Today, January 10, 2026, at The Mansion, La Union, the official press conference for the 2025 WSL World Junior Championships took place, setting the stage for one of the most anticipated surfing events of the year. Present at the event were key figures supporting the championship, including:
- Dir. Benjamin D. Manahan Jr, DOT Regional Director
- Hon. Mariquita P. Ortega, Mayor of the Municipality of San Juan, La Union
- USEC. Maria Rica C. Bueno, DOT Undersecretary for Tourism Standards, Regulations, and Human Capital Development
- Mr. Will Hayden-Smith, WSL Director for Longboard and Regional Tours
- Mr. John Matthew Carby, SDMI Sports Technical Director
- Jose Gabriel S. Cruz, Purefoods-Hormel Corporation General Manager
- Marven Abat, President of the Local Surf Club
The press conference marked the official launch of the championship, highlighting the international roster, local representation, and strong institutional support that make this event a premier stop on the global surfing calendar.
This January, the global surf spotlight turns to San Juan, La Union, as the 2025 World Surf League World Junior Championships take over the iconic waves from January 11 to 18, 2026. For eight thrilling days, the country’s Surfing Capital of the North becomes the proving ground for the world’s most promising young surfers, all competing for one of the sport’s most prestigious junior titles.
Proudly hosted by the Province of La Union and the Municipality of San Juan, the event marks a major milestone for Philippine surfing, welcoming the next generation of global surf stars to local shores.
A Global Stage for Rising Champions
The 2025 WSL World Junior Championships feature an elite international lineup of 48 athletes: 24 men and 24 women representing 16 countries across the world. These young competitors arrive not only as regional standouts but as future mainstays of professional surfing.
Headlining the field are some of the sport’s most exciting young names:
- Sierra Kerr (Australia), the 2023 WSL World Junior Champion
- Winter Vincent (Australia), runner-up at the 2024 edition
- Bella Kenworthy (USA), a 2025 Championship Tour rookie
- Maria Salgado (Portugal), reigning 2025 European Junior Champion
- Rickson Falcão (Brazil), South American regional titleholder
- Anon Matsuoka (Japan), two-time Asia regional champion
- Dane Henry (Australia), top seed from the Australia/Oceania region
Adding to the excitement, four Filipino surfers have earned wildcard entries to represent the host nation: Mara Lopez, Troy Espejon, Cathleya Casals, and Toby Espejon. Their participation places Philippine talent on the world stage, competing head-to-head with the best junior surfers globally, right on home turf.
Image: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1WcGng3NPBfcURzXln1TBf3z6VfEZg_r4/view?usp=drive_link
Watch It Live, Wherever You Are
Fans from around the world can follow every heat as the action unfolds LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL App, with full coverage running from January 11 to 18. Whether watching from the beach or tuning in online, audiences can witness the future of world surfing in real time.
Strong Support for a World-Class Event
The WSL World Junior Championships presented by Purefoods-Hormel and Magnolia Inc. is made possible through the support of Purefoods-Hormel, Magnolia Inc., San Miguel Infrastructure, SMC Infrastructure Inc., BMEG/Nutrichunks, the Philippine Sports Commission, and the National Youth Commission. Their backing underscores the event’s role in youth development, sports excellence, and the continued growth of surfing in the Philippines.
More Surf Action to Follow
Following the junior championships, the surf momentum continues with the WSL Longboard competition from January 20 to 24, bringing a different rhythm and style to the same celebrated coastline. Together, these events position La Union as a premier destination on the international surfing calendar.
Why Be There
From high-performance maneuvers to emotional breakthrough moments, the World Junior Championships offer a rare chance to watch tomorrow’s champions before they reach the sport’s biggest stages. Set against La Union’s vibrant beach culture and welcoming community, the event promises not just competition, but a celebration of global surfing.
Save the Dates
📍 Location: San Juan, La Union
📅 WSL World Junior Championships: January 11–18, 2026
📅 WSL La Union International Pro (Longboard QS): January 20–24, 2026
See the world’s best ride our waves. Catch the World Surf League in La Union.
This January, the future of the sport rides our waves.
Be there when it happens.