Leo has proven he has what it takes to win a title. Now he needs to maintain the success. Photo: Thiago Diz//WSL
Italy is a soccer nation. But as the World Cup demands the world’s attention, the Italians have failed to qualify for three editions and counting. As a result, the country of 60 million has diverted its sports fandom to a new, unlikely hero from Rome: Leo Fioravanti.
Currently in his ninth season on the Championship Tour, the 28-year-old Italian is having his best season ever. He won his first-ever CT event in El Salvador, followed it up with a runner-up finish in Brazil, and claimed the number one spot in the overall rankings at the season’s midpoint. He’s flirting with a feat that no European has accomplished since Martin Potter, representing Great Britain, won a world title in 1989.
In a text message exchange with The Inertia, Fioravanti said he’s received a flood of support from his Italian fans. He’s taking advantage of the break in competition to fly to Italy and do the rounds with national media and sponsors.
Authoritative figures in the surfing world have noticed his performance this year, too. He says legends like Kelly Slater, Rob Machado, Mick Fanning, and Joel Parkinson have reached out with words of encouragement. Parkinson, he said, told him to keep believing in his abilities, since Fioravanti has proven what he’s capable of.
“I already had that belief, but hearing it from my peers (was special),” Fioravanti said.
The entire country of Italy is rallying behind its surf star. Photo: Thiago Diz//WSL
While Fioravanti has been reveling in the praise, he’s not ready to get ahead of himself. There are still six (possibly seven) events remaining on the calendar.
“It’s a really cool achievement, and I want to make the most out of this moment, but at the same time, it’s a long way to go,” he said. “The goal is to be number one at the end.”
As he’s matured, Fioravanti has gained confidence. He didn’t always have the unwavering belief that he has now. He said after each year on the tour without an event win, he had doubts. Proving himself with a win became an “obsession.” As he aged, he learned to focus on the factors he could control, and it’s finally bearing fruit.
If anyone can overcome hurdles, it’s Fioravanti. He broke his back competing in the Pipe Pro in 2015, nearly paralyzing himself. He got lucky and made a full recovery, returning not only to compete at Pipeline, but to thrive. He finished second at Pipeline in 2023 and 2025. His accolades on the North Shore will bode well for him since Pipeline is weighted more than the other events this season.
Fiorvanti had been on the verge of a breakout. He finished a respectable ninth last season. But this year, he says he’s unlocked the formula for success.
“I think my surfing this year is on point. It’s the best it’s ever been,” Fioravanti said. “Last season my consistency was incredible. My average heat scores were almost as high as anyone. It’s a matter of always showing up with big results, big totals in any conditions, and putting yourself in those spots. That’s what clicked for me.”
Fioravanti finally figured out the formula to win an event in 2026. Photo: Oscar Jimenez//WSL
Even though he’s now the hunted and not the hunter, Fioravanti says there’s no need to change his strategy. He’s going to stay the course that got him here in the first place.
“I’m going to keep doing exactly what I’ve been doing,” he said. “It’s no secret: show up to the events early, prepare as much as possible with my coach, make sure my equipment is on point, get out there and perform.”
“But at the same time, there’s no perfect formula,” he added. “You’ll do what works for you.”
As far as mental fortitude goes, few can match Fioravanti. In an era where sabbaticals have become à la mode in place of the tour grind, the Italian’s fire to compete is still burning as strong as ever.
“I love traveling, I love competing,” Fioravanti said. “I’m really excited for the second half of the year, Pipe being one-and-a-half (times the) points. I think the world title is going to go down at Pipe, which is what we all want as surf fans.”
