Levi Slawson of the United States surfs in the Final at the Lexus US Open of Surfing on August 3, 2025 at Huntington Beach, California. ©World Surf League. CR: Pat Nolan/World Surf League)
By PETERSON GONZAGA
Front Row Features
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA- The 2026 Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico returns to Huntington Beach from July 25 through Aug. 2, bringing together the world’s top longboarders and Challenger Series competitors for one of the sport’s premier events.
Held at the iconic Huntington Beach Pier, the competition serves as Stop No. 1 of the World Surf League (WSL) Longboard Tour and Stop No. 2 of the 2026 Challenger Series, with crucial ranking points on the line for surfers pursuing world titles and qualification for the 2027 Championship Tour (CT).
Longboard competition opens the event on Saturday, July 25, before the Challenger Series begins on Tuesday, July 28, following the conclusion of the Ballito Pro Presented by O’Neill in South Africa.
The Challenger Series remains the primary pathway to the Championship Tour, with Huntington Beach once again providing a pivotal stop in the qualification race. The event continues a rich surfing tradition dating back to 1959, when the West Coast Surfing Championships first established the city as one of the sport’s premier destinations.
This year’s field features a blend of established Championship Tour veterans, rising stars, and local favorites. Two-time US Open champion Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) returns alongside Olympic medalist Sky Brown (GBR), Southern California standouts Griffin Colapinto (USA) and Crosby Colapinto (USA), defending men’s champion Levi Slawson (USA), recent Ballito Pro winner Cole Houshmand (USA), and Huntington Beach surfers Luke Guinaldo (USA) and Bailey Turner (USA).
On the longboard side, defending event champion Avalon Gall (USA) headlines a strong field that includes four-time WSL Longboard World Champion Taylor Jensen (USA), three-time world champion Rachael Tilly (USA), 2023 world champion Kai Sallas (HAW), three-time world champion Soleil Errico (USA), and former event winners Kaniela Stewart (HAW) and Kelis Kaleopa’a (HAW).
Slawson Looks to Defend Title
Encinitas surfer Levi Slawson returns to Huntington Beach after capturing his first major victory at the 2025 US Open of Surfing. The win propelled him to a career-best No. 13 ranking on the Challenger Series, narrowly missing Championship Tour qualification.
A successful title defense would make Slawson just the third surfer to win consecutive US Open titles, joining Brett Simpson, who won in 2009 and 2010, and Kanoa Igarashi, who accomplished the feat in 2017 and 2018.
International Contenders Chase Championship Tour Spots
An international field will also be looking to strengthen their 2027 Championship Tour qualification campaigns. Brazil’s Mateus Herdy, runner-up in Huntington Beach in 2025, returns alongside current CT rookies Oscar Berry (AUS) and Luke Thompson (RSA).
The women’s field includes CT competitors Nadia Erostarbe (ESP), Anat Lelior (ISR), Francisca Veselko (POR), and two-time US Open champion Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS).
Under the Championship Tour’s revised qualification system, surfers can secure their place for the following season either through the CT rankings or the Challenger Series. If a surfer qualifies through both pathways, the Challenger Series qualification spot rolls down to the next eligible competitor, increasing the importance of every result throughout the season.
Jarvis Earle of Australia after surfing in Heat 1 of the Round of 32 at the Lexus US Open of Surfing on August 9, 2024 at Huntington Beach, California. ©World Surf Leagues. CR: Emma Sharon/World Surf League)
Longboard World Title Race Begins
The Huntington Beach event also marks the opening stop of the 2026-27 World Longboard Tour season, where competitors begin their pursuit of a place in the WSL Longboard Finals.
The men’s field enters with the world title wide open following a foot injury to reigning World Longboard Champion Kai Ellice-Flint (AUS). Defending US Open champion Avalon Gall returns after finishing a career-best second in the world last season behind reigning world champion Rachael Tilly.
Watch Live
Competition runs July 25 through Aug. 2, with live coverage available once competition is called ON through WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL App.
The 2026 Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico is supported by Lexus, Pacifico, Red Bull, Hoag, 805, Go RVing, Best Western, Jack’s Surfboards, Huntington Surf & Sport, Visit Huntington Beach, and other event partners.
