It sounds as if John John is looking to get back on the horse at his home wave. Photo: Tony Heff//World Surf League
It’s been nearly a year since John John Florence wore a contest jersey. After announcing his return to the 2026 Championship Tour, he may come back to competition even sooner than we expected. It appears he’ll enter the Pipe Pro, running December 10 – 20, and sponsored by his brand, Florence (or Florence Marine X).
The WSL’s event registration portal lists the three-time world champ as an entrant in the QS 2,000 alongside his brothers Ivan and Nathan. It would be his first event since finishing ninth at the 2025 Lexus Pipe Pro. A comeback at his home break feels fitting.
Other notable registrants include Barron Mamiya, Mason Ho, Koa Rothman, Zeke Lau, Jackson Bunch, Billy Kemper, Kauli Vaast, Jamie O’Brien, and Dusty Payne.
The portal lists an 80-surfer cap, though the actual limit is unclear (the HTA HIC Haleiwa Pro was also listed at 80 and ultimately ran with 96). We’ll see who makes the final cut.
John John will get to show if his freesurf-heavy regimen and months of dad-life sailing the Pacific have kept him in competitive form. In 2025 he resurfaced at tropical slabs, delivering the always-desired “where is John John now” footage.
