Stunning performances and all-or-nothing showdowns set up Finals Day at the World Surf League (WSL) BTMI Barbados Surf Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 5,000 and Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Loving Memory of Zander Venezia Presented Diamonds International. Quarterfinal action provided all the exhilaration, drama, and heartbreak with Challenger Series and World Junior Championships implications unraveling each new heat. Now, with spots dwindling, it all comes down to the final day at Soup Bowl.
Lucca Mesinas Earns 2024/2025 North America QS Win, Carlos Munoz's Clutch Form Takes Him to Challenger Series
The Quarterfinals all but settled the men's Challenger Series qualifiers with big performances from the likes of defending event victor Lucca Mesinas and Mesinas' fellow, former, Championship Tour (CT) competitor Carlos Munoz. Mesinas' win over Barbados' own Jacob Burke solidified his place atop the North America rankings heading back into Finals to defend his BTMI Barbados Surf Pro win.
"Jacob (Burke) is a really good surfer from here and that it was going to be a hard heat. I'm stoked to make it to the Semis and just happy to be here," Mesinas said. "Starting the year with a 3,000 win I think helped me a lot. I knew I had a good start and didn't have to chase the 1,000s. I just knew I had to come here and get big result with big points here. Somehow this place likes me. It's really special for me and I'm just trying to keep in rhthym."
For Munoz, entering this event the former CT competitor needed to bring his best and he delivered just that in his Quarterfinal bout with fellow Challenger Series hopeful Ryan Huckabee. Munoz's powerful form delivered an excellent 8.67 and put Huckabee on the ropes until time expired and the Costa Rican, Munoz, emerged with a 2025 Challenger Series confirmation.
"This is a dream come true. I haven't felt like this since I qualified for the CT and this interview feels like that graduating step because this region is super strong," Munoz said. "I was trying not to think about it and just enjoying my time in Barbados. I just wanted to make heats and it's been hard since I made heats but I've been working hard to get back and big motivation to make heats."
Plus, a massive Quarterfinal win over local favorite Josh Burke solidified Lucas Cassity place among the 2025 Challenger Series elite in his first full QS season and joins the Semifinals alongside fellow Mexican competitor Sebastian Williams.
Talia Swindal Buzzer-Beater Goes Excellent to Upset No. 1
A clash of North America's top-tier talents unfolded in Quarterfinal, Heat 2, with Talia Swindal taking on current No. 1 Kirra Pinkerton. Pinkerton struck with an excellent 8.33 over Swindal but struggled to find a backup as Swindal stayed close. But, in the dying seconds, Swindal answered back and smashed an excellent 8.33 of her own to turn the heat right before the buzzer.
"That was crazy. Kirra (Pinkerton) is such a good surfer and I look up to her," Swindal said. "We had a good battle and I'm stoked to take the win. I'm feeling really good mentally and just so stoked to be back here and into Finals Day."
Now, a battle will ensue on Finals Day to determine the women's QS Regional victor.
Reid Van Wagoner Joins Rarified Air at Soup Bowl with a 10-Point Ride
Along with hefty Challenger Series implications unfolding, the North America World Junior Championships qualification race continues to ignite with the Top 2 spots still up for grabs.
An incredible display of surfing unfolded from North America's newest QS and Pro Junior threat, Reid Van Wagoner (USA), in her Live Like Zander Junior Pro Quarterfinal battle. Wagoner picked off a Soup Bowl gem and unleashed her powerful backhand attack on multiple, critical sections to post the first 10-point ride of the 2025 event.
Plus, her QS Quarterfinal bout with defending, back-to-back, event victor Zoe Benedetto ended with another massive heat win to secure her spot on the Challenger Series - confirming Leilani McGonagle and Sanoa Dempfle-Olin in the process.
"I don't have any words right now. I'm just happy. I've been working so hard for this," Van Wagoner said. "I feel like I'm just going to give it all, I've got nothing to lose so I'm going to give it my all. I don't think it's really hit me that I dropped a 10. I was so stoked to hear that score on the paddle back out."
