Sawyer Lindblad and Levi Slawson Win Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 3: Levi Slawson of the United States and Sawyer Lindblad of the United States after winning the Final at the Lexus US Open of Surfing on August 3, 2025 at Huntington Beach, California. (Photo by Pat Nolan/World Surf League)

Sawyer Lindblad (USA) and Levi Slawson (USA) won the 2025 Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico, Stop No. 3 on the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series, in an all-time finish to the competition in Huntington Beach. Three-to-five, occasional six-foot sets, pulsed into the Huntington Beach Pier arena for incredible performances, leading to the two Californians surging into US Open of Surfing history. With today’s finalists and event champions, major shifts in the rankings indicate new frontrunners looking for Championship Tour (CT) qualification, including event runner-ups Tya Zebrowski (FRA), who is now ranked No. 1 on the Challenger Series, and Mateus Herdy (BRA), who moves up to No. 2 on the Challenger rankings. 

Sawyer Lindblad Earns Second US Open of Surfing Victory

19-year-old Sawyer Lindblad (USA) added her name to US Open of Surfing history once again with her second event victory, joining the likes of Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS), Courtney Conlogue (USA), Brett Simpson (USA), Kanoa Igarashi (USA), and more in rarified air. Lindblad’s win in 2023 helped secure her spot on the Championship Tour (CT), where she went on to become Rookie of the Year and now awaits her 2026 season after requalifying for the CT earlier this year. 

“It feels pretty good. The first time I felt like I wasn’t expecting it, and this time I felt more pressure. Tya [Zebrowski] was surfing super good so congrats to her and I’m just so grateful to have one here again with my family here,” said Lindblad. “I feel like I’ve definitely grown as a surfer. My first win got me onto the CT and set me up for my career, and this one just feels extra special especially after not making the cut. I knew I could’ve made a charge for the Final 5 if I didn’t get cut so it felt like this is a good redemption.”

A battle of event standouts unfolded for the women’s Final with a quick start from Zebrowski over Lindblad. 14-year-old Zebrowski accrued a 12.34 (out of a possible 20) in the first five minutes of the Final before Lindblad found a gem to unleash her backhand attack on a two-turn combo and earn a 6.50 to close the gap on Zebrowski. A crucial exchange at the 20-minute mark witnessed Lindblad utilize her forehand power, earning a 6.23 and the lead before Zebrowski answered back moments later on a forehand combination all her own. But the score fell just short of the requirement, and Lindblad remained in the lead.

Then, Lindblad showcased more of her forehand dominance and laid into a closeout section with everything she had to post a 6.67 and push the lead. Zebrowski’s last effort witnessed the teenager soar and nearly land an air-reverse. But, she couldn’t stick the landing and Lindblad claimed her second US Open of Surfing title.

“All year I worked really hard, and it felt deflating when it wasn’t playing out in the competitions, just not hitting in the heats,” continued Lindblad. “But this feels really good and like it pays off. Thank you to everyone for watching and supporting me, and thank you to my family for coming down with me every day.”

Lindblad showed her desire for a second event title throughout the weekend with some of the event’s best performances. Lindblad’s forehand power, along with her backhand precision, carried her through Finals Day, starting with former CTer Sophie McCulloch (AUS). Then, Lindblad took down fellow 2026 CT requalifier Brisa Hennessy (CRC) in a stout Semifinal clash that propelled her toward a second US Open of Surfing Final.

Levi Slawson Claims Major Breakthrough, Completes Southern California Sweep

Encinitas, Calif., competitor Levi Slawson’s (USA) resume is packed with accolades, including multiple Qualifying Series and Pro Junior wins, a runner-up at the WSL World Junior Championships, and now a US Open of Surfing title after overcoming perennial qualification threat Mateus Herdy (BRA) in a nail-biting finish. Slawson now moves to No. 4 on the rankings on his quest to qualify for the 2026 CT. 

“I’ve worked so hard for these kind of moments through my career and I’ve watched the US Open my whole life, and I’ve never even dreamt of being here,” said Slawson. “Being in the Final with Mateus was so hard. He’s such a good surfer and you can’t really give him anything. In the end that wave looked terrible and he almost pulled it off. It’s just pouring out of me now. This whole week I’ve just been trying to keep my cool and I’ve surfed here so many times, and just focus on good surfing. It’s really come down to me just focusing on myself and believing in myself and just trusting everything. I’m in disbelief.”

The men’s Final featured two of the Challenger Series’ top-tier talents with 2024 Challengers, No. 20 Slawson and No. 12  Herdy. Both posted multiple excellent showings throughout their run to the Final, and Slawson started with fireworks on a massive air-reverse to post a 7.33 for an early lead. Herdy stayed busy and took a slim lead over Slawson with two minimal scores, but Slawson responded with a two-turn combination on his backhand to post a 6.17 and push Herdy’s requirement to a 7.93 heading into the 20-minute mark. 

