Excellence on Show as Snapper Rocks Delivers for Day 2 of Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM

An incredible day of surfing took place on Day 2 of the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM, Stop No. 3 of the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT).

Callum Robson (AUS) defeated reigning World Champion Yago Dora (BRA) as the resurgence of Australian men continues at the Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM. Credit: WSL / Be Ryder

A total of 11 excellent scores, the most out of any single day in the season so far, told the story as Snapper Rocks continued to pump with reeling four-to-five-foot lines providing endless sections for the world's best surfers to attack. The remaining 14 heats in men's Round Two were completed, along with the first two heats of women's Round Two. 

A resurgence from the Australian men sat alongside continued dominance from Brazil. The two GWM Aussie Treble leaders, Gabriela Bryan (HAW) and Gabriel Medina (BRA), continued to embrace their Yellow Leader Jerseys as they delivered standout performances. 

The day's final heat, featuring 2024 World Champion Caity Simmers (USA) and CT sophomore Vahine Fierro (FRA), was put on hold with slightly less than five minutes remaining on the clock, before being called off for the day.

"A shark was spotted within 500 meters of the competition zone during Women's Round 2, Heat 3, and the heat was immediately put on hold in accordance with WSL safety protocols," said Renato Hickel, WSL VP Tours and Competition. "Event officials and the water safety team monitored the situation and determined to keep the heat on hold until the next competition day. After activating our response protocols and discussing with the surfers, Women's Round 2, Heat 3 will either resume or restart the heat, depending on the conditions on the next competition day. The safety of our surfers and staff remains our top priority. The next call will be tomorrow morning at 6:45 a.m. for a possible 7:05 a.m. start."

Bryan Powers Past Fitzgibbons as Erostarbe Continues Breakout Run at Snapper

An absolute masterclass of power and flow from Gabriela Bryan (HAW) in the first CT heat ever surfed at Snapper Rocks by the current World No. 1 set the stage for the top women's seeds debuting in the event. A close back-and-forth with CT veteran Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) was shut down by an 8.83 from Bryan, the highest single-wave score for the women so far. While Fitzgibbons tapped into flow and finesse, even adding a seamless straight air into the mix on a long wall, Bryan was pure brute force combined with impeccable technique, throwing buckets of spray from huge hooks and carving wraps to finish with an excellent 16.66 heat total.

"It was so fun, honestly, just to have an empty lineup at Snapper," Bryan said. "I almost didn't know what to do because I've been battling like 20 surfers for a one-footer. I had the pick of the lineup, which was so awesome. That last wave that I got was probably the best wave lined up that I've ever had out here. I think I could have gone harder for sure. I just want to get myself on the waves and then show everyone my surfing. That's my goal this year. When you're surfing perfect Snapper, it's not difficult to do."

After posting the first excellent score of her CT career in Round One, 2026 Rookie Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) backed it up with a second 8.00 today in her defeat of 2023 World Champion Caroline Marks (USA). Erostarbe found large, clean outside faces to attack, drawing deep off the bottom on her backhand, before squaring vertically off the top, to defeat the Olympic Gold Medalist at her own game. By the halfway point of the heat, Erostarbe had Marks in a combination situation, before Marks, the 2019 event winner, was able to unleash down the line for a 7.50. However, Spain's first female representative on the CT held on to move into the Quarterfinals for the very first time.

"It's amazing beating Caroline [Marks] at Snapper. She's one of the best surfers on the backhand, and I really get inspired by her," Erostarbe said. "I knew I had to go hard, and I got two good waves. Even though I made a big mistake at the end letting her get on that wave, I'm still happy to make it, and even better coming to the beach and seeing all the Spanish crew here. There are so many Spanish, most of them I don't know, but it's so amazing to have such big support here. To have them around and to have people cheering me up here, away from home, it's amazing."

World Champions Toledo and Medina on Collision Course After Dominant Round Two Performances

Filipe Toledo (BRA) showed exactly why he already holds two event wins on the Gold Coast. The two-time World Champion earned his first of 18 CT wins at Snapper Rocks in 2015 before backing it up at Burleigh Heads last season. Today, Toledo went to town in the pumping conditions, showcasing the incredible speed and variety that has redefined rail surfing on right point-breaks. The 31-year-old posted easily the highest heat total of the event, a near-perfect 18.00 (out of a possible 20), which included an event-high 9.50 single-wave score, to leave Cole Houshmand (USA) in a massive combination situation.