The last 10-point ride came from now-reigning WSL Champion Caitlin Simmers. Van Wagoner's performance helped eliminate current No. 2 Bailey Turner (USA) to open up the possibility of a rankings shuffle. Current No. 1 Zoey Kaina powered her way through to Finals Day, and the elimination of current No. 3 Lanea Mons also keeps the opportunity for the likes of Eden Walla and Sanoa Dempfle-Olin to strike.
Hayden Rodgers Goes Full Send, Enters World Junior Championships Qualification Race
More drama unfolded in the men's race to the Top 2 as current No. 3 Will Deane pushed his way into the No. 2 spot following a Quarterfinal heat win over previous No. 2 Luke Wyler, who was bested by Adam Bartlett.
But, Hayden Rodgers stole the show and put his name in the mix of contenders with a blistering 17.43 heat total. Rodgers' backhand power posted an 8.00 an 8.50 before finding a Soup Bowl left to launch himself into a full rotation and stomped it for another excellent 8.93. With Lucas Cassity advancing behind Rodgers, plus Kai Kushner and Eeli Timperi earning heat wins of their own, it all comes down to Finals Day to determine the Top 2 spots.
"Getting more heats out there I feel like you get more used to it. Today is probably the biggest day of the event so far so there was a lot of opportunity out there," Rodgers said. "It was super low tide so all the water was getting pulled off the reef and pulling you toward that reef. I was in the QS and my goal was to make the Challenger so to lose early sucks but I'm stoked to keep making heats in the junior."
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m ET for a possible 8:00 a.m. ET start.
Day 5: Dominant Showings Determine Quarterfinalists
The fields are dwindling fast and now Quarterfinalists remain at the World Surf League (WSL) BTMI Barbados Surf Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 5,000, and Live Like Zander Junior Pro Presented by Diamonds International. Pristine Soup Bowl conditions offered four-to-five-foot pulsing conditions to elevate performances. Challenger Series qualifiers are beginning to be confirmed with everything left to surf for among those still vying for spots along with World Junior Championships qualification heating up.
Leilani McGonagle Performs Under Pressure with Big Debut
An all-or-nothing event for Leilani McGonagle sends her to the Quarterfinals in hopes of catapulting into the Top 4 amid the rankings upsets that unfolded in the women's Round of 16. McGonagle's 8.00 (out of a possible 10) held as the women's QS best single-score of the day in the Round of 32 before backing it up with a Round of 16 victory.
"I'm feeling good and it's always nice to get some heats out of the way. I feel like I was really anticipating this one," McGonagle said. "Just being able to get out there and do some surfing feels really nice. We had a higher tide and it was a bit cleaner so the pockets were easier to pick off so it was exciting."
Kirra Pinkerton Breaks Through to Quarters, Challenger Series Confirmed
The women's Challenger Series qualification race continued to heat up in paradise with marquee advancements and also heartbreaking losses. Current North America No. 1 Kirra Pinkerton laid down a 7.00 on her formidable forehand, but it was Ella McCaffray who took the Round of 16 heat win. However, by stamping her place into the Quarterfinals, Pinkerton secured her place among the 2025 Challenger Series elite. Plus, the perennial Championship Tour (CT) qualification threat prepares for the Surf City El Salvador Pro as a wildcard immediately following this event.
"It feels really good to know that so early in the event. In previous years it's been Quarters not knowing, Semis not knowing, so it's definitely a really good feeling," Pinkerton said. "Now the rest of this event I have that pressure off my shoulders and now I just want to perform with what I want to do on there."
"It was super fun out there. The surf's a little bigger today and it seems to be walling better so it was good to find one," McCaffray said. "I like to study the heats before. Soup Bowl is a tricky wave so I spend a lot of time watching. The crew I'm staying with is awesome and it's a lot of good energy."
