Australian surfers Isabella Nichols and Jack Robinson have claimed the prestigious titles at the 2025 Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach, outshining some of the sport’s biggest names in the process.
Nichols, 27, delivered an outstanding performance to secure her first Bells Beach title, defeating Brazilian surfer Luana Silva in the women’s final. The victory was a culmination of an impressive run through the competition, where Nichols overcame former world champion Tyler Wright, up-and-coming star Erin Brooks, and current world No. 2, Gabriela Bryan of Hawaii.
In the final, Nichols posted a dominant score of 16.26, with two strong waves (8.33 and 7.93), putting the pressure on Silva, whose highest score was a 7. Nichols expressed her joy after the win, sharing how special the moment was with her family in attendance.
“Nothing beats this,” Nichols told the World Surf League. “I’ve been chasing that feeling since I won Margaret River three years ago. I thought that feeling could never be topped, and I was always chasing it … this is the best day of my life.”
Reflecting on her performance, Nichols attributed her success to the hours spent practicing at Bells Bowl, a spot she knows intimately. She now sits at No. 4 in the World Surf League rankings and heads into the remainder of the Australian leg of the tour with increased confidence. The next stop will be her adopted home on the Gold Coast, where she looks forward to the return of the elite World Tour surfers.
Robinson’s Historic Victory in Men’s Final
In the men’s final, Gold Coast-based Jack Robinson claimed his first Bells Beach title, edging out Japan’s Kanoa Igarashi with a narrow win of 14.14 to 13.87. Robinson’s victory was made all the more significant by the fact that he had drawn inspiration from past Bells Beach greats like Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson, and Taj Burrow.
“It hasn’t really sunk in … just enjoying it,” Robinson said, reflecting on his triumph. “It’s been a special week. Got a win this year and now we’re ready to go.”
With the win, Robinson joins the ranks of Australian surfing legends who have left their mark on the iconic Bells Beach event.
Both Nichols and Robinson’s victories signal a strong start for Australian surfers on the World Tour, with the next competition set to take place on the Gold Coast starting May 3.
The Rip Curl Pro Bells Beach remains one of the most highly anticipated events on the professional surfing calendar, showcasing the talents of surfers from around the globe and highlighting the enduring legacy of the sport in Australia.