John John Florence Wins 2016 World Surfing Title

One of Hawai‘i’s favorite surfers and one of the island’s most accomplished athletes has just finalized his first world championship title.

John John Florence, hailing from the North Shore of O‘ahu, secured the 2016 World Surf League Championship Title as of yesterday on the shores of Portugal in the second to last stop of the WSL World Championship Tour.

John John Florence winning the Final of the Rip Curl Pro Portugal. Photo: WSL

John John Florence celebrating his World Title Victory at the Meo Rip Curl Pro Portugal. Photo: WSL

John JOhn Florence during the Semifinals of the Rip Curl Pro Portugal. Photo: WSL

John John Florence is the 2016 World Champion and the Rip Curl Pro Portugal Winner. Photo: WSL

John John Florence is the 2016 World Champion and the Rip Curl Pro Portugal Winner. Photo: WSL

John John Florence celebrating his World Title Victory and event victory during the Meo Rip Curl Pro Portugal. Photo: WSL

John John, age 24, has been considered the world’s best surfer and as of yesterday, those debates were made official after he won the Rip Curl Pro in Portugal and secured enough points on the WSL Jeep ratings to finalize his victory.

“My whole life has been going towards this, everything I’ve done,” Florence said afterward. “This year especially, learning so much about competitive surfing and focusing so hard on it. And with all the support I’ve had, it’s been the best year of my life.”

Florence is the first Hawai‘i world champion since the late great Andy Irons, who won back in 2004.

John John will be bringing his world title back to the islands where he can surf with ease at the last stop of the WSL World Tour, which will take place at his home break of Pipeline on the North Shore of O‘ahu.

“I think this is just the beginning,” Florence said. “Winning a world title has always been the dream and ultimate goal. I still can’t believe I won it.”

Congratulations to John John Florence on his 2016 World Surfing League Championship.