Steph Gilmore wins her sixth World Title in Maui, Hawaii

Steph Gilmore just won her sixth World Title at the Target Maui Pro, Hawaii. She claimed the Big Cup after Tyler Wright finished runner up in the final to Carissa Moore, with Sally Fitzgibbons eliminated in the quarterfinals. And of course, big props to Miss Moore for winning the event.

“I didn’t win an event last year and I think that was a bit of a wakeup call for me. I came into this season with the goal to surf better and I think the improvement in wave quality on the women’s tour was very motivating for me. To open up with a win at home on the Gold Coast and, maybe more importantly, feeling like I was surfing at a level I was pleased with, was really important in setting the tone for my year.

“It’s been one of the most exciting title races in the sport’s history. All the girls at the top were really close and it came down to the last event. I fell back a little bit in the ratings through the midway point in the season, but I was still getting results and always felt like I was in the race.

“That was probably the most emotional I’ve ever been watching someone else surf in my life. I know how focused Tyler is and I was completely prepared for a surf-off. However, I also knew how incredibly capable Carissa is at virtually every venue. I feel like I had a year’s worth of emotions packed into one heat. I won my first title here at Honolua Bay, but after my loss in the Quarterfinals, I was prepared for anything to happen. I’m really emotional right now.

“The caliber of surfing on tour this season is the highest it has ever been. There are no easy heats. This was the hardest title I’ve ever won. The talent level is only going to increase in future years but I’m so pleased I’ve won and want to thank everyone who has supported me this year – my family, my friends and my sponsors.”