Jamie O’Brien and a laundry list of Pipe aficionados will compete for two coveted wildcard slots in the Pipe Masters. Photo: Poullenot
Every year, the first day of competition at the Pipe Masters is devoted to the Pipe Invitational – a 32-man trial by fire event to determine two wildcards for the Masters. And every year, the competitors are an amalgamation of longtime standouts at Pipeline (think Gavin Beschen, Jamie O’Brien, and Mason Ho) and up-and-comers anxious to prove themselves (like Finn McGill, Jack Robinson, and Seth Moniz).
Unfortunately, for as stacked as the invite list is every year – and this year’s no different – it’s been some time since the winner or runner-up have managed to survive Round 3 in the Masters. Indeed the biggest upset at the Pipe Masters in the last few decades (maybe of all time) was Jamie O’Brien’s triumphant victory as a wildcard in 2004.
So, with a three-horse world title race coming down to the wire, what is it that surf fans want? Drama! Unpredictability! Upsets and spoilers! Could this year be the year? Let’s dive in.
Pipe Chargers
Notable invites this year include your typical Pipe chargers Jamie O’Brien, Bruce Irons, Kiron Jabour, Mason Ho, and Koa Rothman. Both Bruce and Jamie have won the Pipe Masters – Bruce in 2001 and Jamie, as I said, in 2004. That Bruce would have to qualify for a contest in memory of his brother is both strange and a conversation for another article. And, of course, Kiron, Mason, and Koa are all veritable standouts during any Pipe free surf.
Big Wave Specialists
Billy Kemper, Ian Walsh, and Nathan Florence will all paddle out for heats during the trials. Billy Kemper’s especially hot to trot after a win at Jaws for the third time, and a solid showing at maxing Sunset during the Vans World Cup. Nathan is a Florence and like his older brother grew up on the sand at Pipe – don’t count him out. And then there’s Ian who is always in the mood for an upset.
Past Winners
Jack Robinson, Dusty Payne, and Finn McGill all have a Pipe Invitational under their belts. Jack Robinson especially always seems ready to throw down at Pipe.
CT New Blood
2019 CT qualifier Ryan Callinan and true rookie Soli Bailey will both compete at Pipe. Bailey remains the only Australian to have won a Volcom Pipe Pro.
