The Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy Is Decadent And Desired

Come, let us overindulge! Welcome to surfing’s most lux competition, the Four Seasons Maldives Surfing Champions Trophy. Give us diamonds, caviar, and a playful right to boot! 

The Maldives Champions Trophy is surfing in First Class: the Four Seasons Explorer features nine rooms, an outdoor bar, lounge library an air conditioned restaurant and five-star dining. Essentially, the event is hosted on a floating five-star resort. It spans over one week on the idyllic Kuda Huraa. Each year there are six invitees. 

Those enjoying the festivities this year were Taj Burrow, Rob Machado, Cj Hobgood, Ross Williams, Maya Gabeira, and Kuda Issey.

The Trophy is split into four categories: Single Fin (won by Rob Machado); Twin Fin (won by Taj Burrow); Thruster (also Taj); Final (uh, Taj). 

Mr Burrow took the win for the second consecutive year. He beat Rob Machado in the final and will gladly check the yes box to enter next year’s event (the winner gets a free pass back). 

“I would have retired earlier if I knew this is what life would be like, it’s too good,” said Taj, expressing zero desire to surf the six out of ten Chopes comp that ran during the same time. “This is such an amazing event. I’m so stoked I got to come back here after a win last year, we get so spoiled at the Four Seasons Kuda Huraa and then to come just around the corner and have waves that are this good is such a treat. It’s definitely one of the sickest events on the planet.” 

This is the most desired event to surf in, but not to watch. Let’s be honest, the Rob and Taj spread would be sweeter with a little Mason Ho. 

“The waves were cooking for this whole event,” said Taj. “The forecast wasn’t looking great so to score the waves we did was sick, even getting that barreled today was a nice surprise. Everyone in this event surfs so amazingly I really had to surf out of my skin to win this thing.”