Siargao: The Philippines' renowned Cloud 9 in Siargao has been designated as a new stop for the 2026 Championship Tour (CT), set to occur from October 31 to November 10, as announced by the World Surf League (WSL) on Wednesday (US time).
According to Philippines News Agency, the event, known as the Philippines Pro and presented by the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), has been elevated from a QS 6,000 International to a CT stop for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. This addition ensures that the WSL maintains at least 12 events in the 2026 CT schedule, securing the integrity of the new CT format and calendar, especially if the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro faces scheduling issues.
"We're excited to welcome the Philippines to the Tour. Thanks to the support of the Philippines Government," said WSL CEO Ryan Crosby in a news release. He further emphasized that elevating Cloud 9 to CT status is a testament to both the quality of the wave and the strength of the partnership. Crosby believes this addition will challenge the world's best surfers as they compete for the World Title in the final stages of the race.
Cloud 9 is famed for its perfect right-hand tube, offering CT surfers one of the best barrels globally. The WSL announced that local wildcards will be awarded to the male and female winners of the exclusive Philippines Pro CT Trials event, which will be staged at Cloud 9 before the CT event.
Leonardo Fioravanti, the current CT World No. 1, expressed his excitement, having seen footage of Cloud 9. He described it as a fun slab barrel leading into a big air and is eager to experience getting barreled on his forehand, a unique opportunity that usually occurs only at Pipe Surfing Backdoor.
The Philippines has consistently hosted elite professional surfing competitions, with the Siargao International Surfing Cup, first held in 1996, being the longest-running international surfing event in the country. It has been part of the WSL Qualifying Series since 2014. In addition to the CT event, the WSL has announced a World Longboard Tour event in January 2027 at La Union, Philippines, further establishing the nation as a global destination for surfers.
PSC Chairman Patrick "Pat³" Gregorio remarked that the Championship Tour belongs on the world's greatest waves, expressing confidence that Cloud 9 in Siargao is among them. He believes this historic moment for Philippine surfing will usher the sport into a new era, inspiring a new generation of athletes and showcasing the vision, ambition, and heart of the Filipino people.
