HUNTINGTON BEACH, Calif., USA (Sunday, August 11, 2024) - Today, Sally Fitzgibbons (USA) and Alan Cleland Jr (MEX) won the World Surf League (WSL) Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico, Stop No. 4 of the 2024 Challenger Series. Two-to-three-foot, inconsistent swell was no issue for Fitzgibbons and Cleland on Finals Day as they overpowered the famed Huntington Beach lineup to secure wins over Bella Kenworthy (USA) and Marco Mignot (FRA) in their respective Finals. A shuffle in the rankings provided an array of upsets and elation throughout the week of competition. As the race for the 2025 Championship Tour (CT) qualification comes to the final two events, up-and-comers and veterans are both in the running on the Challenger Series leaderboard.
Sally Fitzgibbons Secures Second US Open of Surfing Win
In a remarkable Lexus US Open of Surfing run, Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) pushed her way to back-to-back Final showings in Huntington Beach. She is now ranked No. 1 on the Challenger Series' rankings. The 33-year-old was undeniable throughout the week following her induction to the Huntington Beach Walk of Fame.
"It's a very special place and a very special beach," said Fitzgibbons. "I just love that I can keep showing up, you never know what's around the corner. You just have to believe, 'You know what it could be my day,' and 'Why not?' It's just so special."
Fitzgibbons surged through Finals Day, beginning with a dynamic Quarterfinal win over Sophia Medina (BRA). Fitzgibbons then defeated now No. 5 Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) in the Semifinals before her Final heat with Southern California's own Bella Kenworthy (USA). She continues to showcase her best in Huntington Beach with her second US Open of Surfing title.
"I've just stopped connecting things, I've stopped connecting the dots," added Fitzgibbons. "I'm just enjoying this right now. It's like climbing a mountain for each individual event. There's so many amazing surfers in this draw, and I just want to tell them to keep going."
The women's Final unfolded between Fitzgibbons and 17-year-old Bella Kenworthy (USA). Kenworthy earned her second-consecutive Final appearance on the 2024 Challenger Series. A quick start witnessed minimal scoring opportunity before Kenworthy found a better wave to earn a 6.93 (out of a possible 10). The Southern California crowd appreciated Kenworthy's efforts, but Fitzgibbons responded with a 6.43 of her own by her signature power turns. Fitzgibbons' 20-plus years of competitive experience showed as she took off on a solid wave and earned a 5.63 for the lead with six minutes left.
The ocean remained quiet heading into the final minutes, and Fitzgibbons held firm as Kenworthy could not secure another scoring opportunity. This returns Fitzgibbons to the podium in Huntington Beach for the first time since 2011.
Bella Kenworthy Nearly Goes Back-To-Back Wins In 2024 Challenger Series
Bella Kenworthy (USA) surged through competition for back-to-back Finals in the 2024 Challenger Series. Kenworthy, the sole competitor left in the draw from Southern California, overpowered a formidable field, including recent 2024 CT Rookie Alyssa Spencer (USA) in the Quarterfinals, and former CT standout Bronte Macaulay (AUS) in the Semifinals. She moves up to No. 2 on the rankings following her runner-up finish to Fitzgibbons and hopes to solidify herself among the 2025 CT qualifiers.
"It feels really good, and I'm super happy to back up my last result," said Kenworthy. "Sally is such an inspiration, and I've grown up watching her. It's so cool I get to share heats with her, and congrats, Sally."
Alan Cleland Makes History with Mexico's First-Ever US Open of Surfing Title
A highly-anticipated breakthrough for Alan Cleland Jr (MEX) sent him soaring up 41 spots in the rankings to No. 10. Cleland secured his first-ever Finals appearance and Challenger Series win. His success today began in a Quarterfinal clash with 2024 CT Rookie and last year's event runner-up, Crosby Colapinto (USA). He went on to eliminate 2022 World Junior Champion Jarvis Earle (AUS) in the Semifinals. This marks the first time a Mexican surfer has won the US Open of Surfing. Cleland looks to further his successes by becoming the first Mexican to qualify for the CT.
"I don't even have words to describe how I feel right now; it's just crazy to have so much support from my home country and friends," said Cleland. "It's something I never really lived up to. I haven't really won any big competitions, this is only my second WSL win. To be representing this flag, and all these people out here supporting me, it's beautiful, and I'm just really happy."
The men's Final featured a pair of first-time Challenger Series finalists with Cleland and Marco Mignot (FRA) after incredible performances leading up to their showdown. Mignot kicked off the Final in powerful form, posting a 7.33 on his opening ride, putting pressure on Cleland. Cleland was able to respond with multiple forehand hits of his own, posting a 6.00, to take a slim lead over Mignot.
The 2022/2023 WSL Europe Qualifying Series (QS) winner, Mignot, wasn't done and regained the lead before the ocean went flat for nearly 15 minutes. Huntington Beach provided one last opportunity for a patient Cleland, and he delivered a brilliant combination of major turns. He needed a 6.61, and garnered a 6.70 to become the first Mexican to claim a US Open of Surfing title.
"To stay composed that whole time, just believing in myself and that there was going to be a wave," added Cleland. "Then, just hearing thirty seconds and the people on the pier yelling that a wave is coming, I surfed that wave with no time left, and now that I'm here, I'm just rattled."
Marco Mignot (FRA) put on an incredible showcase from start to finish and catapulted up the rankings. - WSL / Emma Sharon
Marco Mignot's Magnificent Runner-up Finish Catapults Him Up The Rankings
An amazing run for Marco Mignot (FRA) joined Cleland in a historic, first-ever Challenger Series Final after posting some of the event's best performances. His highlights included the highest single-wave score, a 9.67, and heat total, an 18.24 (out of a possible 20), in the Round of 64. Mignot had to overcome Australia's George Pittar (AUS) in their Quarterfinal heat before his Semifinal against 2023 World Junior Champion runner-up Jackson Bunch (HAW)
"I remember surfing with him [Alan Cleland] in Pascuales," said Mignot. "He was seven [year old], I was nine, and to be here in the water in the Finals at the US Open is amazing. You know, it's only blessings. I just can't believe it." US Open Shuffles Qualification Rankings Ahead of Final Two Stops
A momentous Finals Day witnessed multiple surges up the rankings to push contenders closer to 2025 CT qualification. A Quarterfinal finish for Australia's George Pittar (AUS) moved him one spot closer to achieving his dream as he now sits at No. 3. Basque Country's Nadia Erostarbe (EUK) also moved up one spot to give herself a better qualification position heading into the next event.
Former CT competitors Alejo Muniz (BRA), Miguel Pupo (BRA), and Michael Rodrigues (BRA) all established themselves in the Top 10 on the Challenger rankings.
2022 World Junior Champion Jarvis Earle (AUS) catapulted up the rankings 37 spots following his Semifinal finish and now sits at No. 17 as fellow Aussie Dakoda Walters (AUS) also jumped to No. 14.
The next stop on the 2024 Challenger Series will be the EDP Ericeira Pro, which starts September 29 and holds a competition window through October 6, 2024. This will be the fifth of six stops on the 2024 Challenger Series and will provide crucial points for Championship Tour qualification in 2025.
For highlights and more information from the 2024 Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico, please visit WorldSurfLeague.com.