The World Surf League (WSL) announced Thursday the return of three-time world champions Gabriel Medina and John John Florence for the 2026 season, utilizing injury wildcards to bring back star power amidst a format change emphasizing consistent performance.
Medina, from Brazil, missed the entire 2025 season. He was recovering from surgery for a left shoulder pectoral muscle tendon injury. The injury occurred during training in Maresias, São Paulo, requiring extensive rehabilitation.
American champion Florence, also a three-time winner, will also rejoin the circuit. He took a competitive break for a year and secured his 2026 spot with a wildcard.
The 2026 WSL season will revert to a cumulative points format. This change is designed to increase the importance of consistency throughout the competitive year.
The championship decision is scheduled to take place at Pipeline, Hawaii. This iconic venue is a classic spot in the world of professional surfing.
The season is set to begin in April.
Other confirmed tour stops include Bells Beach, Margaret River, and Gold Coast in Australia. The circuit will also visit Punta Roca (El Salvador), Saquarema (Brazil), Jeffreys Bay (South Africa), Teahupo’o (Tahiti), Cloudbreak (Fiji), Lower Trestles (United States), Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Peniche (Portugal), and the Pipe Masters in the United States.