A clutch performance from back-to-back event victor Zoe Benedetto puts her back into the Quarterfinals alongside 2024 runner-up Talia Swindal.
Plus, fellow defending event victor Lucca Mesinas and 2024/2025 standouts Taro Watanabe and Dimitri Poulos all confirmed their spots for the 2025 Challenger Series.
Burke Brothers Bring Barbados Fandom into Weekend Action
A massive day for the Bathsheba community and island of Barbados surf community unfolded with both Josh and Jacob Burke (BRB) earning brilliant heat wins in the Round of 16. Older brother Josh stormed through a stacked heat once again, posting a 7.00, as younger brother Jacob dropped a 7.50 to jump to the lead in his respective heat as both surged toward the Quarterfinals.
"I think I managed as good as I could. It was a lot of work but it's the home break and I'm used to it," Jacob Burke said. "I just tell myself not to have any pressure if I feel any of it. I just want to go surf and not think about it."
"My strategy is always to start early but I didn't follow it in my heat. I think I should have started earlier but I guess it worked," Josh Burke said. "Here is different than the rest of the world so I just listen to music with the boys and get ready for my heat. It means the world to me to represent my country. It's the best place in the world. I'm blessed to be healthy and with my family, friends, and Bathsheba community. A big shout out to Shirley, he was one of Bathsheba's own and he passed away so hopefully I can win this one for him."
Ryan Huckabee Tips the Scale Once Again, Sebastian Williams Soars to Quarters
For competitors sitting just outside the Challenger Series cutline, every wave is of utmost importance and Ryan Huckabee left nothing to chance once more - this time dropping a near-perfect 9.50 in his Round of 16 bout. Huckabee and Lucas Cassity both find themselves inching closer every heat and Cassity pushed Huckabee to his best as both advanced through to the Quarterfinals, keeping their respective qualification hopes alive.
"That's the dream start to the heat. That never happens," Huckabee said. "I heard them counting down before I duck dove a wave and that was one of the best waves I've seen in the last week I've been here. The hard thing about those waves you can't safety surf it. That wedge of white water will get you. Both the last two years I was inside the Challenger Series cut so the last two years I've had to perform."
Plus a dazzling performance from Sebastian Williams put up a 15.00 heat total to advance on to the Quarterfinals and keeps his Challenger Series hunt alive.
Lucas Cassity's Lights Out Junior Performance Posts 18.50 Heat Total
The Live Like Zander Junior Pro men's top seeds made their debuts with World Junior Championships qualification scenarios unraveling right away. A stacked Heat 1 affair featured No. 2 Rex Hennings and No. 4 Luke Wyler against Barbados duo Tommaso Layson and Christian Stoute. Wyler earned the heat win with Layson ending Hennings' run toward a Top 2 finish.
But, it was Lucas Cassity who laid down the performance of the event so far with a 9.50 and 9.00 in his Junior debut. Cassity continues to impress as the 16-year-old shows he's ready to take on the best of the region in both the QS and Junior - now in the Quarterfinals of both events.
"I was battling mostly Adam (Bartlett) up the point and he went on the first one and I was lucky there was a wave behind it. I was a little nervous so I was a little stuck on first turn but I just knew I had to capitalize on that. It's a tricky wave so you can have a really good heat and I'm psyched but you never know on the next heat. But, I'm just stoked to keep it moving here."
Another shakeup occurred with current No. 1 Nadav Attar falling short in his debut and now the Top 2 spots are wide open for two surfers to capitalize and No. 3 Will Deane still in the mix.
Event organizers will reconvene at 8:30 a.m. ET for a possible 9:00 a.m. ET start.
Day 4: Superheats and More Rankings Shakeups at Soup Bowl
Every heat matters at the World Surf League (WSL) BTMI Barbados Surf Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 5,000, and Live Like Zander Junior Pro Presented by Diamonds International with 2025 Challenger Series and World Junior Championships qualification on the line. Three-to-four-foot, consistent conditions provided more show-stopping performances and heartbreaking eliminations for those knocking on the door of joining the Challenger Series. Women's QS Round of 32, Heats 1 through 4, and men's QS Round of 32 were contested as women's Live Like Zander Junior Pro Round of 32 also made their debuts.
