Adriano de Souza of Brazil claimed his first world surf title following the final event on the pro tour on Friday. This year’s World Surf League went
ADVERTISEMENTAdriano de Souza of Brazil claimed his first world surf title following the final event on the pro tour on Friday.
This year’s World Surf League went all the way to the wire.
Only three surfers had a chance to win the title heading into the final event of the season – the Pipe Masters in Hawaii – Souza, his compatriot Gabriel Medina and three-times world champion Mick Fanning from Australia.
Fanning, whose brother died just before the competition, battled through the emotions to beat 11-time world champion Kelly Slater but was himself beaten in the semis by de Souza.
de Souza then produced a stunning surf in the final to beat direct title rival and reigning champ Medina to win his first WSL crown.
Fanning finished the year second overall.