TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge Competition Window Now Open

November 2, 2025

The WSL’s 2025/2026 TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge window opens today. Surfers on standby to charge Praia do Norte, Portugal.

The World Surf League (WSL) has officially opened the 2025/2026 TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge competition window — running November 1, 2025 through March 31, 2026.
The world’s elite big-wave chargers are now on standby, ready to drop everything and launch toward Praia do Norte, Portugal, when the call goes out for this one-day, tow-in spectacular.

The Waiting Game Begins

With the window open, the WSL Tours & Competition team is monitoring every incoming North Atlantic swell to pinpoint the perfect moment. To greenlight the event, conditions must feature consistent 25-foot-plus faces, ideal wind, and favorable tides.

When a massive swell begins to line up, the WSL will trigger a “TUDOR Big Wave Yellow Alert” — signaling a possible start within 72 hours. If the forecast continues to hold, that status will shift to “Green Alert,” meaning game on. Fans and athletes will then have 24 hours to prepare for what could be one of the heaviest days in surfing.

Tow-In Format

The TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge celebrates the art and athleticism of tow-in surfing at one of the planet’s most notorious breaks. Nine teams of two surfers each will compete in six 45-minute heats, rotating between surfing and driving the team’s jet ski.

Each surfer’s top two waves across both heats count toward their total, with the best wave earning double points for a maximum possible 30-point score.

Awards include:

Men’s Best Performance – highest two scoring waves

Women’s Best Performance – highest two scoring waves

Best Team Performance – combined best rides of both teammates

Invited Teams:

Nic von Rupp (POR) / Clement Roseyro (FRA)

Lucas “Chumbo” Chianca (BRA) / Pedro “Scooby” Vianna (BRA)

Andrew Cotton (GBR) / Ben Larg (SCO)

Rodrigo Koxa (BRA) / Vitor Faria (BRA)

Rafael Tapia (CHL) / Pierre Rollet (FRA)

Benjamin Sanchis (FRA) / Jerome Sayhoun (MAR)

Justine Dupont (FRA) / Eric Rebiere (FRA)

Michelle des Bouillons (BRA) / Ian Cosenza (BRA)

Laura Crane (GBR) / Antonio Laureano (POR)

(Invitees subject to change on event day.)

These invitees have earned their spot by consistently proving their commitment and skill in Nazaré’s punishing lineup — mastering both the ride and the rescue.

Watch It Live

When the Green Alert hits, fans can catch every heart-stopping drop and tow-in rescue LIVE at WorldSurfLeague.com or via the free WSL app.

The 2025/2026 TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge is proudly supported by Visit Portugal, TUDOR, Red Bull, Estrella Galicia, MEO, Millennium Bank, Hertz, and the Nazaré City Council.

About TUDOR

TUDOR is an award-winning Swiss watchmaker founded in 1926 by Hans Wilsdorf, the visionary behind Rolex. Built on a legacy of precision and durability, TUDOR has become the timepiece of choice for adventurers on land, sea, and ice.
Today, TUDOR continues that spirit through its partnership with the World Surf League Big Wave events and ambassadors Nic von Rupp and Clement Roseyro. Their flagship model, the TUDOR Pelagos, embodies performance, resilience, and timeless design — made for those who dare.