The Philippines is set to take its place on surfing’s biggest stage after the World Surf League (WSL) officially included Cloud 9 in Siargao in its Championship Tour for the 2026 and 2027 seasons as Stop no. 11.
The upgrade marks the country’s shift from hosting a Qualifying Series event to becoming an elite stop on the global tour, with the Philippines Pro now standing as one of the most important milestones in the nation’s surfing history.
Presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, the Philippines Pro, is scheduled from October 31 to November 10 at the iconic Cloud 9 break, renowned for its powerful right-hand barrels and consistent swells that have long drawn international surfers, after being elevated from a World Surf League Qualifying Series (QS) 6,000 event to Championship Tour.
The upgrade to Championship Tour status also reflects schedule adjustments within the WSL season, ensuring at least 12 CT events are maintained amid uncertainties surrounding the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro.
WSL chief executive officer Ryan Crosby emphasized that the inclusion of the Philippines is both a sporting and strategic milestone for the tour.
“We’re excited to welcome the Philippines to the Tour thanks to the support of the Philippine Government,” WSL CEO Ryan Crosby said.
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BREAKING
WSL adds Cloud 9, Siargao, Philippines as a new 2026 Championship Tour stop!
World’s best surfers will battle one of the planet’s best right-hand barrels Oct 31–Nov 10.
— AP (@AP_Honolulu) July 2, 2026
“Elevating Cloud 9 to CT status reflects both the quality of the wave and the strength of our partnership. It’s a deserving addition to the schedule that will challenge the world’s best surfers as the World Title race enters its final stages,” he added.
The Philippines Pro will feature a reduced postseason field of 24 men and 16 women, with ranking points critical in shaping qualification for the season-ending Pipe Masters in Hawaii. Local representation will also be guaranteed, with wildcard entries for one male and one female surfer to be determined through the Philippines Pro Championship Tour Trials at Cloud 9.
The announcement has been welcomed by top-ranked surfers, including world No. 1 Leonardo Fioravanti of Italy, who sees the Philippine stop as a fresh challenge in a demanding tour schedule.
“I’ve seen some footage of Cloud 9, and it looks like a really fun slab barrel into a big air. I’m super excited and cannot wait to go and get barreled at a new location,” Fioravanti said.
For Philippine sports officials, the inclusion of Siargao represents more than just a calendar addition—it signals the country’s arrival as a legitimate surfing destination on the world stage.
“This will be a historic moment for Philippine surfing and usher the sport into a new era,” PSC chair Gregorio said.
Beyond Siargao, the WSL is also expanding its footprint in the country, announcing plans to stage a World Longboard Tour event in La Union in January 2027, further strengthening the Philippines’ role in global surfing competitions.
With stops in Tahiti, Fiji, Portugal, the Philippines, Abu Dhabi, and finally Pipeline in Hawaii, the 2026 Championship Tour is shaping up to be one of the most globally diverse seasons in WSL history—with Siargao now firmly part of that elite journey.
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