Carissa Moore continued her remarkable comeback story while Leonardo Fioravanti finally achieved a lifelong dream as the pair claimed memorable victories at the Surf City El Salvador Pro Presented by Corona Cero.
The world’s best surfers delivered a thrilling finish at Punta Roca, with Moore securing back-to-back Championship Tour victories and Fioravanti earning Italy’s first-ever World Surf League Championship Tour win.
Moore Continues Dream Return
After announcing her return to competition following motherhood, five-time World Champion and Olympic gold medallist Carissa Moore has quickly reminded the surfing world why she remains one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Fresh from her victory in New Zealand, Moore arrived in El Salvador full of confidence and once again found a way to rise when it mattered most.
Her campaign nearly ended in the Round of 16 when Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy pushed her to the limit. Moore needed a dramatic last-minute aerial to snatch an 11.97 to 11.50 victory and keep her title hopes alive.
From there, the Hawaiian superstar shifted into another gear.
She comfortably defeated Brazil’s Luana Silva in the quarter-finals before producing a composed display against fellow Hawaiian Gabriela Bryan in the semi-finals. An excellent 8.17 score proved decisive as Moore booked her place in the Final.
Awaiting her was two-time World Champion Tyler Wright, who had battled through a stacked draw that included victories over reigning world champion Molly Picklum and 2024 champion Caitlin Simmers.
The Final delivered a classic showdown between two veteran champions.
Moore opened with scores of 5.50 and 4.83 before unleashing a powerful and progressive performance that earned an excellent 8.33. Wright answered with a strong 7.67 and 6.17 to stay in contention, but Moore once again delivered under pressure.
With the clock winding down, she found a crucial 6.67 to seal a 15.10 to 13.85 victory and claim her 30th career Championship Tour title.
“When I saw Tyler in the locker room, I just said, ‘This is like the old days, this is awesome,’. It’s really cool to see the veterans make a push this year, make some Finals, and take some wins.”
Moore said after her victory
The win marked Moore’s first Championship Tour triumph in Central America and lifted her to World No. 2 in the rankings as her family celebrated another milestone in her remarkable comeback season.
Fioravanti Finally Breaks Through
While Moore continued adding to an already legendary career, Leonardo Fioravanti created history by capturing his first-ever Championship Tour victory.
The Italian had come close before, reaching two previous Finals without lifting the trophy, but Punta Roca proved to be the breakthrough moment he had spent years chasing.
Fioravanti’s route to the title was anything but easy.
He narrowly defeated Brazil’s Mateus Herdy 15.04 to 14.70 in the Round of 32 before edging Samuel Pupo 15.50 to 14.27 in another tightly contested battle.
The 28-year-old continued his impressive form throughout Finals Day, posting some of the event’s best performances, including a standout 9.00 score in the quarter-finals.
A thrilling semi-final against Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi followed, with Fioravanti using an excellent opening 8.50 ride to secure his place in the Final.
Standing between him and history was Olympic champion and current World No. 1 Italo Ferreira.
Ferreira had overcome adversity all week after suffering a knee injury in a warm-up collision that required eight stitches. Despite the setback, the Brazilian fought through the pain to defeat Kauli Vaast and Gabriel Medina on his way to another Final appearance.
However, Fioravanti refused to be denied.
The Italian attacked from the opening exchange, earning an excellent 8.33 before backing it up with a 6.17. Ferreira responded with a 7.50 to remain in contention, but Fioravanti’s powerful forehand surfing delivered another crucial 7.00 score to secure victory.
The result gave him a winning total and his long-awaited maiden Championship Tour title.
“It doesn’t feel real. This sport is so hard, and I’ve dedicated the last 10 years of my life to getting this win. That Final at Pipe last year really broke my heart, but I never gave up.”
Fioravanti said
The historic achievement lifted Fioravanti to World No. 3 in the rankings and delivered Italy’s first-ever Championship Tour victory.
Rankings Race Heats Up
The results have significantly reshaped the Championship Tour standings heading into the next event.
Moore’s back-to-back victories have elevated her to second in the women’s rankings, while Tyler Wright‘s runner-up finish signals a return to top form after reaching her first Final since winning at Pipeline in 2025.
On the men’s side, Ferreira maintains the yellow jersey despite finishing runner-up, while Fioravanti’s breakthrough victory places him firmly among the title contenders for 2026.
With momentum building and the world’s best surfers now heading to Brazil, the battle for Championship Tour supremacy is intensifying.
Eyes Turn To Rio
There is little time for recovery as the Championship Tour moves directly to South America for the VIVO Rio Pro.
The competition window runs from June 19 to June 27, where Ferreira will look to defend his World No. 1 ranking in front of passionate home fans, while Moore aims to continue her incredible winning streak and complete a hat-trick of Championship Tour victories.
After unforgettable performances at Punta Roca, the stage is set for another spectacular chapter in the 2026 World Surf League season.