Southern California surfers win world titles in Huntington Beach
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI) — Two Southern California surfers are world champions after taking home the top men's and women's spots in the US Open of Surfing in Southern California.
Levi Slawson, from Encinitas in northern San Diego County, and Sawyer Lindblad in the women's series, from San Clemente in Orange County, took home the wins in the Lexus US Open of Surfing presented by Pacifico Finals Day at Huntington Beach.
Slawson took home the the biggest win of his career so far on Finals Day of the Challenger Series, bumping him up to No. 4 in the rankings.
"It's been an amazing rollercoaster of emotions the past couple weeks," said Slawson. "Super proud to take it home for San Diego and Encinitas."
In her second US Open of Surfing win, Lindblad, currently sitting at No. 8 in the rankings, had to surpass 14-year-old phenom Tya Zebrowski who sits at No. 1 in the rankings. Lindblad then had to pass former CTer (Championship Tour) Sophie McCulloch in the Quarterfinals before beating fellow 2026 CT requalifer Brisa Hennessy.
Lindblad placed first in the Lexus US Open of Surfing women's series with an average wave score of 4.57 and an average heat score of 12.53.
Slawson placed first in the Lexus US Open of Surfing men's series with an average wave score of 4.32 and an average heat score of 14.05.
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Slawson was live on FOX 5 San Diego/KUSI to talk more about his surfing experience and what's next for him. He also gave San Diego surf spots in Cardiff and Lower Trestles a shoutout. Watch the full interview in the player above.
"That was a big moment for me seeing my friends and family right after the biggest win of my career," Slawson said.
Both Slawson and Lindblad won $20,000 for their WSL Challenger Series wins.
Slawson said he is aiming to maintain a top 10 spot in the WSL Challenger Series as the top 10 ranked men automatically qualify for the 2026 WSL Championship Tour, while just the top 7 ranked women automatically qualify for the 2026 WSL Championship Tour.
Now, the world's top CT hopefuls will have a break before heading to Portugal for the Ericeira Pro September 29 through October 5.
Watch the Lexus US Open of Surfing awards ceremony online at worldsurfleague.com.
