cole Houshmand Claims Victory at VIVO Rio Pro
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In a thrilling showdown at Saquarema, Brazil, Cole Houshmand emerged victorious at the VIVO Rio Pro, defeating fellow San Clemente surfer Griffin Colapinto. This win marks Houshmand’s second championship Tour (CT) title, solidifying his presence on the world surfing stage. The final saw both surfers delivering impressive performances, with Houshmand posting a combined score of 16.90 to Colapinto’s 14.40. On the women’s side, Molly Picklum clinched the title, further highlighting the competitive spirit of the event.
Houshmand’s Path to Victory
The final day of the VIVO rio Pro saw both Houshmand and Colapinto navigate through three heats each to reach the final. houshmand’s journey included wins over Jake Marshall and Miguel Pupo, while Colapinto triumphed over Jordy Smith and Ethan Ewing. Though, the final showcased their best surfing, with both athletes pushing their limits in the offshore conditions.
Camila Othon/World Surf League
houshmand set the tone early with a series of powerful hacks, earning a remarkable 9.40, the highest single-wave score of the competition. His second maneuver involved a radical release of the fins while submerging the rail, demonstrating his technical prowess. Colapinto responded with an explosive backside blowtail, securing an 8.23. However, Houshmand maintained his lead with consistent scores, ultimately sealing the victory.
Did you Know? Cole Houshmand is the first non-Brazilian surfer to win the VIVO Rio Pro since John John Florence in 2016.
Picklum Dominates Women’s Competition
Molly Picklum’s victory in the women’s division further underscored the high level of competition at the VIVO Rio Pro. Picklum showcased her skills throughout the event, ultimately defeating Luana Silva in the final. Her win propelled her to the top of the world rankings, solidifying her position as a leading contender for the WSL Finals at Cloudbreak.
Camila Othon/World surf League
Key Moments and Highlights
the VIVO rio Pro was filled with memorable moments, including Griffin Colapinto’s victory over world No.1 Jordy Smith, Miguel Pupo’s emotional win against Yago dora, and Ethan Ewing’s triumph over crowd favorite italo Ferreira. Erin Brooks’s semifinal finish propelled her to No.8 in the rankings, increasing her chances of competing at cloudbreak.
Thiago says & sun; World Surf League
Despite the impressive surfing, the wave quality at Saquarema has been a topic of discussion. While the event provides a vibrant atmosphere for spectators, the beachbreak conditions frequently enough fall short compared to other CT venues. However, the upcoming events at Jeffreys Bay and Teahupo’o promise to deliver world-class waves as surfers vie for a spot in the WSL Finals.
Thiago says & sun; World Surf League
Following the VIVO Rio Pro, Cole Houshmand moved up to No. 12 in the rankings, while Griffin Colapinto climbed to No. 6. Molly Picklum’s victory secured her the No. 1 spot in the world, setting the stage for an exciting conclusion to the season.
Camila Othon/world Surf League
VIVO Rio Pro Results
| Division | Winner | Runner-Up |
|---|---|---|
| Men’s Final | Cole Houshmand (USA) | Griffin Colapinto (USA) |
| Women’s Final | Molly Picklum (AUS) | Luana Silva (BRA) |
Semifinal Results
Men’s Semifinals
- Cole houshmand (USA) 15.06 DEF. Miguel Pupo (BRA) 13.83
- Griffin Colapinto (USA) 14.84 DEF. Ethan Ewing (AUS) 14.20
Women’s Semifinals
- Luana Silva (BRA) 10.43 Def. Caroline Marks (USA) 6.57
- Molly Picklum (AUS) 13.06 DEF. Erin Brooks (CAN) 7.60
Quarterfinal Results
Men’s Quarterfinals
- Miguel Pupo (Bra) 12.33 def. Yago dora (Bra) 10.30
- Cole houshmand (USA) 13.50 DEF. Jake Marshall (USA) 13.26
- Griffin Colapinto (USA) 14.90 DEF. Jordy Smith (RSA) 9.80
- Ethan Ewing (AUS) 14.43 DEF. Italo ferreira (BRA) 13.40
Women’s quarterfinals
- Caroline Marks (USA) 12.16 DEF. Tatiana Weston-Webb (BRA) 4.10
- Luana Silva (BRA) 12.80 DEF. Tyler Wright (AUS) 8.84
- Molly Picklum (AUS) 10.50 DEF.Arena Rodriguez (PER) 7.17
- Erin Brooks (CAN) 9.84 DEF. lakey Peterson (USA) 8.94
The Evolution of Professional Surfing in Brazil
Brazil has become a powerhouse in the world of professional surfing, consistently producing top-ranked athletes and hosting significant events like the VIVO Rio Pro. The country’s passion for surfing, combined with its diverse coastline, has fostered a thriving surf culture. According to the World Surf League, Brazilian surfers have consistently dominated the competition scene, with names like gabriel Medina and Filipe Toledo leading the charge[[1]. The VIVO Rio Pro,held annually in Saquarema,not only showcases the talent of Brazilian surfers but also attracts international competitors,contributing to the growth and popularity of the sport in the region.
The economic impact of surfing events in Brazil is ample, driving tourism and supporting local businesses. The WSL estimates that each major event generates millions of dollars in revenue for the host city[[2]. Furthermore,the increasing media coverage of surfing competitions has elevated the profile of Brazilian surfers,making them influential figures both on and off the waves. As the sport continues to evolve, Brazil is expected to remain a central hub for professional surfing, nurturing future generations of talent and hosting world-class events.
Frequently Asked Questions About the VIVO Rio Pro
- What are the criteria for judging surfers in the VIVO Rio Pro?
- Surfers are judged on their commitment and degree of difficulty, innovative and progressive maneuvers, combination of major maneuvers, variety of maneuvers, and overall speed, power, and flow[[3].
- How does the VIVO Rio Pro affect the WSL rankings?
- The VIVO Rio Pro is a significant event that awards points towards the WSL Championship tour rankings. A strong performance can significantly improve a surfer’s position and chances of qualifying for the WSL Finals[[4].
- what makes saquarema a unique location for a surfing competition?
- Saquarema offers consistent beach break conditions and a vibrant surf culture, making it a popular destination for both surfers and spectators. The passionate local support adds to the unique atmosphere of the event[[5].
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the upcoming events at Jeffreys Bay and Teahupo’o, as they will be crucial in determining the final lineup for the WSL Finals at Cloudbreak.
What were your favorite moments from the VIVO Rio Pro? Who do you think will dominate at Jeffreys Bay and Teahupo’o?
Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