Talia Swindal Goes Next-Level in Return to QS
A dream return to the jersey for Talia Swindal unleashed the highest single-wave score of the women's QS event so far - a 9.00 (out of a possible 10). Swindal's forehand power and precision provided a showcase at one of her favorite waves in the world after being sidelined the last few events due to injury. The Californian looks for a repeat performance and return to the Final at this event back-to-back years.
"It feels great. I'm happy and that was a great way to end the day after a long wait between heats," Swindal said. "Now I just want to keep it going and I'm confident in myself, trusting in myself and I'm just excited to be here."
Chelsea Tuach Ignites the Home Crowd with Excellent Debut
2022 event victor and Queen of Soup Bowl, Chelsea Tuach, established her dominance right away with an excellent 8.00. Tuach's local knowledge and mastery of the Soup Bowl reef continues to show each heat she competes at home. Now, Tuach still has a tall task ahead of her if she's to crack into the Top 4 and requalify for the Challenger Series, but has the entire island backing her once more.
"It's always good to get that first one out of the way," Tuach said. "We've been watching the boys rip and seeing good waves come through so it felt good to get started. It means everything to me to compete here. The event is here and we get to show the world how good our waves are and also I get to compete against the best girls in the region but right in my backyard. It's good to see the girls ripping at a high-performance wave like this."
Sanoa Dempfle-Olin Stuns with Excellent Heat Total in 2025 Soup Bowl Start
The reigning North America Pro Junior Regional victor, Sanoa Dempfle-Olin, unleashed her decimating backhand attack on some the morning's best conditions. Dempfle-Olin's power and precision notched her an excellent 8.83 and 16.66 (out of a possible 20) heat total, the highest of both the QS and Live Like Zander Junior Pro so far, to surge toward the Quarterfinals.
Plus, the Canadian's 15.17 heat total performance in the QS pushed her closer to securing a spot on the 2025 Challenger Series.
"It was definitely a long wait to surf that first heat, but I got to watch the guys and the other rounds compete so it was super exciting to get out there this morning," Dempfle-Olin said. "I was happy to get some good waves. It turned on right before we got out there so it was really fun. Forecast-wise, I just wake up and get down here but it's been consistent throughout our whole trip and it's some of the best conditions we've seen so far."
Also notching Live Like Zander Junior Pro debut wins included Talia Swindal in her first event back from injury alongside Reid Van Wagoner, Lanea Mons, Kylie Pulcini, Daya McCart, and Rachel Aguero.
Ryan Huckabee Salvages Challenger Series Charge in Powerful Form
One of the Round of 32's superheats featured four Challenger Series contenders with current No. 9, former Championship Tour (CT) elite, Kolohe Andino, No. 10 Sam Reidy, No. 11 Ryan Huckabee and Barbados' own Josh Burke (BRB) - who currently sits at No. 25. Burke blasted a 7.50 to kickstart the battle before Huckabee followed suit and unleashed his forehand power on multiple critical sections to earn an excellent 8.23. Huckabee held firm as the battle for an advancing spot ensued and ultimately went to the island's local hero, Burke.
"That heat was the most stacked heat of the event so far and a full Challenger Series blood bath. All four of us are sitting right outside the cut and all four of us want to be on there," Huckabee said. "I knew it was going to be a hard heat and I got lucky to get that 8.23 under priority. It's one of those waves you could luck in deep and get the wave of the day under priority so there's a little bit of luck involved but I have my lineups out there."
Lucca Mesinas Delivers Amid More Challenger Series Qualification Shakeups Unfold
Defending event victor Lucca Mesinas unleashed a forehand attack all his own to post an excellent 8.17. Mesinas inches closer to requalifying for the Challenger Series in hopes of returning to the CT in 2026 and showed his commitment to the cause with a powerful performance - and also become the first to earn a third Barbados Surf Pro title.
