Yago Dora got candid with the Brazilian media outlet. And it revealed a lot. Photo: WSL
Yago Dora’s latest Brazilian media appearance gave fans a glimpse into the financial benefits and headaches of competing on the WSL Championship Tour. On CNN Esportes in Brazil, Dora revealed that, because he brings a coach to all the events, the full season costs him about $150,000.
After cashing in a $200,000 check for the finals win in Fiji, Dora acknowledged that surfing is a “good business” for those at the top of the rankings. But for those at the bottom, the prize money just covers expenses, he said.
Dora also reminded fans of the complicated nature of navigating tax codes as you earn cash across different countries. The $200,000 that he earned in Fiji immediately had 20 percent ($40,000) trimmed off the top by the Fijian government.
It highlights a fact that where surfers win events really does matter as far as their earnings are concerned. Earnings from Pipeline or Trestles get taxed at 30 percent by the U.S. Australia takes 32 percent, while South Africa and Brazil take 15 percent.
Whether surfers are subject to double taxation on that money depends on the tax code of their home country. For example, Kansas City Chiefs players recently saved money by playing an NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Brazil instead of California due to the various state and federal tax codes involved.
The $200,000 in Fiji boosted Dora’s 2025 total contest earnings to $560,110. Even with the global tax bills, he’s doing just fine as he prepares to defend his title in 2026.
