Bonvalot and Houshmand reign at unforgettable Ballito Pro final

Portugal’s Teresa Bonvalot and American Cole Houshmand emerged as champions after world-class surf and thrilling finals capped a standout 2026 Ballito Pro, presented by O’Neill, at Willard Beach on Sunday.

Bonvalot claimed a historic maiden Ballito Pro title in the event’s first all-Portuguese women’s final, while Houshmand joined an elite group of multiple champions by securing his second crown. Their victories, earned in glassy 2ft to 4ft conditions after nearly two weeks of thundering surf, delivered the maximum 10,000 Challenger Series points in the race for Championship Tour qualification.

Portuguese pair make Ballito Pro history

The women’s final marked the first all-Portuguese Challenger Series title decider in Ballito Pro history, with Bonvalot and Francisca Veselko contesting the decider. It continued Europe’s recent dominance after Basque surfer Nadia Erostarbe claimed last year’s title.

The 40-minute final showcased contrasting approaches. Goofy-footer Bonvalot stayed busy throughout the heat, while 2022 WSL World Junior Champion and Championship Tour rookie Veselko adopted a more patient strategy as she chased the crucial 10 000 points needed to strengthen her chances of retaining her elite tour status.

Veselko opened with a 4.00, but Bonvalot answered with a 4.83 before posting a 5.50 for a vertical backhand close-out turn to establish control, leaving her opponent needing a 6.33.

Although Veselko improved both her counting scores in the closing minutes, she fell just short as Bonvalot claimed the title with a two-wave total of 10.33 to 9.10 out of a possible 20 points.

“It was amazing to see the crowds here at 8am every morning waiting for us. That made it even more special,” said Bonvalot.

“Sharing the final with Kiko (Veselko), making history for Portugal and showcasing the level of women’s surfing in our country was incredible.”

Houshmand joins Ballito’s surfing elite

The men’s final featured an all-goofy-foot showdown between 2023 Ballito Pro champion Cole Houshmand and Brazil’s in-form aerial specialist Wessley Dantas, who was chasing his maiden Challenger Series victory.

Houshmand arrived in Ballito with two career Championship Tour victories at Bells Beach and Rio under his belt but needed a strong Challenger Series result as insurance should he fail to requalify directly for the 2027 CT. Dantas had been one of the event’s standout performers, posting the highest heat total (17.57) and the second-highest wave score (9.40) during his quarter-final victory over American Taj Lindblad.

Dantas opened aggressively with a 7.83 and repeatedly launched high-risk aerials as the dropping tide produced clean, rippable sections. Houshmand remained patient before turning the heat on its head with 18 minutes remaining, earning a 4.23 for a powerful backhand attack before landing a lofty frontside air that scored an excellent 8.90 to take the lead.

Dantas returned after a quick board change, hunting for a 5.41, but despite several late aerial attempts, he could not find the score required. Houshmand claimed victory with 13.23 points to Dantas’ 12.54.

The win makes Houshmand one of only a handful multiple Ballito Pro champions, joining the likes of Jordy Smith, Mark Richards and Shaun Tomson.

“Everything went exactly according to the game plan. I wanted to win some heats, find my flow and back myself,” said Houshmand.

“This is probably the best Challenger Series event I’ve ever done, looking at the waves we’ve had. It’s hard to surf against someone as good and as freakish in the air as Wessley,”he said, thanking his opponent for pushing him.