Stephanie Gilmore and Filipe Toledo – the undisputed champions of world surf

Australian surfer Stephanie Gilmore made history after conquering the World Surf League (WSL) tour, crowning herself world champion for an eighth time! Filipe Toledo also made history, after claiming his first men's title at 28. Both surfers are leading figures within the industry, displaying top-quality surfing throughout their careers.

Stephanie Gilmore is one of the best female surfers in the world and her longevity in the WSL tour proves her caliber. Now 34, she broke the record for women's world title wins, a record previously held by Aussie surfer Layne Beachley.

Gilmore won the opening 'Title Match' heat against American Carissa Moore. A true surfing rivalry between two of the best female surfers in the world! Gilmore scored 15.00 (8.33 and 6.67) overpowering Moorse's 10.90 score.

The Australian surfer won world titles in 2018, 2014, 2012, 2010, 2009, 2008, and 2007. With her most recent 2022 World Title, the only thing left for her to win is an Olympic title.

Her rival Carissa Moore won the Tokyo 2020 title and will be looking to snatch a victory during the Paris 2024 Olympics.

"I don't have much left, to be honest. I've visualized it so much I was like, 'Let's do this. I have a chance. Let's prove this whole system wrong, that you can come from the bottom', that you can come from fifth and win a world title - that's freaking cool," Gilmore shared during a press conference.

With regard to her rivalry with Carissa, there is only love and respect between the two. "But really, Carissa is the world champ to me this year. She had the best season ever. I'm so honored to surf against her in the final...It's been a wild day," Gilmore added.

The next time Gilmore and Moore will face each other will be a thrilling Olympic face-off in the French Polynesia mecca of surfing, Tahiti.

Filipe Toledo claimed his first world title after a narrow victory in the opening 'Title Match' showdown over fellow Brazilian Italo Ferreira. Both surfers poured their hearts out, and their vibrant passions transmitted a high-power feel to the heat.

Toledo put in an incredible performance, scoring 15.13 to 14.97! A tight contest between two of the best male surfers in the world.

Italo Ferreira is a force to be reckoned with in the surfing world, the Tokyo 2020 gold medallist and 2019 world champ is one of the toughest surfers on tour. Toledo put up a fight, throwing down massive rides, scoring 8.67 and 8.60.

Ferreira was unable to clock in another ride before the time ran out, giving Toledo the margin needed for a total victory.

"It's a feeling that obviously, I've never felt before. It's just like the relief, all the hard work of nine years, sacrificing a lot," Toledo shared as he was overwhelmed by emotion. He shared his victory with his team and gave special thanks to his family for their constant support.

Regarding Paris 2024, things are tight on the men's side for the Brazilian surf team. Top surfers like Joao Chianca, Gabriel Medina, Yago Dora, Italo Ferreira, and Filipe Toledo are competing for a spot in the Olympic team. What a surfing dream team!

"Brazil is a nation with the best surfers in the world. We have Gabriel, Italo, Filipe, and now we have Joao. There is Caio Ibelli, Yago Dora, there is everyone...All these guys rock," shared Tatiana Weston-Webb, leader of the Brazilian surf team, during an Olympic conference.

The CBSurf (Brazilian Surfing Federation) has a dream team in its ranks. Arguably one of the largest talent pools in the surfing industry, so who will be the chosen one?