"I'm really happy to finally get some really good waves to open up and have a bunch of opportunities to surf and perform," Toledo said. "The first two events I was feeling really good, confident; it's probably the best I've ever been mentally, physically. It just didn't go my way in those two events. I was not really stressed about what was going to happen, it was only two events. I'm just trusting the process. I know my time will come. For now, we just keep on working. As long as you're strong mentally, it helps you guide everything else in your life. The last year has been really good for me. I just had a third baby and moved back to Brazil, everything's clicking, I feel great."

In Round Three, Toledo will face current World No. 1 and fellow World Champion Gabriel Medina (BRA), whose 2014 Gold Coast Pro win set him up for his first of three World Titles. Medina seemed to barely break out of first gear in his fifth straight defeat of Morgan Cibilic (AUS) on the CT. Getting the better of the opening exchange with an 8.33, Medina quickly added a 7.23 to his scoreline, while Cibilic looked for an excellent-range score to match an opening 7.50, ultimately coming up short.

"The two waves I got felt so good. The shape of the wave is really sharp and just waiting for you so you can hit it really hard," Medina said. "The forecast looks really good for the next few days, so I'm excited. It's amazing to have that many people on the beach. Surfing means a lot to everyone; it's a lifestyle. For me, it's really my work, but it's a lifestyle that everyone enjoys. It's so funny because we have so much fun out there and they get happy for it, which is just weird, but I appreciate all the love and support. Surfing deserves it, it's such a fun sport. I'm a big fan and so happy to be part of it to make a difference. I have a big mission, hopefully I can activate my mission. Let's keep going, it's been fun."

Inspired Australians Fire on All Cylinders as Robson Takes Down Dora

A lacklustre start from Australian men in the opening event of the season at Bells Beach was followed by a stunning first event win from George Pittar (AUS) at Stop No. 2 in Margaret River. The CT sophomore mowed through all four men's World Champions currently on Tour to earn his victory, lighting a fuse in the local CT contingent. Today, Pittar was one of five Australians to move into men's Round Three, continuing the turning of the tide in the 2026 season.

One surfer taking a direct cue from Pittar was Callum Robson (AUS), who ousted reigning World Champion Yago Dora (BRA) in the Australian's first Round Two appearance of the season following two events finishing in last place. The 25-year-old from Evans Head was selective in his approach, opening strong with a 7.50 and a smaller back-up, before a long wait for a 7.10, two numbers higher than anything Dora could find in the lineup.

"I did the Challenger Series with George [Pittar] this last year and got to see how real all of us are," Robson said. "We're just all humans and to see him go all the way and do really well in that event sparks a light in all us Aussie boys, especially our younger crew. Because you've got such high caliber surfers, like the Brazilians, Yago [Dora], Gabby [Gabriel Medina], all these people that you look up to, and to be able to actually come up against them and put your best foot forward like George did, he just took so many of them down. It definitely lights a fuse in us that we can all do it and makes me super proud to be part of that new little Aussie crop. Bring it on, let's go."

Competing on his birthday, Burleigh Boardriders member Liam O'Brien (AUS) was able to at last defeat the surfer who eliminated him on his home turf last year, Kanoa Igarashi (JPN). It was the first time O'Brien was able to move past Igarashi following four previous matchups. The newly turned 27-year-old will next meet Pittar in Round Three for an all-Australian affair.

Ewing and Robinson Find Their Stride at Snapper Rocks

Australia's top male performers for the past few seasons, Jack Robinson (AUS) and Ethan Ewing (AUS), hit their stride in their respective opening heats at Snapper Rocks after a mixed start to the season. Robinson tapped straight into two of the best barrels of the event to post a 7.50 and 7.57 at the beginning of his matchup with Alan Cleland (MEX), shutting the heat down almost immediately. Robinson was flawless in his wave selection and delivery, reading the ocean perfectly to add a sharp, speedy vertical approach to his time inside the tube, drawing huge cheers from the large crowd gathered to watch him surf. Using the off-season to receive surgery for a lingering injury, the 28-year-old feels like he's now getting back into form.

