Bryan and Smith win Margaret River Pro; Maui surfers fall short of mid-season cut

Gabriela Bryan of Hawaiʻi and Jordy Smith of South Africa claimed victories at the Western Australia Margaret River Pro on Tuesday, the seventh stop of the 2025 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour.

It was a shorter Finals Day, featuring the Semifinals and Finals in slower conditions at Main Break, but still delivered standout moments and performances from the finalists.

Bryan earned back-to-back wins at Margaret River with a commanding showing, marking her second event win of the season. Smith also secured his second victory of the year. This is a repeat podium for Bryan and Smith, as they both claimed victory in El Salvador earlier this year. As the only two surfers with two victories this season, their success further solidifies their positions on top of the rankings as the CT heads to Lower Trestles in San Clemente, Calif. 

For Maui surfers Imaikalani deVault, Ian Gentil and Jackson Bunch, Margaret River marked the end of their 2025 CT run, with results from the Australian leg sending them back to the Challenger Series.

Only the top 22 men and top 10 women on the CT rankings advanced past the mid-season cut to the next four events, earning their place at iconic venues like J-Bay and Teahupoʻo.

Falling below the cut alongside the three Maui surfers were:

• Matthew McGillivray (RSA)
• Liam O’Brien (AUS)
• George Pittar (AUS)
• Ian Gouveia (BRA)
• Samuel Pupo (BRA)
• Deivid Silva (BRA)
• Ramzi Boukhiam (MAR)
• Edgard Groggia (BRA)
• Ryan Callinan (AUS)
• Gabriel Medina (BRA), who was awarded the 2026 WSL Season Wildcard

“Went down swinging,” deVault posted on Instagram following the result. “Proud of my effort under pressure. Reset for the Challenger Series and come back better.”

The 27-year-old ended the CT season with strong performances after a slow start, finishing fifth at Margaret River. He was eliminated by eventual winner Smith.

The competitors won’t have much time to rest between now and the 2025 Challenger Series, kicking off in Newcastle, Australia June 2-8, 2025.

For more information, visit WorldSurfLeague.com.