Photo by Thiago Diz – For WSL
Looking back at The 2022 WSL Championship Tour
2022 has been an exciting season, with format changes, surprises, and excellent performances. As the mid-season cut got introduced, it became yet another season with changes to the world tour format that made the pressure on the athletes even bigger.
The mid-season cut gave us, as fans and spectators, an extra level of excitement, while it forced the Surfers to stay on top of their game throughout the season.
The new format has shown its potential as we have had more chances to see the best surfers in head-to-head heats this year. Something Stephanie Gilmore realized during finals when she managed to surf her way back into the final heats against Carissa More.
As Stephanie said in her post-heat interview:
"There are not many words that can describe this feeling right now, and that's why I now really love this format.
It puts the pressure on you, it puts you under the pump - can you do it, it’s truly incredible.”
Stephanie Gilmore makes history & becomes an eight-time WSL World Champion
Stephanie Gilmore no longer has to share the record for most Women’s world title wins with her compatriot Layne Beachley as she claims her eight-title win at Lower Trestles.
Her performance at The 2022 Rip Curl Finals day event was incredible and shows why she is a worthy winner of the 2022 world title. After a challenging season, she came to finals day in fifth place and had to surf three heads before making it into the final match against world number one Carissa More.
Her road to the final was definitely not easy. She had to defeat three of the best surfers counting; Brisa Hennessy, Tatiana Weston-Webb, and Johanne Defay. In the final match, Stephanie Gilmore exemplified her dominance after winning two intense heats against Carissa More.
Filipe Toledo ends a perfect season & claims his first world title
Italo Ferreira was also coming from deep. Just like Stephanie, he managed to make his way from match one – all the way to the final match against Filipe Toledo.
Italo Ferreira came prepared, in shape, and with the same energy that characterizes his energetic style of surfing. At some points throughout the day, it felt like he had a limited amount of energy and he definitely put on his best performance on finals day!
However, in the end, Filipe Toledo came out on top and put an end to Italo’s dream run.
Filipe came into the event looking calm and collected and his confidence was projected in his performance, as he won both heats against Italo Ferreira and manifested his first world title after a flawless season.
The Brazilian storm continues in 2022, and both finalists were stoked about their results on finals day, as they got to sink in.
“It’s been incredible,” said Ferreira.
“I’m just so thankful for the opportunity. I’ve been a regular in the Top 5 for the past few years and I just hope that I continue to be blessed, stay healthy and continue to evolve. I’m stoked for Filipe, he totally deserves this title and I’m glad that I made it to the Finals today.”
Photo by Pat Nolan – For WSL
“It doesn’t get much better than this,” said Toledo. “This is for Brazil, for my family, and for you all here.
First of all I want to thank Jesus. What he did for all my life and the last week, and the entire year. I kept calm and collected with help from the guy up there. Last night we had a moment with Pastor John, Terry, my wife and whole family and two words that he gave to us were peace and power. That’s what I had all day.”
Photo by Pat Nolan – For WSL
2022 Rip Curl WSL Finals day Results:
| RIp Curl WSL Finals 2022 | Surfer |
|---|---|
| Men's Champion | Filipe Toledo (BRA) |
| Men's Runner Up | Ítalo Ferreira (BRA) |
| Women's Champion | Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) |
| Women's Runner Up | Carissa Moore (HAW) |
- Women’s Match 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 14.76 DEF. Brisa Hennessy (CRI) 14.33
- Men’s Match 1: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 13.37 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (USA) 11.83
- Women’s Match 2: Stephanie Gilmore (USA) 15.30 DEF. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 14.87
- Men’s Match 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 13.10 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 11.83
- Women’s Match 3: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 16.83 DEF. Johanne Defay (FRA) 10.53
- Men’s Match 3: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 12.10 DEF. Jack Robinson (AUS) 4.30
- Women’s Title Match, Heat 1: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.00 DEF. Carissa Moore (HAW) 10.90
- Men’s Title Match, Heat 1: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 15.13 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 14.97
- Women’s Title Match, Heat 2: Stephanie Gilmore (AUS) 15.23 DEF. Carissa Moore (HAW) 11.97
- Men’s Title Match, Heat 2: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 16.50 DEF. Italo Ferreira (BRA) 14.93
Stephanie Gilmore became the 2022 World Champion of The WSL Women’s Championship Tour.
Filipe Toledo became the 2022 World Champion of The WSL Men’s Championship Tour.
Find interviews, highlights, and much more from Finals Day at: WorldSurfLeague.com
