Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy 2025: Legends, Luxury, and Lineups

The Maldives is no stranger to world-class waves, but this September, the islands will host something far greater than a surf competition. The Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy has earned its place as one of the most distinctive events in the surfing world — an invitation-only showcase celebrated as the most luxurious surf event where sport, history, and grandeur are set to meet in perfect rhythm.

A Redefinition of Surfing Greatness

Unlike conventional high-stakes tour events, the Surfing Champions Trophy is a gathering of icons. Think of it as an All Star Exhibition extravaganza in which each year, six hand-selected surfers are invited to the Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa, to compete and to showcase surfing’s evolution. For the fans and enthusiasts, the competition’s mission is clear, to redefine what it means to be “the world’s greatest surfer” by honoring the sport’s past, present, and future in a setting that highlights extravagance.

A Format Unlike Any Other

The event stands apart for its three-board format, which pushes competitors to adapt across surfing’s defining eras:

• Single Fin Division – The discipline that defines classic surfing. Single fins focus on smooth, flowing turns and stylish wave riding, emphasizing elegance and control rather than tricks or speed. Perfect for those who appreciate the artistry of surfing.

• Twin Fin Division – Fast, lively, and playful. Twin fins allow surfers to generate speed quickly and carve the waves with energetic style. This division combines retro charm with modern agility, making each ride dynamic and fun to watch.

• Thruster Division – High-performance surfing at its peak. Thrusters provide stability and control while allowing sharp turns, rapid maneuvers, and radical tricks. This division showcases the power, speed, and skill of modern competitive surfing.

All six surfers will compete within these three divisions. The top two surfers after these divisions face off in a final showdown, free to ride the board of their choice. The winner is set to walk away with a $25,000 prize and a spot in the Surfing Champions Tropy Hall of Fame after having showcased their peak versatility, style, and pure surfing mastery.

Surfing with Luxury

But what truly elevates this trophy is its setting. The event unfolds at “Sultans”, a flawless right-hand point break just minutes away by boat. From there, the resort’s private yachts and speedboats, guests enjoy unmatched viewing while savoring the hallmark service of Four Seasons.

For those staying at the resort during the week, access goes beyond the shoreline. Guests can:

• Share cocktails with surf legends at nightly gatherings.

• Join informal beachfront dinners curated by world-class chefs.

• They even paddle out themselves with Tropicsurf guides alongside the champions.

The 2025 Lineup: Icons of the Next Generation

Running from September 4–11, 2025, the 13th edition promises another unforgettable chapter. The confirmed six surfer lineup consist of:

• Craig Anderson (Australia) – Free-surfing pioneer, known for his elegant, fluid style.

  
  

• Jesse Mendes (Brazil) – Former Championship Tour powerhouse, equally skilled on experimental boards.

  
  

• Sierra Kerr (Australia) – At just 18, the youngest surfer ever to compete in the Trophy. A rising star and 2023 World Junior Champion, she also carries the chance to become the event’s first female champion.

  
  

• Owen Wright (Australia) – Decorated CT surfer and Olympic bronze medalist, celebrated for his powerful and progressive surfing.

  
  

• Michel Bourez (Tahiti) – Pipe Master and Olympian, respected worldwide for his strength and experience in high-performance waves.

  
  

• Ismail “Smiley” Rasheed (Maldives) – Local wildcard, representing the Maldives with raw talent and embodying the spirit of the nation’s surf culture.

  
  

The combination of seasoned legends, a rising star, and a homegrown talent ensures the 2025 edition will be both competitive and culturally significant.

Why It Matters

Granted, the Surfing Champions Trophy isn’t really about stadium crowds or global rankings, it’s more about the purity of surfing in its most iconic form, amplified by the luxury and intimacy of the Maldives. For those lucky enough to witness it, the experience is guaranteed to be unforgettable because here, waves, legends, and resort living, are all wrapped into one.

With this event, we at String Travel remain vocally strong and see it as a perfect reflection of what Maldives surf culture can be: exclusive, world-class, and deeply connected to the ocean.

Photo courtesy of Four Seasons Resorts Maldives