Jett Schilling's (USA) Round of 32 win took him to the Challenger Series. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Also notching a vital heat win, current No. 1 Jett Schilling held firm as Lucas Cassity advanced behind Schilling to eliminate current No. 7 Lucas Owston. With the heat win, Schilling officially secured his 2025 Challenger Series qualification.
"I'm fired up. Just so stoked to get back to the Challenger Series," Schilling said. "My goal is to hold onto the top spot of the rankings, so still have plenty of heats to go. I just have to focus on each heat and keep having fun, but I'm stoked to get back to the Challenger Series."
Plus, big heat wins from Taro Watanabe (USA) and John Mel kept their surges toward the Challenger Series alive and thriving along with dismantling performances by Dylan Hord, Manuel Selman, and Kai Kushner.
Event organizers will reconvene at 8:30 a.m. ET to determine a possible 9:00 a.m. ET start.
Day 3: Challenger Series Scenarios Unravel
An exciting day unfolded at the World Surf League (WSL) BTMI Barbados Surf Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 5,000, and Live Like Zander Junior Pro In Loving Memory of Zander Venezia Presented by Diamonds International. Three-to-four-foot, testy wind swell with varying winds provided a challenge to North America's QS contingent as women's Round of 48 finished before moving into the men's top-seeded Round of 64. Challenger Series implications began from the first heat until the last with plenty of big performances, heavy upsets, and everything in between.
Jett Schilling and Kai Kushner's Searing Starts Go Excellent
An explosive finish to an impactful day from Kai Kushner tipped the scale to a near-perfect 9.27 (out of a possible 10). Kushner's incredible backhand attack laid into one of the most critical sections of the day in the Round of 64, Heat 16. No stranger to Soup Bowl, Kushner spends time with his family here away from events and his knowledge of the reef was apparent.
"It was super fun out there. It went a little flat after that first wave but I'm stoked to not fall on that wave and get the score," Kushner said. "It wasn't glassy out there but it was still super fun and I'm stoked. I love the people here. I come every year with my family."
The current North America No. 1 Jett Schilling came out firing in his BTMI Barbados Surf Pro start with a blistering 8.67. Schilling's impeccable timing and backhand power on hefty sections started the San Clemente, Calif., competitor's debut in excellent fashion. Now, Schilling looks to hold his place atop the rankings moving forward with every heat counting to Challenger Series qualification.
"A little bit of pressure before I paddled out and I was shaking because I was nervous. I don't want to lose that number one spot," Schilling said. "The waves here are super fun. Everyone is super cool here and I've been surfing on the other side of the island a bunch. I was stoked to get a few waves since it's tough to get a wave out at Soup Bowl. I wanted to start strong but then I struggled to find a back up and I hit the panic button but stoked to make it."
Blayr Barton Returns in Winning Form
A career-defining moment for Blayr Barton at this very wave last season earned him his first WSL victory in the Live Like Zander Junior Pro. An emotional victory powered Barton to big 2024/2025 season and blasted an impressive 14.83 (out of a possible 20) heat total utilizing both the left and right it had to offer. Now, Barton looks to catapult up the rankings with more success and give himself an opportunity to finish in the Top 7.
"It's probably my favorite wave anywhere here. I feel like it offers everything you need," Barton said. "It's got an air section. It's got a right, it's got a barrel and not many other waves just do that so perfectly. I love this place and all the people and the community here."
Burke Brothers Fly Barbados Flag into the Round of 32
The spectators in attendance had plenty to cheer about with Barbados' own Josh and Jacob Burke earning respective heat wins. The older Burke, Josh, unleashed his powerful forehand when the opportunity presented itself for a 7.33 and 14.16 heat total as he looks to climb the rankings once more at home.
