Chile Surazo Infernal World Cup
The Chile World Cup exploded into action today with mast-high surf and perfect down-the-line conditions, setting the stage for the opening rounds of the Champions Bracket in both the men’s and women’s divisions. Under a blazing sun and with a massive local crowd lining the hotels and cafes, the boardwalk, and the beach, the world’s best wave riders delivered a day of non-stop highlights, drama, and unforgettable moments.
One of the biggest moments of the day came from local favourite Benjamin Fabres (Goya Windsurfing), who stunned the field in Heat 5 of the men’s R6 CT Seeding round. Against seasoned global veterans, including last year’s champion Camille Juban (AV Boards / S2Maui) and tour veteran Jules Denel (Tabou / GA Sails), Fabres rose to the occasion in front of his home crowd, delivering a series of committed, critical turns, stylish aerials, and a spectacular goiter to score 11.13 points—which was one of the top heat scores of the day.
As Fabres kicked out of his final wave and returned to the beach, the crowd erupted. Hundreds of fans lining the shore cheered wildly, chanting his name and rushing toward him as he stepped back onto the sand. With flags waving, music pumping, and the beach commentator going wild with excitement, the atmosphere was more reminiscent of a football stadium than a surf event. It was likely a moment that will go down in Chilean windsurfing history.
To win a 5-star Champions Round heat at home, in front of his family and friends, after fighting his way through a huge field of challenger riders, must have been something he dreamed about. It was a very special moment for him and for this community—so proud and excited by their hero. And there’s a good chance he’s not done yet.
Women’s Champions Bracket Heats Up
In the women’s draw, the top seeds began their run in Round 2, with 25-time world champion and reigning wave world champion Sarah-Quita Offringa (Starboard / NeilPryde / Maui Ultra Fins), Sol Degrieck (Severne Windsurfing), Pauline Katz (Severne Windsurfing), and Lina Erpenstein (Severne Windsurfing) all advancing with confidence. Lisa Wermeister (Duotone Windsurfing / Maui Ultra Fins) also impressed, while Maria Andrés showed her veteran skill, winning Round 3 Heat 1.
The women made it to the last redemption heat before being forced to cancel due to the dropping wind.
Men’s Champions Bracket Stacked for Battle
The men’s Round of 24 is now fully set after an incredible day of seeding and redemption heats. Standouts included heat winners:
• Marcilio Browne (Goya Windsurfing / MFC) (13.03 points) – Four-time wave world champion and reigning world champion, posted the highest score of the day with a world champ’s precision.
• Robby Swift (JP / NeilPryde) (12.33 points) – Took his power riding to town in the great conditions.
• Philip Köster (Severne Windsurfing / Black Project Fins) (10.17 points) – Returning to top form.
• Julian Salmonn (Naish / Naish Sails) (11.93 points) – Showing explosive power.
• Benjamin Fabres (11.13 points) – Setting the beach on fire.
The elite 24-man bracket will get underway tomorrow. The road to the final is packed with potential matchups that fans have been dreaming about.
This is the kind of day that defines a world tour—incredible waves, world-class performances, and a crowd that brought the kind of energy that makes this sport truly global. Benjamin Fabres’ moment today was magical—pure emotion, pure sport.
Follow all the action with live broadcasts and scores on the official event page.