Brazil’s Yago Dora delighted the home crowd with a spectacular victory at the VIVO Rio Pro Presented by Corona Cero, while American rising star Sawyer Lindblad captured the first Championship Tour title of her career after a breakthrough performance in Saquarema.
The sixth stop of the 2026 World Surf League Championship Tour delivered world-class surfing despite challenging conditions, with thousands of passionate Brazilian fans packing the beach to witness another memorable chapter of the season. While Dora claimed a second Rio Pro crown, Leonardo Fioravanti‘s runner-up finish was enough to see the Italian become World No. 1 for the first time in his career.
Dora Flies High Before Home Fans
Yago Dora once again proved why he is one of the most exciting surfers on Tour, combining explosive aerial surfing with powerful rail work to secure his fourth Championship Tour victory.
The Brazilian’s road to the title was anything but easy.
Dora eliminated Eli Hanneman and Marco Mignot before overcoming fellow Brazilian Miguel Pupo, where his performances began reaching another level. He then defeated Australia’s Ethan Ewing in the semi-finals with another excellent display highlighted by an 8.17 ride.
The Final produced a fascinating showdown against newly crowned World No. 1 Leonardo Fioravanti.
Fioravanti made the stronger start, but Dora quickly shifted the momentum with an incredible backhand full-rotation aerial that earned the highest score of the event, an outstanding 8.50. He backed it up with a 6.50 after another stylish air-reverse to place the Italian under immense pressure.
Despite a late push, Fioravanti could not find the 9.33 score required, handing Dora a famous victory in front of his home supporters.
The Brazilian finished the event with five of the six highest scores recorded throughout the competition.
“I knew Leo would get a big advantage if he got the win, so it was really important to win this one and get a little closer to him. The goal is No. 1 and I’m working really hard to get it again.”
Dora said
The victory lifted Dora to No. 2 in the Championship Tour rankings and kept the Brazilian Storm firmly in the world title race.
Fioravanti Reaches New Heights
Although he narrowly missed out on back-to-back victories after winning in El Salvador, Leonardo Fioravanti still left Brazil celebrating a historic milestone.
The Italian’s run to the Final included an impressive semi-final victory over local favourite João Chianca, a result that officially elevated him to World No. 1 for the first time in his career.
Following his maiden Championship Tour victory in El Salvador, Fioravanti has quickly transformed himself into one of the strongest world title contenders of 2026.
“We dream our whole lives to be in these places and fight for Finals against the best in the world. I’m very proud of my performances in the last two events.”
Fioravanti said
With six events remaining, the Italian now leads the rankings as he chases a first World Championship.
Lindblad Breaks Through
The women’s event belonged to Sawyer Lindblad, who finally claimed the Championship Tour victory many believed was only a matter of time.
After finishing runner-up at the Rio Pro in 2024, the 20-year-old American returned determined to go one better.
Her route to the title featured victories over Costa Rica’s Brisa Hennessy, Brazilian favourite Luana Silva and 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks.
In the Final she faced one of surfing’s brightest young talents, 15-year-old French sensation Tya Zebrowski, the youngest-ever Championship Tour qualifier.
The battle between two members of surfing’s next generation lived up to expectations, but Lindblad’s composure and consistency proved decisive as she claimed her maiden Championship Tour title.
The victory moves Lindblad to fourth in the Championship Tour standings and confirms her status as one of the leading stars of the new generation.
Women’s Title Race Tightens
While Lindblad celebrated her breakthrough, the Championship Tour title race remains incredibly close.
Back-to-back event winner Carissa Moore saw her winning streak end after a quarter-final defeat to Zebrowski, allowing fellow Hawaiian Gabriela Bryan to retain the World No. 1 ranking.
With Moore sitting second and Lindblad climbing rapidly, the battle for the women’s world title is shaping up to be one of the most competitive in recent seasons.
Shaper Rankings Continue
Away from the athlete standings, Lost Surfboards continued its impressive dominance in the Empire Surfboards Shaper Rankings Presented by VEIA.
Matt Biolos and his shaping team extended their lead with 93,345 points ahead of Sharp Eye on 76,745 as they continue their pursuit of a fourth consecutive shaper’s crown.
Tour Heads To Tahiti
Following the conclusion of the Latin American leg, the Championship Tour now pauses for its traditional mid-season break before returning to one of surfing’s most challenging venues.
The world’s best surfers will next battle the legendary reef break of Teahupo’o at the Outerknown Tahiti Pro Presented by I-SEA from August 8 to 18.
With Fioravanti wearing the yellow jersey, Dora carrying home momentum, and Lindblad announcing herself as a genuine title contender, the second half of the 2026 Championship Tour promises to deliver even more unforgettable moments.
