Pipeline 2025: Gabriel Medina Out, Filipe Toledo Returns, and Challenges for the Brazilian Storm
The 2025 season of the World Surf League (WSL) kicks off in Pipeline, Hawaii, bringing high expectations and significant changes to the competitive landscape. The iconic Hawaiian wave marks the start of the season with Filipe Toledo returning to the world tour, while Gabriel Medina, a three-time champion, is absent due to a shoulder injury. This combination of absences and returns shifts the dynamics of the “Brazilian Storm,” the movement that has dominated surfing in recent years, opening opportunities for new standouts and foreign rivals.
In addition to changes in the Brazilian roster, this year’s calendar introduces remarkable innovations, such as the inclusion of the wave pool in Abu Dhabi and the return of classic venues like Snapper Rocks and Jeffreys Bay. These adjustments aim to diversify conditions and challenge athletes in distinct scenarios. While Medina focuses on recovery, other Brazilian surfers like Italo Ferreira, Yago Dora, and the Pupo brothers will take on the responsibility of maintaining Brazil’s dominance on the global stage.
The return of John John Florence, a three-time world champion and a major rival to the Brazilians, adds an extra layer of competitiveness to the season. After a year-long break, Florence is back, aiming to reclaim the world title and challenge the Brazilian Storm and other elite competitors.
A BRAZILIAN STORM EM PIPE! ????????⛈️
— WSL Brasil ???????? (@WSLBrasil) January 28, 2025
O Brasil já esteve no topo de Pipeline com Adriano de Souza, Gabriel Medina e Ítalo Ferreira. ????????♂️
Será que teremos o 4º campeão brasileiro no Hawaii? Será que teremos a 1ª? Deixa aqui nos comentários! ???????? pic.twitter.com/UNSvLhTQui
Gabriel Medina: Injury and Impact on the Brazilian Team
Gabriel Medina, one of the biggest names in world surfing, has been forced to sit out the 2025 season due to a torn tendon in the pectoralis major muscle of his left shoulder, sustained during training in Maresias, Brazil. The surgery, performed in Brazil, requires a long recovery period, keeping Medina out of all circuit events this year. His absence represents not only an individual setback but also a significant impact on Brazil’s dominance in surfing.
Since Medina claimed his first world title in 2014, the “Brazilian Storm” has created a winning streak that turned Brazil into a surfing powerhouse. The absence of the three-time champion opens space for new leaders within the Brazilian team and increases the chances for international rivals.
Filipe Toledo and the New Circuit Calendar
Filipe Toledo returns to the world tour in 2025 after a year away to focus on mental health and spend more time with his family. The two-time world champion has shown excitement about the diverse calendar, which includes 11 regular-season events. Highlights include the debut of the Abu Dhabi wave pool and the return of Snapper Rocks in Australia and Jeffreys Bay in South Africa.
Toledo has already excelled in conditions similar to those he will face in the new Abu Dhabi event, while Jeffreys Bay is renowned for favoring his technical style. Additionally, the Finals, the championship’s decisive stage, will now be held at Cloudbreak, Fiji, replacing Trestles, California, which traditionally crowned the champions.
Format Changes and Competitor Challenges
The 2025 season introduces changes to the circuit’s format, including a mid-season cut. After the Margaret River event in Australia, the number of surfers will drop from 34 to 22 in the men’s division and from 17 to 10 in the women’s. This change gives rookies and recently promoted athletes more time to adapt, benefiting Brazilians like Miguel Pupo, Ian Gouveia, and Edgard Groggia.
Moreover, the return of classic venues like Saquarema in Brazil and Teahupo’o in Tahiti adds diversity to the conditions surfers will face. The inclusion of wave pool events also reflects the WSL’s efforts to modernize the sport and attract new audiences.
The Brazilian Storm and Its New Leaders
With Gabriel Medina absent, the “Brazilian Storm” relies on other top names to maintain its dominance. Italo Ferreira, an Olympic champion and 2024 world runner-up, is one of Brazil’s brightest hopes. Other athletes, including Yago Dora, João Chianca, and brothers Miguel and Samuel Pupo, are also ready to shine and keep Brazil at the forefront of global surfing.
The country would tie its record of 11 male representatives if Medina were present. The collective strength of the Brazilian team will be tested in a circuit filled with international talent and challenging conditions.
Women’s Participation and the Pursuit of a First Title
In the women’s division, Tatiana Weston-Webb and Luana Silva represent Brazil in 2025. Tatiana, an Olympic silver medalist in 2024, starts the season with a new coaching team led by Adriano de Souza, “Mineirinho.” Meanwhile, Luana Silva, who inherited her spot from Australia’s Stephanie Gilmore, is striving to solidify her place in the elite.
Both athletes face strong international competition, but the partnership between Tatiana and Mineirinho may be a key factor in their pursuit of Brazil’s first women’s world title.
Brazilian Line-Up for Pipeline
Pipeline is renowned as one of the world’s most challenging waves, serving as the perfect stage to test surfers’ limits. Here are the initial heats for the Brazilian surfers:
- Yago Dora (BRA) vs. Seth Moniz (HAV) vs. Edgard Groggia (BRA)
- Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Samuel Pupo (BRA) vs. Kelly Slater (USA)
- John John Florence (HAV) vs. Ian Gouveia (BRA) vs. Eli Hanneman (HAV)
- Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Connor O’Leary (JPN) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)
- Filipe Toledo (BRA) vs. Barron Mamiya (HAV) vs. Alejo Muniz (BRA)
In the women’s division:
- Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) vs. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) vs. Luana Silva (BRA)
Historical Highlights and Curiosities
Pipeline boasts a rich competitive history. Since its inclusion in the world tour, the event has crowned legends like Kelly Slater, who is seeking his ninth title at the Hawaiian wave, and John John Florence, a three-time world champion. Brazilians have also left their mark, with Medina and Italo Ferreira among recent winners.
The addition of new events, like Abu Dhabi, reflects the globalization of the sport, while the return of venues like Jeffreys Bay revives important traditions. These changes strike a balance between innovation and legacy in the tour.
Key Numbers for the 2025 Season
- 11 regular-season events, two more than in 2024.
- 34 male and 17 female competitors at the season’s start.
- Cut to 22 men and 10 women after Margaret River.
- New events in Abu Dhabi and the return of Snapper Rocks and Jeffreys Bay.
The Impact of John John Florence’s Return
The return of John John Florence increases the season’s competitiveness. Known for his prowess in heavy waves, especially at Pipeline, Florence is one of the Brazilian Storm’s main rivals. His presence on the tour adds pressure on the Brazilians and promises thrilling battles throughout the year.
Perspectives on the Future of Surfing
The 2025 season represents a transition period for global surfing. The combination of new venues, format changes, and the absence of major names like Medina creates an unpredictable scenario. At the same time, the inclusion of innovative stages demonstrates the WSL’s continuous efforts to expand the sport’s reach and relevance globally.
