The 2026/2027 TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge Is Back

The 2026/2027 TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge Is Back Competition Window Opens November 1, 2026, Runs Through March 31, 2027 World’s Best Big Wave Surfers Ready To Take On Praia Do Norte Pictured: The 2026/2027 TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge competition window runs from November 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.

Credit: WSL / Laurent Masurel PRAIA DO NORTE, Nazaré, Portugal (Sunday, October 18, 2026) – The 2026/2027 World Surf League (WSL) TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge is back, with the official competition window opening on November 1, 2026 and running through March 31, 2027. The one-day, tow-in surfing event will run when Praia do Norte in Nazaré, Portugal turns on with a solid swell of 25-feet or more and the conditions align for a safe event.

The world’s best big wave surfers have put in the hours for months, even years, to be ready to go at any moment during the competition window. During this window, WSL Tours and Competition will keep a close watch on every swell tracking towards Nazaré, waiting for the optimal conditions before making the call.

The TUDOR Big Wave Yellow Alert can be issued as far as 72 hours out from the potential event run date. If the swell, wind and tide continue to track favorably, the TUDOR Big Wave Green Alert will be issued, and the competition will be called ON in the next 24 hours. How The TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge Tow-In Format Works The TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge is a one-day only, tow-in competition featuring nine teams.

To foster an even playing field and to allow athletes more time to compete in their respective heats, a format change for both Men’s and Women’s divisions have been introduced. The six men’s teams will compete in two Semifinals, and the top team from each heat will automatically advance to the Final.

The runner-up team with the highest total score will also advance to the Final, allowing for three teams to compete for the Best Team Performance Award. Individual scores will be taken into account for the Men’s Best Performance Award. On the women’s side, there will be one Final heat to determine the Women’s Best Performance Award.

The three women’s teams will feature only one rider, towed in by their jet ski driver. TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge Invitees* Team 1: Nic Von Rupp (POR) / Clement Roseyro (FRA) Team 2: Rodrigo Koxa (BRA) / Vitor Faria (BRA) Team 3: Will Santana (BRA) / Gabriel Sampaio (BRA) Team 4: Lucas Chianca (BRA) / Pedro Scooby (BRA) Team 5: Andrew Cotton (GBR) / James Carew (AUS) Team 6: Benjamin Sanchis (FRA) / Jerome Sayhoun (MAR) Team 7: Justine Dupont (FRA) / Driver: Dino Carmo (POR) Team 8: Michelle des Bouillons (BRA) / Driver: Ian Cosenza (BRA) Team 9: Laura Crane (GBR) / Driver: Eric Rebiere (FRA) *Invitees are subject to change closer to or on the confirmed competition day.

A surfer’s best two waves count toward an individual’s total score, with the best wave counting as double points. In total, a surfer’s maximum individual score will be 30 points, with each wave scored from 0 -10 points. Surfers will be awarded across the following categories: Men’s Best Performance: Male surfer with the highest two scoring waves Women’s Best Performance: Female surfer with the highest two scoring waves Best Men’s Team Performance: Total of the best two scoring rides of both team riders The TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge Invitees are the men and women who have put in the time to prove themselves in the lineup at Praia do Norte, season after season, surfing and driving a jet ski to tow-in their partner.

Safety is paramount, and all team members need to be able to safely tow-in and rescue their partners in the lineup. Watch LIVE The TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app . Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners .

The 2026/2027 TUDOR Nazaré Big Wave Challenge is proudly supported by Visit Portugal, TUDOR, Red Bull, Estrella Galicia, MEO, Millennium Bank, Hertz, Xacobeo, and Nazaré City Council. For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com About the WSL The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfing.

The WSL oversees surfing’s global competitive landscape and sets the standard for elite performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports. With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the protection of the ocean, equality, and the sport’s rich heritage, while championing progression and innovation.