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Gabriel Medina not only won a World Title today, he surfed Pipeline excellently. Here's a solid wave at Backdoor. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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The Brazilian flags tracked him everywhere he went. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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A few people showed up at the beach today. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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Filipe Toledo also performed excellently on behalf of the Brazilian Storm. Proving next year is going to be a challenge for the rest of the world. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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Toledo. Going for broke. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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Despite it being mostly a Backdoor show, Pipeline showed its face on occasion. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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Change of equipment for Freddy P. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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Freddy P. The board change appears to have worked. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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The green, gold, and blue was out in full effect. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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Miguel Pupe also contributed to an excellent showing by the Brazilians. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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A glorious morning for a Pipe Master final, eh? Photo: Matt Dunbar
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In one of the two biggest upsets of the day, Kelly Slater fell to Alejo Muniz. Alejo also slayed Mick Fanning, all but cementing the title for his fellow Brazilian. ALEJO was actually the first name the crowd on the beach started cheering. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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The crowd got pretty serious. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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It's not Pipe Masters without a few spills. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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Focus. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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Gabriel stayed on the beach for an extra 45 minutes after all was over to sign autographs for his fans. He won with grace. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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Julian Wilson didn't leave the water for about two hours today - and performed excellently to claim his first Pipe Masters and Triple Crown title. He was speechless and honored. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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Full of love, support, and passion from Medina's stepfather and family. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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Waited all year to hoist this trophy. It was worth it. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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Backdoor was the real show today. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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Medina never stopped competing (aside from the 20 minute beach party after finding out he won the crown). That was the only time. He pulled this drainer out of nowhere in the Pipe final. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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House mates and Rip Curl Team members. Mick Fanning graciously transferred the World Title trophy to the 20-year-old. Photo: Matt Dunbar
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That's a winning family. Photo: Matt Dunbar
What a day. That’s about all that can be said for what unfolded in the water at Pipeline and Backdoor today. And what’s more, the man of the hour might not be the one you’d expect.
Brazil’s Alejo Muniz, the dark horse, all but cemented Gabriel Medina’s World Title by eliminating both Kelly Slater and Mick Fanning, the only two men capable of stealing the championship from Gabriel Medina. A-LEY-HO! A-LEY-HO! That was the first name chanted on the beach today from the overwhelmingly large Brazilian crowd.
Julian Wilson also put on an incredible performance to claim the Pipeline Masters and the Triple Crown, and, of course, Gabriel Medina, surfed like a World Champion. Competing to the bitter end. Signing autographs until the sunset. Finding time to celebrate mid-heat, but all the while carrying a new torch with class, excitement, and style. What a day. Congratulations to everyone who competed, to Julian Wilson, and to Gabriel Medina for a birthday present he won’t soon forget.
