Medina, Simmers win Philippines Pro; Pipeline set for 2026 World Championship

SIARGAO, Philippines — Gabriel Medina and Caity Simmers claimed victories at the inaugural Philippines Pro surf contest, setting up a high-stakes championship showdown at Pipeline in Hawaii next month. 

The 11th stop of the 2026 WSL Championship Tour delivered four days of world-class surfing at Cloud 9, where four-to-six-foot barrels gave the world’s best an opportunity to showcase their tube-riding skills at one of the sport’s most iconic waves. 

Medina earned his 18th CT victory, defeating Australian Jack Robinson in the men’s final to move into second place in the world rankings. Simmers claimed her first event win of the season, defeating Isabella Nichols to secure her eighth CT victory and rose to third in the women’s ranks. 

The conclusion of the penultimate event on the calendar means athletes now shift their focus towards the Lexus Pipe Masters in December, with world titles up for grabs.

Andrew Shield/World Surf League

CLOUD 9, SIARGAO ISLAND, PHILIPPINES – NOVEMBER 3: The crowd during the Semifinals at the Philippines Pro on November 3, 2026.

Medina claims first CT win in more than three years 

After sitting out the 2025 season, three-time world champion Gabriel Medina returned to the Championship Tour in 2026 with unfinished business. Despite recording three runner-up finishes during his comeback campaign, the Brazilian had yet to stand atop the podium until his breakout performance at Cloud 9. 

Medina delivered when it mattered most, overcoming deficits throughout the event with powerful turns, massive aerials and technical tube rides. His victory also moved him into second place in the rankings, putting himself in position to challenge for a fourth world title at Pipeline. 

“This means a lot to me. I’ve been trying so hard all year long, traveling with all of my crew. I really wanted to win one event this year, and after a few second-place finishes, I just kept believing,” Medina said.

In the final, Medina faced Robinson, who had been one of the standout performers throughout the week thanks to his ability to navigate Cloud 9’s hollow, barreling waves. 

Robinson established an early lead with two solid scores, but Medina remained patient with priority and waited for the opportunity to find a wave capable of changing the heat. 

When the opportunity arrived, Medina delivered one of the defining rides of the competition. 

Pulling deep into one of the biggest waves of the day, Medina held his rail through multiple sections before emerging from an extended barrel to earn a near-perfect 9.43 out of 10 and a two-wave total of 16.93. 

Robinson managed an excellent wave of his own but could not find the score needed to overtake Medina. The Brazilian secured his 18th CT victory and his first event win in more than three years, arriving at the perfect time with the world title on the line in Hawaii. 

Simmers finds her form at Cloud 9 

Caity Simmers entered the Philippines Pro looking to turn a strong stretch of performances into her first victory this season. The 2024 world champion had reached five finals since the start of 2025, though just one win during that span before arriving in Siargao. 

She found her rhythm at Cloud 9, combining her trademark tube riding with committed turns to produce some of the event’s highest scores. 

The road to the final was not without adversity. Simmers collided with Portugal’s Yolanda Hopkins during their quarterfinal, resulting in an unintentional interference call and seven stitches in Simmers’ ankle. 

She continued through the competition and ultimately delivered when it mattered most against Nichols, who was returning from an ankle injury of her own. 

“Coming here from Portugal was so back-to-back that my brain was so busy trying to work on things to change, and that was really overwhelming,” Simmers said. “What really kept me grounded and happy was spending time in the ocean and spending time with my mom. This is also one of my favorite waves in the world, and I was almost in tears paddling out for the Final because I could really feel the love from everyone watching from the water.”

Andrew Shield/World Surf League

CLOUD 9, SIARGAO ISLAND, PHILIPPINES – NOVEMBER 3: (L-R) WSL Champion Caitlin Simmers of the United States and Three-time WSL Champion Gabriel Medina of Brazil after winning the Philippines Pro on November 3, 2026.

In the final, Simmers kept the pressure on Nichols by committing to multiple barrels and attacking sections across the lineup. Several attempts ended with Simmers spending more time underwater than riding through the wave, but her persistence ultimately paid off. 

Nichols posted a solid early score and remained patient, needing another sizeable wave to put herself in position to win. Simmers, however, found a backup score through two clean barrels, finishing with a total of 12.00 points to secure the victory. 

The win marked Simmers’ eighth Championship Tour victory and her first of the season. Combined with a runner-up finish in Portugal, the result lifts her into third place in the rankings and firmly back into contention for another crown.

Matt Dunbar/World Surf League

CLOUD 9, SIARGAO ISLAND, PHILIPPINES – NOVEMBER 3: Three-time WSL Champion Gabriel Medina of Brazil surfs in Heat 2 of the Semifinals at the Philippines Pro on November 3, 2026.

Pipeline to decide new world champions 

The Lexus Pipe Masters is scheduled for Dec. 8-20, 2026, bringing the Championship Tour to Hawaii for its final event of the season. With Medina chasing history and Simmers back in the title conversation, the championship race heads to one of surfing’s most consequential stages with everything still to be decided. The competition will broadcast live on WorldSurfLeague.com.