"I feel good. It's good to be home and surfing an event like this with good waves and also competing in front of my friends and family," Burke said. "I prefer the waves here especially in the North America region with the power at Soup Bowl. Here is different than the rest of the world because I usually by myself the rest of the world. I'll listen to music, do a little meditation and stay focused and stay happy. Enough love and respect to the Bathsheba community, my friends and family for supporting me."
For Jacob, a wildcard offered the possibility of rattling the rankings and he got started right away after besting defending event winner and current North America No. 4 Lucca Mesinas, who also advanced.
Hefty upsets ensued from the likes of Sebastian Williams, John Mel and Timothy Simmers, Jake Davis and more shook up the rankings with Challenger Series qualification hopefuls Michael Dunphy, Kei Kobayashi, and Taj Lindblad being eliminated.
Big showings from former Championship Tour (CT) competitors Kolohe Andino and Carlos Munozpushed the scale with their power and join Cole McCaffray, Taro Watanabe, Ryland Rubens, Lucas Cassity, Will Deane, and Sage Katz earned them Round of 64 wins.
Zoe Chait (USA) found her form right away at Soup Bowl. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Zoe Chait's Forehand Attack Earns Debut Heat Win
Women's Round of 48 concluded Heats 5 through 8 to determine the top-seeded Round of 32 draw. The rising career of Zoe Chait notched another brilliant heat win in her Round of 48 debut with a powerful performance to post a 12.33 heat total in tricky morning conditions. Now, the Half Moon Bay, Calif., competitor locks in for more to finish 2024/2025 strong.
"I'm feeling good and happy to start off my event with a win. I was definitely a little bit nervous just being the first heat of the day and first heat of the event," Chait said. "But, I got it done and it was super fun. It was a little bit windy this morning but it mellowed out now. I was really happy I got a cleaner heat. My coach and I worked out to build a house and I'm glad it worked out."
Vela Mattive Makes Her Early Move at Soup Bowl
One of North America's emerging threats, Vela Mattive, made her presence known to wrap up Round of 48 proceedings. Mattive's timing and flow pushed the scale to a 6.67 and a clutch debut heat win. Though Mattive is a mathematical longshot into the Top 4, she looks to finish with a career-best ranking as she currently sits at No. 20 looking to break past 15th.
"I felt confident even though it was hard to find a good one but they were super fun when you did," Mattive said. "I love this wave. It's warm water and a super bowly wave so it's one of my favorite places to come to. I just watch the waves before my heat and see what I want to do and then just lock in."
Plus, Ava Wagester and Victoria Duprat added their names to the Round of 32 with debut victories.
Event organizers will reconvene at 8:30 a.m. ET to determine a possible 9:00 a.m. ET start.
Day 2: Contenders Push the Scale, Women Make Their Debut
The stage is set for top seeds to emerge at the World Surf League (WSL) BTMI Barbados Surf Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 5,000, and Live Like Zander Junior Pro Presented by Diamonds International. A blistering day featured the men's QS Round of 96 and women's QS Round of 48 in three-to-four-foot wind swell to provide more moments of brilliance. Now, early contenders will face North America's premier contenders with 2025 Challenger Series and World Junior Championships qualification scenarios ready to unfold.
Sebastian Williams Steals the Show a 9.50 in His Soup Bowl Debut
The first-ever Soup Bowl wave in competition for Sebastian Williams went near-perfect with an outstanding 9.50 (out of a possible 10) and finished with a 15.27 heat total (out of a possible 20). Williams' progression and flair are known around the world with previous showings in the Red Bull Airborne, but put his power on the rail on full display. Now, Williams joins fellow Mexican contender Rey Hernandez into the Round of 64 with big heat wins and looks to make a surge toward Challenger Series qualification.
"I was very happy to start my heat like that. I've been watching the waves a lot and just focusing my energy on finding the rhythm with the waves," Williams said. "I got very lucky to start the heat like that. Strategy, I was wanting to start the heat off strong with two good maneuvers no less and it worked out. It's my first time here and I'm loving it. The people are friendly, the waves are great and it's so good here."