But, it all came down to the final moments with Herdy desperately searching for the score and, under priority, sent himself soaring and reemerged from the white water. The score came in at a 7.77, just under the requirement, and Slawson earned a maiden Challenger Series victory and piece of US Open of Surfing history.

14-Year-Old Tya Zebrowski Leads Next Generation with Runner-up Finish

Next-gen phenom Tya Zebrowski (FRA) continues to take the world by storm and now moves to No. 1 on the Challenger Series. The Tahitian, Zebrowski, had to overcome recent Ballito Pro winner Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) in a Quarterfinal battle where she posted a 9.00 (out of a possible 10)  before a nail-biter victory over rising talent Annette Gonzalez Extabarri (EUK). This marked Zebrowski’s first Final appearance on the 2025 Challenger Series as she heads to Portugal in commanding form. 

“It feels so good. I’m just really happy to be No. 1 on the Challenger Series rankings now and really happy to make it to the Final,” said Zebrowski. “I really wanted to do better after getting second at Ericeira last year, but I feel so happy to start really good this season and hope to continue like that. My goal this year is to qualify, and now I just want to stay in the Top 5 and realize my dream.”

Mateus Herdy Reasserts Himself as Leading Qualification Threat

Renowned Challenger Series contender Mateus Herdy (BRA) proved he remains a perennial qualification threat with jaw-dropping performances from start to finish. Herdy’s aerial antics set him apart throughout the week, culminating in an event-best 9.50 in his Quarterfinal heat with Dimitri Poulos (USA) before a gritty Semifinal bout against compatriot and former CTer Michael Rodrigues (BRA). Now, Herdy sits at No. 2 on the rankings, moving into the Ericeira Pro. 

“I didn’t win, but I think surfing itself won. It was a great Final with Levi [Slawson] in a Snapt 5 Final,” said Herdy. “I’m so thankful for everything that has happened here with my family here, all my friends, it’s pretty awesome. I really wanted to win, but it was Levi’s day and I’m ready for the rest of the year. I’ve been so close to qualifying so many times I don’t want to jinx it. I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing. All my sponsors, I can’t thank them enough, and just want to keep going for the rest of the year.”

The next stop on the 2025 Challenger Series is the Ericeira Pro, which holds a competition window from September 29 to October 5, 2025. 

For more information and highlights from today’s competition at the Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com. 

Lexus US Open of Surfing Women’s Final Results:
1 – Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 13.17
2 – Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 12.57

Lexus US Open of Surfing Men’s Final Results:
1 – Levi Slawson (USA) 13.50
2 – Mateus Herdy (BRA) 13.27

Lexus US Open of Surfing Women’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 10.07 DEF. Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 9.50
HEAT 2: Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 12.40 DEF. Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) 11.16

Lexus US Open of Surfing Men’s Semifinal Results:
HEAT 1: Mateus Herdy (BRA) 13.04 DEF. Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 11.56
HEAT 2: Levi Slawson (USA) 13.43 DEF. Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 11.93

Lexus US Open of Surfing Women’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 12.53 DEF. Vahine Fierro (FRA) 10.33
HEAT 2: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 12.00 DEF. Sophie McCulloch (AUS) 9.84
HEAT 3: Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 15.10 DEF. Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) 13.50
HEAT 4: Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) 12.93 DEF. Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 12.50

Lexus US Open of Surfing Men’s Quarterfinal Results:
HEAT 1: Mateus Herdy (BRA) 16.33 DEF. Dimitri Poulos (USA) 14.57
HEAT 2: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 12.76 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 12.37
HEAT 3: Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 12.20 DEF. Taro Watanabe (USA) 10.07
HEAT 4: Levi Slawson (USA) 15.33 DEF. Kade Matson (USA) 14.20

Next Stop on the 2025 Challenger Series: Ericeira Pro 
The next stop, Stop No. 4 of 7, on the 2025 Challenger Series will be the Ericeira Pro, which holds a competition window from September 29 to October 5, 2025. The event will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners. 

The Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico is proudly supported by Lexus, Pacifico, YETI, 805 Beer, Hoag Hospital, Red Bull, Neutrogena, Apple Watch, Best Western, Body Glove, Bonsoy, Dakine, Flexfit, Amazon Eero, I-Heart LA, I-SEA, Jack’s Surfboards, Open Water, Three Olives, Kraken, Suncruiser, Seaglass, Casamigos, Surfline, Fu Wax, NO CAP!, Spongebob, Visit Huntington Beach, Huntington Surf x Sport, Visit El Salvador, and John Wayne Airport. 

For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com. 

About the WSL
The World Surf League (WSL) is the global home of competitive surfing, crowning World Champions since 1976 and showcasing the world’s best surfing. The WSL oversees surfing’s global competitive landscape and sets the standard for elite performance in the most dynamic playing field in all of sports. With a firm commitment to its values, the WSL prioritizes the protection of the ocean, equality, and the sport’s rich heritage, while championing progression and innovation. For more information, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.