Medina wins stage in the Philippines and takes second place in the WSL

Three-time world champion, Brazilian Gabriel Medina took second place in the world surfing circuit, the World Surf League (WSL), by winning this Tuesday (3) the Cloud 9 stage in the Philippines, the penultimate before the title decision in Pipeline, Hawaii. In the final, Medina got the better of Australian Jack Robinson and lifted his first trophy of the season, after finishing runner-up three times this year (Margaret River, Fiji and Peniche). The Brazilian won with a total of 16.93 against his opponent's 14.50.

In addition to interrupting an almost three-year streak of victories in WSL stages, Medina jumped from fifth to second place in the rankings, with 53,210 points, behind only the current champion and leader, Paraná's Yago Dora (54,950). Ítalo Ferreira (3rd place, with 49,335 points) and São Paulo's Miguel Pupo (5th, with 45,270) also have a mathematical chance of winning the world title in Pipeline. Surrounded by Brazilians, the North American Griffin Colapinto (46,195) occupies fourth position.

The top eight in the ranking will begin the world title fight at Pipeline, directly in round 4. All surfers (male and female) who started the season will also participate in the decisive stage. Unlike the previous stages, where the maximum score was 10 thousand points, the winners in Pipeline will receive 15 thousand points. The WSL 2026 title decision will take place between December 8th and 20th.

Final

Looking for his first title of the season, Medina opened the heat with a score of 7.50 against Jack Robinson's 6.17. Afterwards, the Australian went down his second wave and got 5.00. Inspired, the three-time world champion surfed an incredible tube and scored 9.43, going on to lead the heat. Robinson also slid into a tube, but ended up falling and taking 6.27. Then, the Australian recovered and achieved an 8.23, intensifying the dispute even more. But Medina, with priority in the final minutes, kept the dispute under control, sealing the victory with a total of 16.93 against Robinson's 14.50.

100% Brazilian semi-final

Before the final against the Australian, Medina overcame his compatriot Yago Dora, after an electrifying dispute in the semi. The three-time world champion came out ahead, getting an 8.83 score in the first wave, while the current champion and season leader got 7.00. Then Dora started to lead the heat, with a score of 6.50 against Medina's 4.17. It didn't take long, Medina regained first place by surfing another great wave that earned him 6.93. In the final minutes, Dora sought a new turn, without success. Medina advanced to the final with a total of 15.76 against Dora's 13.50.