MARGARET RIVER — Australian surf star Jack Robinson has thrown his support behind the sweeping changes set to redefine the 2026 World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour format, praising the plan to kick off the season with an all-Australian trio of events.
The 2026 season will open with what’s being called the “Aussie treble,” featuring iconic stops at Bells Beach, Robinson’s home break in Margaret River, and Snapper Rocks. Robinson, a two-time winner at Margaret River, said starting the tour in Australia is the perfect way to build momentum early in the year.
The WSL confirmed the new 12-event structure will span from April to December, with a high-stakes conclusion at the legendary Pipeline in Hawaii. For the first time, Pipeline will serve as the final event of the season, awarding 15,000 points — 50% more than standard events — effectively making it the most critical competition of the year.
Key Changes to the 2026 Format:
The elimination of the Final Five playoff system, ensuring that every heat matters more throughout the season.
The removal of non-elimination rounds to increase competitive pressure.
An expanded women’s field, growing from 18 to 24 competitors, aimed at boosting representation and opportunity on the global stage.
A points system based on a surfer’s best nine results out of 12 events, including postseason rounds and the Pipeline finale.
Nine regular-season events followed by two postseason contests with reduced fields (24 men and 16 women), before all qualified surfers return to Pipeline for the season’s dramatic close.
Robinson welcomed the overhaul, noting it would push athletes to maintain peak performance throughout the year. He also highlighted the motivation he draws from surfing in front of his home crowd in Margaret River and competing against the world’s best.
“These changes are going to make things more intense, but that’s what we live for,” Robinson said. “I’m stoked to see the season start here at home, and I think ending at Pipe is going to make for an epic finish.”
The WSL’s adjustments are designed to raise the competitive bar while fostering greater inclusivity and global representation in the sport.
With strong backing from one of Australia’s top surfers, the reimagined 2026 Championship Tour is being positioned as a fresh chapter in professional surfing — one that promises high stakes, greater parity, and a thrilling path to the world title.