Wright and Mamiya win the 2025 Lexus Pipe Pro
Photo: Barron Mamiya and Tyler Wright - Pipe Pro 2025 Credit: WSL / Brent Bielmann
BANZAI PIPELINE, Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi, USA (Saturday, February 8, 2025) — Tyler Wright (AUS) and Barron Mamiya (HAW) claimed victory in the Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI, the opening event of the World Surf League (WSL) 2025 Championship Tour (CT). Wright bested Caitlin Simmers (USA), the defending champion, while Mamiya triumphed over 2023 runner-up Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) in a thrilling men’s final.
The day’s swell, ranging from four to six feet, was shaped by light offshore winds, perfect for the long barrels of Backdoor’s right and occasional Pipeline bombs. Despite being less intense than the previous day, the Finals delivered intense and exciting match-ups.
Wright Earns Second Victory at Pipeline, Reclaims Yellow Leader’s Jersey
Tyler Wright’s second win at Pipeline marked her 17th Championship Tour victory, and she now leads the WSL rankings in the Yellow Leader’s Jersey. In her third final at the iconic North Shore venue, Wright claimed the win over reigning World Champion Caitlin Simmers. Wright previously defeated Carissa Moore (HAW) at Pipeline in 2021 but was narrowly defeated by Moore in the 2023 final.
"This is such a special win,” Wright said. “I'm always a little bit scared to love surfing because I've been injured so many times. It's just one of those ones where this has been really nice. Last year, I was injured a lot more than I feel like people thought I was. So to come back and have, like, a really nice off season with my wife. It's just, it's so special."
In a close battle, Wright overcame early struggles and managed to secure the first notable score after the heat’s halfway point. Her defining barrel at Backdoor clinched the win.
Simmers and Picklum Deliver Backdoor Shootout for the Ages
Defending champion Simmers held onto the Yellow Leader’s Jersey for several months before Wright's victory. Simmers’ journey to the final included a close Quarterfinal against fellow Californian Sawyer Lindblad (USA) and an epic Semifinal battle against Molly Picklum (AUS). The heat between Simmers and Picklum was a thrilling shootout that will likely be remembered as one of the best of the year.
"I think watching this wave from inside and out, whether you're in the barrel or just watching it from the beach is one of the most beautiful things ever," Simmers said. "I kind of just wish the Final was a barrel shootout, but sometimes she sleeps and the ocean definitely slept during our heat. But Tyler [Wright] is a very smart competitor and she just got the waves. Congrats to her."
Back-to-Back Victories Place Mamiya Amongst Hawaiian Royalty
Barron Mamiya secured his place in Pipeline's history by becoming the sixth surfer to win the event back-to-back. He joins surfing legends Andy Irons and Rory Russell as the only Hawaiians to achieve this feat. Mamiya’s victory places him firmly in the conversation as one of the best to ever surf Pipeline.
"I really can't believe it happened again, I'm super grateful,” Mamiya said. “Winning it, you know, cool, right on, you did it, it's a big deal. But trying to do back-to-back, I feel like that cements you as one of the best ever out here. That was my goal going to this comp and I did it."
Throughout the event, Mamiya displayed impeccable control, using a combination of Backdoor and Pipeline waves to consistently post high scores. His victory was hard-earned after a dramatic comeback from Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA), who almost overtook Mamiya in the final minutes of the heat.
Unbelievable Comeback Further Secures Fioravanti’s Status as Serious Pipe Contender
Fioravanti's impressive comeback secured him a second-place finish and further solidified his reputation as a serious contender at Pipeline. After a slow start in the final, Fioravanti earned near-perfect scores, including an incredible 9.10 wave that brought him within striking distance of Mamiya. His remarkable resilience earned the respect of his peers.
"I'm proud of myself and I'm stoked to be here," Fioravanti said. "Barron [Mamiya] had me in combo, but I just thought, you know what, two Backdoor waves can do it. And needing a 9.11 and getting a 9.10, it's tough. It's tough, but I am very proud of myself for coming back and giving myself that chance. Congratulations to Barron. He is one of the greatest Pipe surfers of all time. I truly believe that."
Strong Season Start for Trio of Brazilian Goofyfooters
Brazil’s Italo Ferreira and Miguel Pupo, along with Ian Gouveia, made a strong start to their seasons with impressive performances in the early rounds. Ferreira triumphed over Pupo in a thrilling Quarterfinal match, while Gouveia pulled off a remarkable victory over Kelly Slater (USA), who had been eliminated from the event in the Quarterfinals for the first time in 27 appearances.
"To be with Kelly [Slater] in a man-to-man heat in Pipeline, it's the biggest thing that I can ask for," Gouveia said. "It's unbelievable to have this opportunity."
Lexus Pipe Pro 2025 Results
Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI Women’s Final Results:
- 1 - Tyler Wright (AUS) 7.70
- 2 - Caitlin Simmers (USA) 3.94
Lexus Pipe Pro Presented by YETI Men’s Final Results:
- 1 - Barron Mamiya (HAW) 17.97
- 2 - Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 17.97
Source: World Surf League