<div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Sawyer Lindblad</strong> (USA) and <strong>Levi Slawson</strong> (USA) have won the 2025 <a href="https://www.worldsurfleague.com/events/2025/cs/345/lexus-us-open-of-surfing/main" target="_blank">Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico</a>, Stop No. 3 on the World Surf League (WSL) Challenger Series, in an all-time finish to the competition in Huntington Beach. Three-to-five, occasional six-foot sets, pulsed into the Huntington Beach Pier arena for incredible performances, leading to the two Californians surging into US Open of Surfing history. With today’s finalists and event champions, major shifts in the rankings indicate new frontrunners looking for Championship Tour (CT) qualification, including event runner-ups <strong>Tya Zebrowski </strong>(FRA), who is now ranked No. 1 on the Challenger Series, and <strong>Mateus Herdy</strong> (BRA), who moves up to No. 2 on the Challenger rankings. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Sawyer Lindblad Earns Second US Open of Surfing Victory</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">19-year-old <strong>Sawyer Lindblad</strong> (USA) added her name to US Open of Surfing history once again with her second event victory, joining the likes of <strong>Sally Fitzgibbons </strong>(AUS), <strong>Courtney Conlogue</strong> (USA), <strong>Brett Simpson</strong> (USA), <strong>Kanoa Igarashi</strong> (USA), and more in rarified air. Lindblad’s win in 2023 helped secure her spot on the Championship Tour (CT), where she went on to become Rookie of the Year and now awaits her 2026 season after requalifying for the CT earlier this year. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“It feels pretty good. The first time I felt like I wasn’t expecting it, and this time I felt more pressure. Tya [Zebrowski] was surfing super good so congrats to her and I’m just so grateful to have one here again with my family here,” said Lindblad. “I feel like I’ve definitely grown as a surfer. My first win got me onto the CT and set me up for my career, and this one just feels extra special especially after not making the cut. I knew I could’ve made a charge for the Final 5 if I didn’t get cut so it felt like this is a good redemption.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">A battle of event standouts unfolded for the women’s Final with a quick start from Zebrowski over Lindblad. 14-year-old Zebrowski accrued a 12.34 (out of a possible 20) in the first five minutes of the Final before Lindblad found a gem to unleash her backhand attack on a two-turn combo and earn a 6.50 to close the gap on Zebrowski. A crucial exchange at the 20-minute mark witnessed Lindblad utilize her forehand power, earning a 6.23 and the lead before Zebrowski answered back moments later on a forehand combination all her own. But the score fell just short of the requirement, and Lindblad remained in the lead.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Then, Lindblad showcased more of her forehand dominance and laid into a closeout section with everything she had to post a 6.67 and push the lead. Zebrowski’s last effort witnessed the teenager soar and nearly land an air-reverse. But, she couldn’t stick the landing and Lindblad claimed her second US Open of Surfing title.</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“All year I worked really hard, and it felt deflating when it wasn’t playing out in the competitions, just not hitting in the heats,” continued Lindblad. “But this feels really good and like it pays off. Thank you to everyone for watching and supporting me, and thank you to my family for coming down with me every day.”</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Lindblad showed her desire for a second event title throughout the weekend with some of the event’s best performances. Lindblad’s forehand power, along with her backhand precision, carried her through Finals Day, starting with former CTer <strong>Sophie McCulloch</strong> (AUS). Then, Lindblad took down fellow 2026 CT requalifier <strong>Brisa Hennessy </strong>(CRC) in a stout Semifinal clash that propelled her toward a second US Open of Surfing Final. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Levi Slawson Claims Major Breakthrough, Completes Southern California Sweep</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Encinitas, Calif., competitor<strong> Levi Slawson’s</strong> (USA) resume is packed with accolades, including multiple Qualifying Series and Pro Junior wins, a runner-up at the WSL World Junior Championships, and now a US Open of Surfing title after overcoming perennial qualification threat <strong>Mateus Herdy</strong> (BRA) in a nail-biting finish. Slawson now moves to No. 4 on the rankings on his quest to qualify for the 2026 CT. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“I’ve worked so hard for these kind of moments through my career and I’ve watched the US Open my whole life, and I’ve never even dreamt of being here,” said Slawson. “Being in the Final with Mateus was so hard. He’s such a good surfer and you can’t really give him anything. In the end that wave looked terrible and he almost pulled it off. It’s just pouring out of me now. This whole week I’ve just been trying to keep my cool and I’ve surfed here so many times, and just focus on good surfing. It’s really come down to me just focusing on myself and believing in myself and just trusting everything. I’m in disbelief.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The men’s Final featured two of the Challenger Series’ top-tier talents with 2024 Challengers, No. 20 Slawson and No. 12 Herdy. Both posted multiple excellent showings throughout their run to the Final, and Slawson started with fireworks on a massive air-reverse to post a 7.33 for an early lead. Herdy stayed busy and took a slim lead over Slawson with two minimal scores, but Slawson responded with a two-turn combination on his backhand to post a 6.17 and push Herdy’s requirement to a 7.93 heading into the 20-minute mark. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">But, it all came down to the final moments with Herdy desperately searching for the score and, under priority, sent himself soaring and reemerged from the white water. The score came in at a 7.77, just under the requirement, and Slawson earned a maiden Challenger Series victory and piece of US Open of Surfing history. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>14-Year-Old Tya Zebrowski Leads Next Generation with Runner-up Finish</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Next-gen phenom <strong>Tya Zebrowski </strong>(FRA) continues to take the world by storm and now moves to No. 1 on the Challenger Series. The Tahitian, Zebrowski, had to overcome recent Ballito Pro winner <strong>Nadia Erostarbe</strong> (ESP) in a Quarterfinal battle where she posted a 9.00 (out of a possible 10) before a nail-biter victory over rising talent <strong>Annette Gonzalez Extabarri </strong>(EUK). This marked Zebrowski’s first Final appearance on the 2025 Challenger Series as she heads to Portugal in commanding form. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“It feels so good. I’m just really happy to be No. 1 on the Challenger Series rankings now and really happy to make it to the Final,” said Zebrowski. “I really wanted to do better after getting second at Ericeira last year, but I feel so happy to start really good this season and hope to continue like that. My goal this year is to qualify, and now I just want to stay in the Top 5 and realize my dream.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Mateus Herdy Reasserts Himself as Leading Qualification Threat</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">Renowned Challenger Series contender <strong>Mateus Herdy </strong>(BRA) proved he remains a perennial qualification threat with jaw-dropping performances from start to finish. Herdy’s aerial antics set him apart throughout the week, culminating in an event-best 9.50 in his Quarterfinal heat with <strong>Dimitri Poulos</strong> (USA) before a gritty Semifinal bout against compatriot and former CTer <strong>Michael Rodrigues </strong>(BRA). Now, Herdy sits at No. 2 on the rankings, moving into the Ericeira Pro. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">“I didn’t win, but I think surfing itself won. It was a great Final with Levi [Slawson] in a Snapt 5 Final,” said Herdy. “I’m so thankful for everything that has happened here with my family here, all my friends, it’s pretty awesome. I really wanted to win, but it was Levi’s day and I’m ready for the rest of the year. I’ve been so close to qualifying so many times I don't want to jinx it. I’m just going to keep doing what I’m doing. All my sponsors, I can’t thank them enough, and just want to keep going for the rest of the year.” </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">The next stop on the 2025 Challenger Series is the Ericeira Pro, which holds a competition window from September 29 to October 5, 2025. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For more information and highlights from today’s competition at the Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico, please visit <a href="https://www.worldsurfleague.com/" target="_blank">WorldSurfLeague.com</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Lexus US Open of Surfing Women's Final Results:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>1</strong> - Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 13.17</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>2</strong> - Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 12.57</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Lexus US Open of Surfing Men's Final Results:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>1 </strong>- Levi Slawson (USA) 13.50</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>2</strong> - Mateus Herdy (BRA) 13.27</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Lexus US Open of Surfing Women's Semifinal Results:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 1: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 10.07 DEF. Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 9.50</div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 2: Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 12.40 DEF. Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) 11.16</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Lexus US Open of Surfing Men's Semifinal Results:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 1: Mateus Herdy (BRA) 13.04 DEF. Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 11.56</div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 2: Levi Slawson (USA) 13.43 DEF. Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 11.93</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Lexus US Open of Surfing Women's Quarterfinal Results:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 1: Brisa Hennessy (CRC) 12.53 DEF. Vahine Fierro (FRA) 10.33</div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 2: Sawyer Lindblad (USA) 12.00 DEF. Sophie McCulloch (AUS) 9.84</div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 3: Tya Zebrowski (FRA) 15.10 DEF. Nadia Erostarbe (ESP) 13.50</div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 4: Annette Gonzalez Etxabarri (EUK) 12.93 DEF. Yolanda Hopkins (POR) 12.50</div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Lexus US Open of Surfing Men's Quarterfinal Results:</strong></div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 1: Mateus Herdy (BRA) 16.33 DEF. Dimitri Poulos (USA) 14.57</div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 2: Michael Rodrigues (BRA) 12.76 DEF. Kanoa Igarashi (JPN) 12.37</div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 3: Hiroto Ohhara (JPN) 12.20 DEF. Taro Watanabe (USA) 10.07</div><div style="text-align: justify;">HEAT 4: Levi Slawson (USA) 15.33 DEF. Kade Matson (USA) 14.20 </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Next Stop on the 2025 Challenger Series: Ericeira Pro</strong> </div><div style="text-align: justify;">The next stop, Stop No. 4 of 7, on the 2025 Challenger Series will be the Ericeira Pro, which holds a competition window from September 29 to October 5, 2025. The event will be broadcast LIVE on <a href="https://www.worldsurfleague.com/" target="_blank">WorldSurfLeague.com</a> and the free <a href="https://www.worldsurfleague.com/app" target="_blank">WSL app</a>. <a href="https://www.worldsurfleague.com/waystowatch" target="_blank">Check out more ways to watch from the WSL’s broadcast partners</a>. </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><em>The Lexus US Open of Surfing Presented by Pacifico is proudly supported by Lexus, Pacifico, YETI, 805 Beer, Hoag Hospital, Red Bull, Neutrogena, Apple Watch, Best Western, Body Glove, Bonsoy, Dakine, Flexfit, Amazon Eero, I-Heart LA, I-SEA, Jack's Surfboards, Open Water, Three Olives, Kraken, Suncruiser, Seaglass, Casamigos, Surfline, Fu Wax, NO CAP!, Spongebob, Visit Huntington Beach, Huntington Surf x Sport, Visit El Salvador, and John Wayne Airport.</em> </div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: justify;">For more information, please visit <a href="https://www.worldsurfleague.com/" target="_blank">WorldSurfLeague.com</a>.</div><div> </div>