- Aussie has eight world titles under her belt
Eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore has stunned the surfing world after confirming she will return to the professional WSL tour in 2026.
Gilmore, 37, has enjoyed a two-year hiatus from the sport – but her desire to compete against young guns such as current world champion Molly Picklum and Canadian teen Erin Brooks saw the veteran awarded a season wildcard.
‘The last few years, I’ve enjoyed time off to do some exploration and other things,’ Gilmore said in a statement.
‘But I’m looking forward to heading back in 2026…. and seeing how I compete against the young talent on the tour.
‘I’m mostly excited just to see how I go in these challenges again.
‘When you step away from competing full-time, you can really switch off and it can be hard to get back into that headspace.
Eight-time world champion Stephanie Gilmore has stunned the surfing world after confirming she will return to the professional WSL tour in 2026
Gilmore, 37, has enjoyed a two-year hiatus from the sport – but her desire to compete against young guns such as current world champion Molly Picklum and Canadian teen Erin Brooks – saw the veteran awarded a season wildcard
Only Kelly Slater (11 titles) has claimed more career silverware in the sport, with Gilmore surpassing Layne Beachley (seven titles) after her last triumph in 2022 (pictured, competing at the Gold Coast Pro last year)
‘But I’m excited to feel that energy and that challenge again.’
The WSL changing its scheduling for tour events was also a significant factor in Gilmore’s return.
Gone is the controversial mid-season cut – and extra points will be offer at the final contest of the season at Pipeline in Hawaii.
‘The schedule just looks amazing,’ Gilmore told the Sydney Morning Herald.
‘The format that we had the last few years was incredibly tough.
‘I think the WSL have really made the best decision, given Pipeline is the pinnacle of professional surfing.
‘So to have the world champion crowned there is going to be epic.’
Only Kelly Slater (11 titles) has claimed more silverware in the history of the sport, with Gilmore surpassing Layne Beachley (seven titles) after her last triumph in 2022.
Gilmore will make her competitive return at the Bells Beach Pro in Victoria next April.