Rachel Aguero Kicks Off Women's QS in Impressive Form
Costa Rica's success carried over from the men's QS featuring Andreas Schneider straight to women's as Rachel Aguero showcased her backhand attack. Aguero's mid-heat surge pushed her to a solid 7.50 to kickstart the women's Round of 48 and catapulted herself to the top-seeded Round of 32.
"I feel super happy to make my first heat and be here in Barbados," Aguero said. "It's such a good place and I love it. I was watching the waves with my coach and he told me to just catch two good waves. So that's what I did and I'm stoked it worked out. I surfed Brandends yesterday and it was so fun and I'm loving my time here."
Titus Santucci Strikes Excellence in Barbados Surf Pro Return
A breakthrough showing from Titus Kaimana Santucci pushed the Californian to one of the day's best single-wave scores of an 8.17. The emerging talent, Santucci, looks to close out the season with a massive result in both the BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro this week to rattle the rankings.
"I'm feeling good. It's always good to get the first round jitters out after you've traveled so far," Santucci said. "This wave has a lot more power compared to home. We have kind of a similar wave that has a bowl to it at Swamis but I like the power here better. It was firing in that heat. There's those little moments where it feels so good and then can be so different."
Mia Calderon Holds it Down in Caribbean Waters
A strong showing from Puerto Rico's Mia Calderon pushed her to the Round of 32 with a 12.50 heat total. Calderon's powerful forehand laced a 6.50 to take over her debut and represent for the Caribbean near home. Now, top seeds await and Calderon looks ready for the challenge.
"I was going to say the hardest part at the start of the heat was finding waves but I got two good ones," Calderon said. "At the end I think keeping priority and calming down a bit after I got those two good waves. The waves are very similar to my favorite wave at home called Middles."
Plus, Avery McDonald and Ella McCaffray held firm for big Round of 48 heat wins to join the Round of 32 contingent.
Excellent showcases from Rafael Pereira, Laird Lavik and Max Beach also put their names on the watch list among the Round of 64 standouts. Plus, Barbados' Caleb Rapson and Tommaso Layson also won their respective Round of 96 heats alongside an in-form Andreas Schneider, Rey Hernandez, Gabriel Arturo Vargas, Parker Cohn, Kai Gale Grani, William Hedleston, Will Deane, and Reed Platenius.
"[Brad] Gerlach always says that, ‘Make it' and when I made it I just said thank you Zander," Beach said in honor of Venezia. "Without that 8-point ride I wouldn't have made that heat. Zander and I always competed around the world really and he was a great person. Him and his dad were always positive people with smiles on their faces. I miss him dearly but I know he's watching over us."
Event organizers will reconvene at 7:30 a.m. ET to determine a possible 8:00 a.m. ET start.
Day 1: Dominant Displays Set the Standard
The race for 2025 World Surf League (WSL) North America's Challenger Series and World Junior Championships qualifiers kicked off at the famed Soup Bowl. The BTMI Barbados Surf Pro, a men's and women's Qualifying Series (QS) 5,000, and Live Like Zander Junior Pro in Loving Memory of Zander Venezia Presented by Diamonds International early contenders emerged in three-to-four-foot wind swell that tested their abilities and patience. Men's QS Round of 116 and Round of 116 alongside men's Live Like Zander Junior Pro Round of 56 and 48 unraveled with a showcase of progression and power.
Barbados' own Tommayso Layson Laces Excellent Start at Home
One of Barbados' prominent rising talents, Tommaso Layson, laid down the hammer in his QS start and posted an excellent 8.00 (out of a possible 10). Layson's timing and knowledge of Soup Bowl's lineup prevailed to notch a 14.73 (out of a possible 20) heat total to win the heat alongside fellow Barbadian Caleb Rapson. Plus, Layson's performance in the Live Like Zander Junior Pro Round of 48 earned him a bonus heat win on opening day.