"It feels like home, I feel a lot of love here," Robinson said. "So many kids and people came down then, and I was like, I got to go and enjoy this and go and surf. I knew Al [Alan Cleland] was a dangerous competitor. I just wanted to go and get a couple of tubes behind the rock. It's really a six-month recovery process for this thing, and now I'm past six months. It's just kind of freeing myself up and freeing my mind up to go be myself out there, that's the main thing."

In total contrast, Ewing kept fans on the edge of their seats right to the end, essentially surfing a five-minute heat. Facing Rio Waida (INA), Ewing returned to his patient approach after scoring lower than Waida across multiple early exchanges that saw the Indonesian building his lead as he delivered powerful vertical hits on long, driving walls. Once Ewing, the 2023 World Title runner-up, finally kicked into gear, he did not disappoint, posting the first excellent score of the day, an 8.17, for a varied approach to the lip that showcased his trademark searing rail work. Adding a 7.33 within the last minute, Ewing's 15.50 heat total secured him a Round Three rematch with the surfer who defeated him in Margaret River, 2019 World Champion Italo Ferreira (BRA).

"I got my first one pretty quick, and then I kind of just got stuck in this rip and had this wave in mind that I was looking for and it never was really coming through," Ewing said. "[Rio Waida] was building his scores down the line. I didn't see much in those waves, but he got decent scores. I was just paddling that current for a while, and luckily the wave I was looking for came through. I felt like the momentum shifted then. Seriously, I was thinking this can't be going like this. I don't want to be out of the contest this soon. I just want to surf waves, but it's felt like my heats so far it hasn't been that straightforward. Hopefully from now on, I can just go in free-minded, that's all I want to do."

Marshall and Herdy Shine as Colapinto Brothers Fall in Consecutive Heats

The Colapinto brothers lost in consecutive heats following standout performances from Jake Marshall (USA) and Mateus Herdy (BRA). A highly active matchup between two Californians, Marshall and Crosby Colapinto (USA), was defined by Marshall's opening wave of the event. Critical vertical hits, matched with smooth, arcing turns, delivered with speed and flow, earned the San Diegan an 8.83. Colapinto struck back, bringing a mix of power and progression, but was unable to tap into the magic of Marshall's opener. Adding a 7.00 to his total at the finish, Marshall left Colapinto needing a massive 9.33 to match his two-wave total of 15.83.

"The waves were looking a little tricky out there, so I couldn't believe how that wave just kept doubling up and giving me section-after-section," Marshall said. "It started off a little small and then grew into such a good wave, and it was on me to not bog it. The wave stole the show on this one and I was stoked to just open my account and finish it off. The first couple events, I feel like I barely even have gotten to surf. I've just been sitting out there with no waves in all my heats, so to ride a wave and get a good score felt super good. It always feels good when you put up an excellent score. It validates your surfing and your confidence."

One of the most anticipated matchups of the round didn't disappoint when Mateus Herdy (BRA) went blow-for-blow with Griffin Colapinto (USA). A low-scoring early exchange gave way to escalating numbers as the pair traded attacks on the long Snapper walls. A 7.00 from the Brazilian was met by a 7.83 from the defending World Title runner-up. It was an 8.33 from Herdy that marked the power shift in the heat, however, with the 2026 CT Rookie tapping back into the flow that led him to his best result on the CT so far, a Semifinal finish as a Wildcard in the 2021 Corona Open Mexico.

"Griffin [Colapinto] is so gnarly, I knew it was going to be a really hard heat," Herdy said. "I spoke to everyone around me and they just told me to try your best and don't hold back. To be honest, in the beginning I was trying to figure out the lineup because it's so different from yesterday already. It changes so much with the current as well. But, Griffin, I look up to him so much. When he got the 7.83, I'm like, 'Oh damn it, I have to surf my best now.' Thank God that wave came and I knew exactly what I was looking for."

While the Colapinto brothers won't get a rematch this event, the Pupo brothers, Samuel Pupo (BRA) and Miguel Pupo (BRA), set themselves a Round Three matchup after winning back-to-back heats over Joao Chianca (BRA) and Eli Hanneman (HAW), respectively.

Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM Men's Round Two Results

HEAT 1: Marco Mignot (FRA) 13.40 DEF. Barron Mamiya (HAW) 13.17
HEAT 2: Kauli Vaast (FRA) 15.16 DEF. Jordy Smith (RSA) 13.40
HEAT 3: Italo Ferreira (BRA) 12.50 DEF. Luke Thompson (RSA) 10.66
HEAT 4: Ethan Ewing (AUS) 15.50 DEF. Rio Waida (INA) 13.44
HEAT 5: Jake Marshall (USA) 15.83 DEF. Crosby Colapinto (USA) 12.17
HEAT 6: Mateus Herdy (BRA) 15.33 DEF. Griffin Colapinto (USA) 14.00
HEAT 7: George Pittar (AUS) 14.47 DEF. Alejo Muniz (BRA) 9.00
HEAT 8: Liam O'Brien (AUS) 14.67 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 13.53
HEAT 9: Callum Robson (AUS) 14.60 DEF. Yago Dora (BRA) 11.50
HEAT 10: Connor O'Leary (JPN) 15.83 DEF. Joel Vaughan (AUS) 10.10
HEAT 11: Jack Robinson (AUS) 15.07 DEF. Alan Cleland (MEX) 7.33
HEAT 12: Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA) 14.33 DEF. Seth Moniz (HAW) 10.67
HEAT 13: Gabriel Medina (BRA) 15.56 DEF. Morgan Cibilic (AUS) 10.17
HEAT 14: Filipe Toledo (BRA) 18.00 DEF. Cole Houshmand (USA) 14.87
HEAT 15: Samuel Pupo (BRA) 12.54 DEF. Joao Chianca (BRA) 9.00
HEAT 16: Miguel Pupo (BRA) 11.60 DEF. Eli Hanneman (HAW) 6.77

Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM Women's Round Two Results [Heats 1 - 2]

HEAT 1: Gabriela Bryan (HAW) 16.66 DEF. Sally Fitzgibbons (AUS) 13.60
HEAT 2: Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) 14.67 DEF. Caroline Marks (USA) 13.93

Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM Women's Round Two Remaining Matchups [Heats 3 - 8]

HEAT 3: Caitlin Simmers (USA) vs. Vahine Fierro (FRA)
HEAT 4: Bettylou Sakura Johnson (HAW) vs. Stephanie Gilmore (AUS)
HEAT 5: Molly Picklum (AUS) vs. Yolanda Hopkins (POR)
HEAT 6: Isabella Nichols (AUS) vs. Sawyer Lindblad (USA)
HEAT 7: Lakey Peterson (USA) vs. Carissa Moore (HAW)
HEAT 8: Luana Silva (BRA) vs. Tyler Wright (AUS)

Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM Men's Round Three Matchups

HEAT 1: Marco Mignot (FRA) vs. Kauli Vaast (FRA)
HEAT 2: Italo Ferreira (BRA) vs. Ethan Ewing (AUS)
HEAT 3: Jake Marshall (USA) vs. Mateus Herdy (BRA)
HEAT 4: George Pittar (AUS) vs. Liam O'Brien (AUS)
HEAT 5: Callum Robson (AUS) vs. Connor O'Leary (JPN)
HEAT 6: Jack Robinson (AUS) vs. Leonardo Fioravanti (ITA)
HEAT 7: Gabriel Medina (BRA) vs. Filipe Toledo (BRA)
HEAT 8: Samuel Pupo (BRA) vs. Miguel Pupo (BRA)

The Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM, Stop No. 3 of the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour (CT), will hold a competition window from May 1 - 11. The competition will be broadcast LIVE on WorldSurfLeague.com and the free WSL app. Also, check out more ways to watch from the WSL's broadcast partners.

The Bonsoy Gold Coast Pro Presented by GWM is proudly supported by Bonsoy, Experience Gold Coast, the Queensland Government through Tourism & Events Queensland, GWM, Yeti, Red Bull, Apple Watch, Surfline, Eero, Flowstate, Stone & Wood, Bond University, Hydralyte, Bioglan, Boost Mobile, mophie, I-Sea, Coastal Real Estate, S&S Group, FatBoy Bikes, Breitling, Florence, Surfboard Empire, One Ocean, True Surf, Sea FM, Triple M, Gold Coast Bulletin