Consistent Molly Picklum leads the way after first win of WSL season in Brazil

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"Molly Picklum Claims First WSL Victory of Season in Brazil"

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Molly Picklum, the Australian surfer currently leading the women’s World Surfing League (WSL) standings, secured her first victory of the season at the Vivo Rio Pro in Saquarema, Brazil. In the semi-finals, Picklum faced Canadian Erin Brooks, winning decisively with a score of 13.06 to 7.60. The final saw her compete against local favorite Luana Silva, where Picklum showcased her exceptional skills by scoring an impressive 6.83 on her opening wave, followed by the highest single wave score of the event for women at 8.17. Her total score of 15.00 not only clinched her the victory but also marked the highest combined score of the event. Silva managed a total of 9.23, which fell short of challenging Picklum’s dominance in the final heat.

Following her win, Picklum expressed her gratitude and excitement, acknowledging the competitive nature of her opponent, Silva. She highlighted her consistent performance throughout the season, having reached the quarter-finals in eight out of nine events, including three finals. With only two regular-season events left, she remains in a strong position at the top of the standings. Picklum emphasized her hard work and dedication leading up to the event, reflecting on her dream of winning in Rio and her appreciation for the vibrant Brazilian atmosphere. In the men’s competition, Ethan Ewing represented Australia but was defeated in the semi-finals by American Griffin Colapinto. Colapinto then faced Cole Houshmand in the final, where Houshmand emerged victorious, further solidifying his success on the WSL tour after his previous win at Bells Beach in 2024.

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Australian surfer Molly Picklum has shown why she is top of the women’s WorldSurfingLeague standings, claiming her first win on tour this season in Saquarema, Brazil.

After beating Canadian Erin Brooks 13.06 to 7.60 earlier on Sunday (Monday AEST) in the second semi-final, Picklum took on local Luana Silva in the final of the Vivo Rio Pro, stop nine of the competition.

Picklum opened with a 6.83 and followed it up with the highest single wave score of the event for the women, an 8.17. Her final total of 15.00 was also the highest of the event for the women at Praia de Itauna.

Silva’s best two-wave score totalled 9.23, well short of being able to stop Picklum winning for the third time.

“She [Silva] has been surfing so well. I knew she’s such a competitor and she’s such a fighter,” said the 22-year-old from Gosford. “I was pretty scared all the way until the end even though I had a couple of good scores. But yeah, she’s capable of great things and I’m so happy to get that one over her.”

The WSL Tour’s most consistent women’s surfer in 2025 – reaching the quarter-finals in eight out of nine events, including three finals – Picklum enjoys top spot with just two regular-season events remaining on the calendar.

“I’ve worked so hard this year to really put my best foot forward,” she added. “I’ve dreamt so much of winning here in Rio, too. I’m a real energetic person, I love the Brazilian energy, and to get a win this year means so much for sure.

“Thank you so much and shout out to everyone back at home. I know you’re all probably up watching and I felt all the love.”

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In the men’s draw, Australia’s Ethan Ewing was beaten in the semis by American Griffin Colapinto, 14.84 to 14.20, after earlier downing defending champion and home hope Italo Ferreira (14.43-13.30) in the quarters.

Colapinto was then out-gunned 16.90 to 14.40 by compatriot Cole Houshmand in the decider, who went two-for-two in CT Finals, backing up his 2024 breakthrough win at Bells Beach with another victory.

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Source: The Guardian