Fiji extends World Surf League partnership to 2029, securing Fiji Pro on Championship Tour
Fiji will extend its partnership with the World Surf League to keep the Fiji Pro on the Championship Tour through 2029, it was announced during the official opening of the 2025 Lexus World Surf League Finals in Momi Bay, Nadroga. Tourism Minister Viliame Gavoka stressed that the government values collaborations that create opportunity for communities and the economy.
Gavoka explained that the government entered into a three‑year agreement with the World Surf League and other private sector partners, ensuring Fiji remains firmly anchored on the global surf calendar through 2026, while the broader extension carries the event path through 2029. He described the arrangement as a deep commitment to opportunity, community and Fiji’s future, noting that the impact goes beyond headlines and numbers.
The minister highlighted the positive outcomes from last year’s Fiji Pro, saying the event delivered significant media value and put Fiji’s waves and people on a global map. He stressed that the story is not just about figures: the WSL has worked hand in hand with local communities and continues to do so. Among the community initiatives cited were the rebuilding of the Surf Tower for the people of Momi and Nabila as a legacy asset, and, through the One Ocean initiative, a collaboration with the Mamanuca Environment Society to support tree planting. These efforts serve as reminders that the ocean Fiji celebrates must be protected for future generations.
This year’s finals aim to shine a light on young surfers, with 16-year-old James Kusitino noted as beginning his professional journey on the sport’s biggest stages. Gavoka reminded athletes that Fiji is behind them every ride, call and victory, as the country cheers from the stands. He underscored that the young generation watching the world’s best surfers can dream bigger because of what they see on the global stage.
The finals will feature the Top 10 ranked surfers in the world, underscoring Fiji’s role as a showcase for elite competition this season. The image accompanying the event’s coverage highlights the level of talent expected to compete.
Context from recent Fiji Pro history shows the scale and reach of the event. Last year’s Fiji Pro drew a field of 36 surfers from 12 countries, with strong partnerships from global and local brands that amplified Fiji’s exposure. In addition to competition, the event has seen tangible legacies, including the Cloudbreak surf tower’s reconstruction and ongoing support for Fiji’s surfing community, underlining how such events extend benefits beyond the beach.
Commentary and outlook: The extended partnership aligns with Fiji’s broader tourism and economic strategies, reinforcing the country’s status as a premier surfing destination while fostering youth development and community investment. By pairing sport with sustainable initiatives and local engagement, Fiji is aiming to sustain long-term tourism growth and a vibrant surfing culture.
Summary: The confirmed extension of Fiji’s partnership with the World Surf League through 2029 solidifies Fiji Pro’s place on the Championship Tour, supports a three-year plan through 2026, and continues to back community projects, youth athletes, and sustainable tourism initiatives that今 bolster Fiji’s global profile.
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