Erin Brooks certainly enjoys the beachbreak at Saquarema. Photo: WSL
Saquarema, Brazil announced it has renewed its partnership with the World Surf League to host a Championship Tour event through the 2028 season. The new deal aligns with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic cycle and guarantees that Brazil’s “surf capital” will play a role in the Olympic qualification, though the details of the process have yet to be released.
The city was already confirmed as the fifth stop on the 2026 CT schedule, set for June 12–20, sandwiched between El Salvador and J-Bay. With the extension, Saquarema is now confirmed for the 2027 and 2028 tours as well.
The mayor of Saquarema, Lucimar Vidal, said the event has become “part of our identity” and it “promotes the city’s reputation worldwide.” She also highlighted how it boosts the local economy and generates income opportunities for residents.
A report released last month by the consultancy company Ernst & Young found that the 2025 Vivo Rio Pro generated USD $33 million for the local economy and created more than 2,600 jobs. The 11-day event attracted 410,000 spectators and, according to the WSL, broke records in viewership, social media reach, and economic impact.
“Saquarema has become a global reference in surfing,” said Ivan Martinho, president of WSL Latin America. “The renewal of this partnership ensures not only the continuity of a great sporting spectacle, but it also generates opportunities, adds value to the creative economy, and strengthens tourism.”
Molly Picklum and Cole Houshmand took the wins at the 2025 edition of the event.
