Luana Silva and Bronson Meydi Claim Historic Victories at WSL World Junior Championships
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URBIZTONDO BEACH, San Juan, La Union, Philippines (Saturday, January 18, 2025) — History was made at Urbiztondo Beach as Brazil’s Luana Silva and Indonesia’s Bronson Meydi emerged victorious at the 2024 World Surf League (WSL) World Junior Championships, presented by TPB Philippines. The competition saw the world’s top junior surfers, aged 20 and under, battle through the event at Monaliza Point, where pristine three-to-four-foot waves set the stage for an unforgettable finale.
Bronson Meydi Secures Indonesia’s First WSL World Title
Bronson Meydi (INA) etched his name into the record books by becoming the first Indonesian surfer to win a WSL World Title. The young competitor displayed an outstanding performance in the Final against Australia’s Winter Vincent, capping off an incredible season in which he dominated all three qualifying events. With this victory, Meydi earns a place in the 2025 Challenger Series, marking a significant milestone in his career.
This feels so amazing, and I’m still a bit in shock," said Meydi. "To do this for Indonesia feels so special. I’m super proud to bring this trophy home. It’s been an amazing week here in the Philippines. I always love my time here, and it just got a whole lot more special."
The Final was a thrilling showdown, with both surfers delivering outstanding performances. Vincent continued his dominant form, securing a two-wave total of 17.84 out of 20 through a seamless blend of power and aerial progression. However, Meydi saved his best for last, scoring a perfect 10-point ride with two massive full-rotation air reverses. His final two-wave total of 18.80 was the highest of the entire event, sealing his historic win.
I knew I would have to go big against Winter [Vincent]," added Meydi. "He has been the guy to beat all week, and his surfing is amazing. I want to congratulate him on making the Final and having such a great performance here. I’m just super happy with this and look forward to celebrating with all my friends and family who support me so much."
Luana Silva Becomes Brazil’s First Female World Junior Champion
Luana Silva (BRA) made history as the first Brazilian woman to win the WSL World Junior Title after an electrifying Final against Japan’s Kana Nakashio. A member of Brazil’s 2024 Olympic team and a former Championship Tour competitor, Silva added another major achievement to her career with this hard-fought victory.
This feels so good," Silva said. "I have no words for this. I’ve been going through a bit of a rough time, I recently lost a good childhood friend of mine. I think she sent me that last wave, and this one is definitely for her. This is for her and her family, which feels so good."
The Final was a tightly contested battle, with Nakashio initially holding the upper hand. In the last 90 seconds, Silva caught a crucial wave to edge ahead, only for Nakashio to briefly regain the lead. With time running out, Silva found one last opportunity, executing two vertical re-entries to post a two-wave total of 12.23, clinching the win in dramatic fashion.
I grinded through all of my heats," Silva continued. "I never really found a great wave and surfed scrappy heats, but I guess I did a good enough job in each heat to get through and get the job done. I’m just so happy right now."
Runners-Up Shine in La Union
Australian standout Winter Vincent (AUS) was one of the event’s top performers, posting some of the highest heat scores throughout the competition. Despite falling short in the Final, Vincent was pleased with his performance and the overall experience in the Philippines.
This is definitely the biggest event I have ever been in, so I’m stoked to make the Final," Vincent said. "Obviously, it would have been great to go one step further, but I’m really happy with how I surfed. I have loved my time in the Philippines; the waves have been fun, and the people are so nice. Congrats to Bronson on taking the win, his surfing today was on another level and it was fun to be a part of it and push one another."
Japan’s Kana Nakashio (JPN) also impressed throughout the competition, showcasing her strong connection with the waves at La Union. Despite a close loss in the Final, she leaves the event with another remarkable result and shifts her focus to Challenger Series qualification.
I’m really happy to make the Final here," Nakashio said. "Luana is such an amazing surfer and I’m happy for her to win this event. I love the Philippines and always have such a good time here with so many fun waves. I can’t wait to come back."
2024 World Junior Championships Results
Women’s Final:
- Luana Silva (BRA) – 12.23
- Kana Nakashio (JPN) – 11.67
Men’s Final:
- Bronson Meydi (INA) – 18.80
- Winter Vincent (AUS) – 17.84
The 2024 WSL World Junior Championships were proudly supported by The Tourism Promotions Board of the Philippines, the Philippines Department of Tourism, Love The Philippines, the Province of La Union, and San Juan LGU.
Source: World Surf League