Siargao’s famed Cloud 9 break will host a World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour event for the first time, marking a milestone for Philippine surfing as the country joins the elite global circuit in 2026 and 2027.
The WSL announced that the Philippines Pro, presented by the Philippine Sports Commission, has been upgraded to a Championship Tour stop and will run from Oct. 31 to Nov. 10 this year. The event was previously part of the Qualifying Series.
WSL CEO Ryan Crosby said elevating Cloud 9 to Championship Tour status recognizes both the quality of its waves and the Philippines’ growing role in international surfing.
Cloud 9, known for its powerful right-hand barrels, is considered one of the best wave breaks in the world and has hosted the Siargao International Surfing Cup since 1996.
The event will feature 24 men and 16 women competing for crucial ranking points ahead of the season-ending Pipe Masters in December.
Filipino surfer John Mark Tokong has been named as the event’s wildcard entry. The 29-year-old Siargao native is a four-time champion at Cloud 9 and a former Challenger Series qualifier, widely regarded as one of the country’s top surfing talents.
“It was honestly hard to believe at first; getting the chance to compete in a CT event at my home break is one of my biggest dreams,” Tokong said, adding that the global spotlight on Siargao is a proud moment for the local surfing community.
Organizers said a local trials competition will determine two additional wildcard spots, ensuring at least three Filipinos compete at the sport’s highest level.
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Patrick Gregorio called the event “a historic moment” that could inspire a new generation of athletes and boost the country’s presence in the global surfing scene.
The Philippines will also host a World Longboard Tour event in January 2027 at Monoliza Point in San Juan, La Union, further expanding its footprint in international surfing competitions.
Officials said the back-to-back events are expected to support both sports development and tourism, positioning the Philippines as a premier surfing destination in Asia.
