Makuakai Rothman Wins Quiksilver Ceremonial Big Wave Challenge in Chile

Makuakai Rothman has cemented himself as one of the greatest big wave surfers in the world. With his win at the Quiksilver Ceremonial at Punta de Lobos, he proved once again that he is indeed on top of the big wave tour.

As the reigning champ, Rothman worked his way through the field to face an all-star cast of surfers in the final, including Grant Baker, Cristian Merello, Ramon Navarro, Mark Mathews, and Nic Lamb. Chile’s biggest left hander went off for the event, although the swell showed up a little later than originally predicted, forcing organizers to extended the event to run the semis and the final early Friday morning, local time.

This was the first time a big enough swell showed up in Chile during the waiting period to run the event since 2011, and it did not disappoint. Soon after his win in Chile, Rothman made his way to California to be honored at the Big Wave awards on Friday night.