Issue 122 - July 2025

VIVO Rio Pro 2025: Picklum & Houshmand Win in Brazil

Five people posing with surfboard trophies and a penguin mascot at VIVO Rio Pro award ceremony — SAQUAREMA, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – JUNE 29: Cole Houshmand of the United States, Griffin Colapinto of the United States, Luana Silva of Brazil and Molly Picklum of Australia after the Final at the VIVO Rio Pro on June 29, 2025 at Saquarema, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Thiago Diz/World Surf League)

The 2025 VIVO Rio Pro presented by Corona Cero concluded in spectacular fashion at Saquarema’s Praia de Itaúna, with Australian surfer Molly Picklum claiming her first World Surf League (WSL) Championship Tour victory of the season and American Cole Houshmand ending Brazil’s near decade-long winning streak in the men’s division.

Picklum Surfs to Championship Lead

Female surfer celebrating victory while being lifted by crowd with surfboard and ocean in background — SAQUAREMA, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – JUNE 29: Molly Picklum of Australia after winning in the Final at the VIVO Rio Pro on June 29, 2025 at Saquarema, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Thiago Diz/World Surf League)

Molly Picklum’s dominant performance in Brazil has catapulted her to the top of the women’s WSL rankings, jumping two positions after her victory over local favorite Luana Silva in Sunday’s final. The 22-year-old Australian, who had previously secured second-place finishes at the Surf Abu Dhabi Pro and Lexus Trestles Pro events this season, finally broke through for her maiden Rio Pro title.

The final showcased Picklum’s exceptional backhand surfing as clean, three-to-four-foot swells built throughout the day. She opened with authority, posting a solid 6.83 for a single backhand hit on the right-hand section of Praia de Itaúna. But it was her second wave that truly sealed the victory – a dramatic finish to a critical two-turn combination that earned her the highest single wave score of the women’s event, an impressive 8.17 out of a possible 10.

“I’ve worked so hard this year to really put my best foot forward,” said an emotional Picklum after her victory. “Actually, before I was going out I felt nearly emotional because I was just like, ‘OK, I get another chance to try and get a victory.’ I’ve dreamt so much of winning here in Rio, too. I’m a real energetic person, I love the Brazilian energy.”

Her total heat score of 15.00 was the highest of the entire women’s event, easily outpacing Silva’s 9.23 in a final that saw the Brazilian struggle to find her rhythm on the day.

Road to the Final

Picklum’s path to victory required navigating some of the world’s best surfers. She topped her opening heat ahead of American Caroline Marks, while Canadian rising star Erin Brooks dominated Heat 1. The elimination round saw reigning WSL champion Caitlin Simmers surprisingly bow out to Brazilian Luana Silva, setting the stage for an intriguing bracket stage.

In the quarterfinals, Picklum eased past Peruvian Arena Rodríguez with a score of 10.50 to 7.17, while Marks cruised past home hero Tatiana Weston-Webb (12.16 to 4.10) and Brooks edged American veteran Lakey Peterson in a tight battle (9.84 to 8.94).

The semifinals delivered contrasting narratives. Silva stunned Marks in the first semifinal, winning decisively 10.43 to 6.57, carrying the hopes of the passionate Brazilian crowd into the final. However, Picklum was in a class of her own in the second semifinal, defeating Brooks by a commanding margin of 13.06 to 7.60.

Houshmand Ends Brazilian Dominance

In the men’s division, Cole Houshmand delivered a masterclass performance to defeat fellow Californian and close friend Griffin Colapinto in an all-San Clemente final, becoming the first non-Brazilian to win the event since John John Florence in 2016.

The 24-year-old Houshmand made the first major move of the final, linking together three powerful maneuvers on his forehand to earn a 9.40 – the highest single wave score of the entire event. His second scoring wave, a 7.50 for another forehand combination featuring a massive layback hack, secured a heat total of 16.90, also the highest of the competition.

Colapinto responded with the biggest wave of the event, executing a huge backhand hit in the most critical section to post an 8.23 for a single maneuver. Despite multiple attempts at impressive aerial maneuvers and critical turns, his opening score of 6.17 remained in his total, leaving him just short with 14.40.

“It doesn’t seem real, honestly, I’m speechless,” said Houshmand post-victory. “It’s been a long year, and it’s been a lot of fun. I frickin’ love this place. To share another Final with Griffin is like the dream. Honestly, I’ve had two Finals on Tour and both have been with Griffin.”

Men’s Competition Highlights

The men’s event saw several notable developments throughout the week. Brazilian favorite João Chianca was eliminated early in the elimination round, while two-time 2025 runner-up Kanoa Igarashi of Japan exited in the Round of 16 alongside Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach winner Jack Robinson.

Italian Leonardo Fioravanti delivered one of the most exciting heats of the event, pushing Colapinto to the limit before ultimately falling short. Colapinto then produced an excellent performance to eliminate South African Jordy Smith in the quarterfinals, despite Smith retaining his overall men’s rankings lead.

The elimination of 2019 WSL champion Italo Ferreira by Australian Ethan Ewing in the quarterfinals (14.43 to 13.40) marked the end of local hopes for a Brazilian men’s champion. Houshmand secured his final berth by defeating home hope Miguel Pupo, while Colapinto edged Ewing by a narrow margin of 14.84 to 14.20.

Male surfer in yellow competition jersey and Red Bull cap looking upward — SAQUAREMA, RIO DE JANEIRO, BRAZIL – JUNE 26: Jordy Smith of South Africa after surfing in Heat 1 of the Elimination Round at the VIVO Rio Pro on June 26, 2025 at Saquarema, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. (Photo by Thiago Diz/World Surf League)

With nine stops completed on the 2025 Championship Tour, the results have significant implications for the year-end Final Five. Picklum’s victory consolidates her position at the top of the women’s rankings, while Houshmand’s triumph propelled him up four places to No. 12 in the men’s standings.

Colapinto’s runner-up finish moved him dangerously close to the Top 5, positioning him just outside the Final Five cutoff as the tour heads into its final stages. Meanwhile, Jordy Smith maintains his yellow leader’s jersey despite his quarterfinal elimination.

For the women, Brooks and Marks will need strong performances in the remaining events to secure their Final Five positions, while Silva’s breakthrough final appearance has energized Brazilian surfing fans.

The surfing world now turns its attention to South Africa, where the Corona Cero Open J-Bay will take place from July 11-20. The iconic right-hand point break at Jeffreys Bay will provide a stark contrast to the beachbreak conditions of Saquarema, offering power surfers and tube riders their moment to shine.

With only two events remaining before the Final Five showdown, every heat becomes crucial for surfers on the championship bubble. Picklum will look to maintain her momentum and secure her first WSL title, while Houshmand aims to continue his upward trajectory toward Final Five contention.

The 2025 season has delivered incredible storylines, breakthrough performances, and nail-biting competition. As the tour heads to one of surfing’s most revered waves, the stage is set for another chapter of world-class surfing drama.