LOWER TRESTLES, CALIFORNIA — Brazilian surfer Yago Dora claimed a stunning win at the 2025 Lexus Trestles Pro on Saturday, delivering a powerful aerial performance to defeat Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi in the men’s final. In the women’s event, Hawaii’s Bettylou Sakura Johnson captured her second World Surf League (WSL) victory of the season with a commanding display of precision and control.
Held at Lower Trestles, the 2028 Olympic surfing venue, the competition marked Stop No. 8 of the Championship Tour. The event offered clean, five-to-seven-foot waves—ideal conditions for high-performance surfing.
Dora Soars to Victory with Aerial Display
Yago Dora, 29, focused on the left-hand waves at Lower Trestles and stunned the crowd with a series of explosive aerial maneuvers, including spins and grabs. He eliminated top contenders Ethan Ewing (AUS) in the quarterfinals and local favorite Griffin Colapinto (USA) in the semifinals.
In the final, Dora opened strong with a massive air reverse on a left-hander, earning a 9.53 out of 10. He followed with additional high-scoring rides, including an 8.37, giving him a total of 17.90 out of a possible 20.
Igarashi, the Tokyo 2020 Olympic silver medalist, responded with stylish, high-risk moves, but his two-wave total of 16.07 fell short. Despite a strong performance, he was unable to surpass the Brazilian’s dominance.
“This place has been a dream,” said Dora. “I’ve watched Finals Day here from home for years, just imagining surfing this left. To finally get the chance and come out with the win—it’s really special.”
The Trestles event, traditionally the WSL’s one-day finals showdown, was moved to an earlier slot on the tour, offering Dora his first competition experience at the break. The win marks his second victory of the season, following a win in Portugal.
Johnson Clinches Second 2025 Win with Precision Surfing
On the women’s side, 20-year-old Bettylou Sakura Johnson focused on the long right-hand waves and impressed judges with powerful carves and clean vertical turns.
Johnson began her Finals Day by defeating Olympic gold medalist Caroline Marks (USA) in the quarterfinals. She then overcame Sawyer Lindblad (USA) in the semifinals to face Australia’s Molly Picklum in the final.
Johnson set the tone early, scoring an 8.00 with two massive turns. She later improved to a 9.00 with a series of carves and a powerful re-entry. With fewer waves in the closing minutes, Picklum struggled to close the gap and ended with a total of 14.23, while Johnson secured victory with 17.00.
“I’m just super grateful,” said Johnson. “The waves were amazing today, and I’m so happy to bring this one home.”
This win moves Johnson to No. 4 in the world rankings and puts her in strong contention for a spot in the WSL Final 5.
Next Stop: Brazil
The Championship Tour continues later this month in Rio de Janeiro for Stop No. 9 of 11. The season will culminate with the top five men and women competing for the world title in a final showdown in Fiji.
With strong performances at Trestles, both Dora and Johnson have solidified their positions as serious contenders for the 2025 world title.