JORDY SMITH WINS MARGARET RIVER

May 28, 2025

Smith Surges to World No. 1 with Margaret River Pro Victory

South Africa’s Jordy Smith is officially having the comeback season of his life.

MARGARET RIVER, AUSTRALIA – 27 MAY 2025 – Red Bull athlete Jordy Smith has won the Margaret River Pro, defeating Griffin Colapinto in the final and rising to World No. 1 in the World Surf League (WSL) rankings. In a season defined by comebacks, Smith’s is one of the most remarkable, from an eight-year winless drought to two event victories in just two months, he now leads the World Title race with unstoppable momentum.

This latest win builds on Smith’s emotional breakthrough at the Surf City El Salvador Pro, where he stormed past former World Champion Italo Ferreira on the way to an all-South African final.

“This means everything. It’s been a long road back, but I never stopped believing I could be here again. I feel strong, and I’m loving every moment on tour.”

Jordy Smith advanced to the final after knocking out Crosby Colapinto in the semifinals, setting up a highly anticipated showdown with Griffin Colapinto. The final was defined by Smith’s explosive 8.5-point opener, a wave that ultimately decided the event. The rest of the heat remained quiet, with both surfers posting only minor backup scores. Still, Smith’s early dominance secured the win and the yellow jersey.

“It feels incredible, I think it’s just a testament to like, every day keep showing up, trusting what you’re doing,” Smith said. “I can’t just say that I’ve been doing all the work, I’ve got such a great team of people behind me. For me, this year, it’s just really been about have fun and enjoy this because it’s not forever. I think everyone’s going to be fighting for that top five now, there’s a lot of guys that are swinging for it, so that’s going to be really exciting. And I think just having that opportunity to kind of push yourself against all the best in the world is all I’m really looking for, and yeah, take every day for what it is and don’t think too far down the line.”

This victory strengthens Smith’s chances for a long-awaited World Title. He now enters the next three tour stops with confidence, having won each of them in prior seasons. His experience and form mark him as the title favorite heading into the Lexus WSL Finals in Fiji.
Women’s Winner: Gabriela Bryan Claims Back-to-Back Margaret River Titles. Hawaii’s Gabriela Bryan continued her rise in the women’s division with her second consecutive Margaret River Pro win. Posting a 9.5 in the final and the highest combined total of the 2025 women’s tour so far, Bryan retains the yellow jersey and extends her lead over defending champion Caitlin Simmers.

Griffin Colapinto (USA) again proved himself to be one of the most consistent surfers in Western Australia. The 26-year-old has made at least Quarterfinals every season in the event since 2021, finishing runner-up for the first time in 2023. Entering the GWM Aussie Treble ranked 26th and in danger of the Mid-season Cut, Colapinto rose 15 places across the three events to now sit at No. 11, one place outside of the Top 10, after making his first Final of the season. Colapinto delivered a highlight reel of performances throughout the event, including a Perfect 10 for one of the most impressive full rotation air reverses delivered in competition and a 9.00 for a mind-blowing exit from a Box barrel. The Californian will now return home to San Clemente for Stop No. 8, his first chance to compete in a regular-season CT event at his home break of Lower Trestles.

Finals Day Breakdown

Jordy Smith advanced to the final after knocking out Crosby Colapinto in the semifinals, setting up a highly anticipated showdown with Griffin Colapinto. The final was defined by Smith’s explosive 8.5-point opener, a wave that ultimately decided the event. The rest of the heat remained quiet, with both surfers posting only minor backup scores. Still, Smith’s early dominance secured the win and the yellow jersey.

This victory strengthens Smith’s chances for a long-awaited World Title. He now enters the next three tour stops with confidence, having won each of them in prior seasons. His experience and form mark him as the title favorite heading into the Lexus WSL Finals in Fiji.

Women’s Winner: Gabriela Bryan Claims Back-to-Back Margaret River Titles. Hawaii’s Gabriela Bryan continued her rise in the women’s division with her second consecutive Margaret River Pro win. Posting a 9.5 in the final and the highest combined total of the 2025 women’s tour so far, Bryan retains the yellow jersey and extends her lead over defending champion Caitlin Simmers.