The Philippines is set to host its first-ever World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT) event after the iconic Cloud 9 in Siargao was added to the 2026 calendar. The Philippines Pro presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) will run from Oct. 31 to Nov. 10 and will remain a CT stop through 2027.
Previously a QS 6,000 International event, the competition has been elevated to the sport's highest level. The WSL said the additional stop strengthens the 2026 schedule by ensuring at least 12 Championship Tour events are held, even if the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro cannot proceed as planned.
World's Best Surfers Head to Siargao
WSL CEO Ryan Crosby said Cloud 9 has earned its place among the world's elite surfing venues, citing its renowned right-hand barrel and the Philippines' growing role in international surfing.
Current world No. 1 Leonardo Fioravanti welcomed the addition, saying he looks forward to competing on Cloud 9's powerful waves for the first time.
The WSL also announced that local wildcard slots will be awarded through a Philippines Pro CT Trials event, giving Filipino surfers the opportunity to compete against the world's best.
Historic Boost for Philippine Surfing
The Championship Tour stop marks a major milestone for Philippine surfing, which has steadily grown through events like the Siargao International Surfing Cup, the country's longest-running international surfing competition.
PSC Chairman Patrick "Pató" Gregorio said hosting the CT will inspire a new generation of Filipino athletes, while PSC Sports Ambassador William Vincent "Vinny" Araneta Marcos said the event will showcase the country's world-class waves and surfing talent to a global audience.
The Philippines Pro will serve as Stop No. 11 of the 2026 Championship Tour, featuring a reduced field of 24 men and 16 women battling for crucial World Title points before the season concludes at the Pipe Masters in December.
The WSL also confirmed that La Union will host a World Longboard Tour event in January 2027, further cementing the Philippines as one of Asia's premier surfing destinations.