Now, the rising Barbadian talent prepares for the Round of 96 and top-seeded Pro Junior Round of 32.
"That 8-point ride actually came under everyone. I think I had priority but it wasn't a set just a medium-sized one," Layson said. "I was so stoked to see that one coming in. I knew that I needed a score and it just lined up perfectly. Soup Bowl is my favorite wave and it's my home break. I just want to say thank you to all my family in Italy and all my friends and family here in Barbados."
Costa Rica's Andreas Schneider Smashes WSL Debut
Andreas Schneider took control on opening day, winning both his Round of 116 and Round of 112 battles. The 23-year-old Costa Rican Schneider made his WSL debut before posting a solid 7.17 in the Round of 112 to surge toward the Round of 96.
"I'm feeling good. Waves are a bit difficult still but I dropped a couple scores and I'm onto the next round so I'm happy," Schneider said. "It got a little bit better in my second heat with some more water. There were more walls and more options to work with. Still a bit grindy out there but there's still some fun ones to find and I'm stoked to get a few."
Remy Armstrong rounded out a solid showing from early QS contenders. - WSL / Andrew Nichols
Also earning breakthrough Round of 112 wins, Remy Armstrong, Timothy Simmers, Gabriel Arturo Vargas, Jonny Herrouin, Sage Katz, and Romeo Stone are set for their Round of 96 bouts.
Sage Katz Strikes on Soup Bowl Gem in Live Like Zander Opener
The North America World Junior Championships contenders took on Soup Bowl as the men's Round of 56 and 48 ensued. Only the Top 2 will secure their place and every heat matters.
A brilliant display of backhand power from Sage Katz tipped the scale to the first excellent score of opening day - posting an 8.33. Katz's 14.63 heat total held as the best performance in the Round of 56 and Round of 48 after the Puerto Rican advanced through to the Round of 32. Now, Katz prepares to take on North America's top seeds for a chance at the Quarterfinals.
"I'm super grateful to be here and competing. The waves are super fun and I'm close to home too," Katz said. "I got kind of lucky. It looked a little weird at first but then it bowled up nicely so I'm stoked. I don't really have an advantage here I feel but we have similar waves so it feels like home. Low tide has been a little easier finding the good waves so I'm just figuring it all out."
Afternoon Magic from Baylor White and Eeli Timperi Provide Showcase
The best was saved for last as Eeli Timperi a 15.74 heat total in the Round of 48, Heat 8 to wrap opening day proceedings. Timperi's electric forehand overpowered the afternoon conditions to post an excellent 8.07 on his victory lap in as he made an early statement to his contenders.
"There's a few waves out there but they're kind of hard to find and I had a shocker at the start, but happy to wrap it up at the end," Timperi said. "That 8.07 was a bit of a smaller wave and didn't think it was going to be that good but it had a good bowl on it. I was looking for the better ones and find a longer one a bit deeper."
Baylor White found his form early to advance through the Round of 56 before unleashing an impeccable backhand display at Soup Bowl to post an 8.17 in his Round of 48 heat win. This marks White's second-ever WSL event as he looks to find his footing among North America's elite and take some confidence into the Round of 32.
"That thing was sick and I was stoked to finally get a wave that lined up and gave me three turns. It was really tricky out there so I'm stoked," White said. "The biggest key is wave selection. If you get the right ones you really have a nice wall to work with so I was stoked I was able to find two waves and stoked on that heat."
A solid showing from current North America Pro Junior No. 2 Rex Hennings, Kepa Mendia, Adam Bartlett, and Beckham McCart.
Watch Live
The BTMI Barbados Surf Pro and Live Like Zander Junior Pro hold a competition window beginning March 24 through 30 at Soup Bowl, Bathsheba, Barbados. Once called ON, the event will be broadcast on www.WorldSurfLeague.com, the free WSL App, and WSL Youtube channel.