Australian Molly Picklum etched her name into surfing history today, clinching her first World Title at the 2025 WSL Finals in Fiji. Competing at the iconic Cloudbreak reef in the South Pacific, the 22-year-old delivered a career-defining performance to defeat American Caroline Marks in a best-of-three showdown.
Picklum’s Breakthrough Victory
Picklum, who carried the Yellow Leader Jersey for much of the season, entered the Finals as the top seed after a dominant year with two event wins. Despite dropping the first matchup, she bounced back with unmatched precision and power. Posting the event’s highest single-wave score (8.83) and the highest two-wave total (16.93), Picklum sealed the deal and became Australia’s newest World Champion.
“I’m so speechless right now. To be the undisputed, undeniable champ is something I’ve dreamt of. To win this way feels my heart. This is the cherry on top of such a special season.”
she said
Honoring the Greats
With her triumph, Picklum follows in the footsteps of Australian legends Stephanie Gilmore, Layne Beachley, Sally Fitzgibbons, and Tyler Wright. She is the first Australian woman to win the title since Gilmore in 2022.
“It’s such a trip to be a Central Coast kid, growing up looking up to Steph and Layne and now being on a list with them. I just feel honored and grateful,”.
Picklum reflected
Marks, the 2023 World Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist, finished second for the second year in a row—an impressive feat after clawing her way into the Final 5 late in the season.
Men’s Division: Dora Crowned Champion
On the men’s side, Yago Dora (Brazil) claimed his maiden World Title, defeating American Griffin Colapinto in the final match. Colapinto, who took down Italo Ferreira (Brazil) and Jordy Smith (South Africa) earlier in the day, capped off his season with a career-best runner-up finish.
2025 Lexus WSL Finals Fiji Results
Women’s Title Match:
- Molly Picklum (AUS) 16.93 def. Caroline Marks (USA) 6.24
- Molly Picklum (AUS) 15.83 def. Caroline Marks (USA) 8.03
- Caroline Marks (USA) 12.50 def. Molly Picklum (AUS) 10.50
Men’s Title Match:
- Yago Dora (BRA) 15.66 def. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 12.33
Watch the Replay
Fans can relive the historic Finals Day action on Red Bull TV, available on connected devices and smart TVs or below.
With Molly Picklum and Yago Dora crowned as the 2025 World Champions, the next chapter of professional surfing looks brighter—and bolder—than ever.