Callaghan (AUS) and Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) keeping the requalification dream alive.
Leading the Challenger Series rankings after taking out the win in Newcastle, Jacob Willcox (AUS) and Francisca Veselko (POR) return to South Africa with renewed confidence and will try to keep the momentum going in Ballito.
With epic performances in previous years, Mateus Herdy (BRA), Winter Vincent (AUS), Yolanda Hopkins (POR) and Sophia Medina (BRA) bring more experience and hunger to get to the top tier of competition on the global stage.
Former Winners Back In The Ballito Lineup
The Ballito Pro is the longest-running professional surfing competition in Africa and past winners include Andy Irons (HAW), Julian Wilson (AUS), Jordy Smith (RSA), Stephanie Gilmore (AUS), Silvana Lima (BRA), and Molly Picklum (AUS).
Wilson won the 2013 edition against Smith in one of the most memorable finals of the Ballito Pro, scoring a perfect 10-point ride.
Veterans like Wilson and Josh Kerr (AUS) are back in the Ballito lineup after stepping away from professional surfing due to family commitments. They’ll be joined by former winners Peterson Crisanto (BRA), Deivid Silva (BRA) and Ian Gouveia (BRA).
Surf, Lifestyle and Music Festival Celebrated with Sea-Sound-Waves
The 56th edition of this international surf and lifestyle festival is themed Sea-Sound-Waves to honour the unifying force of sport and music, the two pillars of the Ballito Pro.
“We’re excited to bring the world’s longest-running professional surfing event and most epic lifestyle festival back to KwaDukuza – the Jewel of the Zulu Kingdom,” said Collette Bundy, the Ballito Pro presented by O’Neill festival organiser.
“This year’s theme, Sea-Sound-Waves, takes its inspiration from the positive energy produced by the ocean and sound waves, two key elements of the Ballito Pro that create an interconnectedness between everyone who attends. From the incredible surfers catching waves to our talented musicians creating epic sound waves, the Ballito Pro is about fostering connections that transcend boundaries and remain with us forever.”
The 2025 Ballito Pro Festival Lineup includes the free Ballito Pro Music Concerts, Corona Sunset Sessions, Battle of the DJs and all-day beach recreational entertainment and retail section. For more information visit theballitopro.com
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